BYU opens more doors to the church than a million press releases. That is what the church needs to recognize. BYU sports is more than an athletic program, but gets through to people who would never consider attending church, let alone a Mormon Church. Even at its worst, BYU sports puts the church front and center because it stands for something. The media can say, "BYU is better than that or knows better" on the worst day, but it still puts that standard out there for all to see.

Personally, if we miss the Big12, I think the church should put a price tag on teams coming to play in Provo. For the right amount of money, other schools will find a way. They then cut a deal with ESPN or Fox for the broadcast rights and make some serious football news. When ESPN comes to town, people watch and if it is a good football or basketball team, a lot of people watch. What is the value in that? Throw some LDS Moment commercials in the middle and call it good.