further down the road.

Get perceived as P5 = more P5 teams schedule you to fulfill their P5 requirement.
More P5 teams schedule you = more P5s on the schedule.
More P5s on the schedule = perception of having a P5 schedule.
Perception of playing a P5 schedule = a feeling of "deserving" playoff spot with a great season.

It's not unrealistic that BYU would get into the playoff at 11-1 with either an early loss or a loss to a great team. It will take many years to reach that level of respect, but the first steps are put in by the conferences recognizing us. It suggest to me that BYU could potentially be a viable major independent if we don't get in in the next 3 years, hopefully allowing us to survive until the conferences expand again.

Now let's just freaking win and earn this distinction!