One disadvantage of independence is the lack of conference play as a season-long story line. But why not artificially create that dramatic thread by drafting a fantasy conference for BYU to play in? As an LDS sponsored institution, it is natural to grant other universities status in our league by proxy (it is then up to them to accept the ... benefits).

I completed a first draft, choosing only teams with significant shared history and other desirable qualities. These include shared tastes in school colors and mascots, institutional similarity, and prestige. I launched with 14 schools, as that is the current trend for conferences. I drafted six teams from this years schedule to fill out the Head-to-Head Division. I then drafted 7 teams that we have played at least three times for the History Division.

Head-to-Head Division
BYU = Host team: finally a conference that accepts that it really is all about BYU
Texas = Prestige: arguably the top football brand, yet beatable too
BSU = Familiarity: several games done, several scheduled, reminds us of us 30 years ago
USU = Similarity: both from Utah, "share" some colors, they put the LE into LES
Houston = Mascot: Love them Cougars, hate the red, fan-itive dissonance at its best
California = Bonus Pick: Blue, P5, edges out UVA because of the West Coast and TH ties
UConn = Colors: A Blue and White team, uses a shade in between Royal and DSRB

History Division
Notre Dame = Similarity: No, not in brand strength, but in independence and religious affiliation
UCLA = Prestige: Best P5 program available with double digits worth of shared game history
PSU = Colors: Blue and White, P5, and Nittany Lions are our Pumas from another Momma
Utah = Familiarity: with the Rivalry over, we'll need some good reason to check their W-L column
WSU = Mascot: More Red Cougars ... the anti-Cougars!
Air Force = Bonus pick: A Blue team with Deep history, a rivalry with more respect than rancor
Hawaii = Bonus pick: Deep history, island ties, a true Nostalgic Nemesis

As the season progresses, division standings will be based on fewest losses, with ties broken by Sagarin. BYU controls their destiny in Division, but will need some help to outplay ND and UCLA for the Fantasy Conference Championship.