Question: How many BYU fans really live outside the state of Utah? I know there are a few, like the alumni who live out of state and move back home, or those who move elsewhere for their careers or school. But I think a problem arises when pundits, experts and fans talk about BYU's national audience and in the same breath they mention the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its members. It's true that Mormons belong to the same church that owns BYU, but in many cases that's where the similarities end.

There are a lot of Mormons, the vast majority I would guess, who are completely apathetic toward BYU sports. I'm sure they've all heard about BYU, but how many non-alumni Mormons would consider themselves big BYU fans? My guess would be not many.

BYU needs to change that. Now that we have the freedom to schedule games all through the season, all over the country, BYU should make a special effort to involve all the members of the church in each area. BYU can make a huge impact on these non-fan Mormons, and they need to reach out to this large, diverse and nation-wide audience.

To do this, BYU can leverage the fireside program, participate in activities with the youth, make a special effort to invite members of the church to games in their areas (over the pulpit, for example), etc.

Don't make the mistake of thinking all Mormons will flock to the BYU banner just because they have the church in common.

There's another side to this issue, though, and it's this: non-fan Mormons need to get behind BYU. They need to recognize BYU as "their school." Just as Catholics would support Notre Dame, Mormons need to love them some BYU. If you're one of these "too cool for school" Mormons who hates BYU for some inexplicable reason, it's time to grow up. BYU is your church's school. Get behind the Cougs, because more positive exposure for BYU means more positive exposure for the church. And that's a good thing for everybody.