I come in peace. Seriously. As a die hard Utah fan I can feel your pain of the conference expansion rollercoaster. We went through it last summer following every lead, tracking flights, holding our breath for every word that would come out of Chip Brown's propaganda tweets, the whole nine yards. It is a gut wrenching experience. I am here to offer some consolation and my feelings about how the current BYU situations is perfect. It has taken some time to come to this conclusion. I am not looking at this through red glasses but as a committed member of the church and Utah fan (yes it is possible) I hope my perspective can be helpful.

Last year I admit, I was a little ruffled when BYU independence was announced as it seemed reactionary to our invite. I wasn't upset at BYU per say but I guess the media coverage (i.e. Harmon's rant to ESPN) took the spotlight off of Utah where I thought it rightfully belonged. I was in grade school in the 80s during BYU's glory years, enduring merciless beatings on the field and tauntings from my friends at school. I watched Detmer lay 70 points on us in 1990. Needless to say my blood became more red every year. I admit that I have vocally cheered for BYU on a few occasions, the Oklahoma game in 2009 and the last two BYU NCAA tournament runs. I admit if felt a little "unnatural."

BYU in my opinion has put themselves in the perfect situation that will serve the higher purpose of the church.

1. Independence allows BYU to play in every part of the country and avoid conference rivals. No offense, but I wouldn't say that the recent rivalries have been healthy. The Utah/BYU rivalry IMO is getting ridiculously ugly and bitter. It is not good for either university. Historic stops in Laramie and recently San Diego and Vegas have been a coming out party for anti mormons.

2. BCS football teams are in a nuclear arms race. The rich get richer scheme of the BCS has led to corruption and a unbelievable amount money spent on the sport. New facilities, 4 million dollar coaches contracts, etc. have gone way too far. The spending on football programs is ridiculous. The church should not join this arms race. It can't. Football is still a 5th priority kind of deal from the church's point of view.

3. WCC affiliation would be a great way to bridge some differences and misunderstandings with other religious institutions. What a great opportunity to host these religious schools and develop relationships.

4. Independence will force BYU fans to take a step back and recognize that wins and losses are not the MOST important end product of BYU athletics. Fan/player behavior that is wrapped up in the winning is everything mentality can have a poor effect on those looking at our faith. We need less Max Hall tirades and fan assaults on Mrs. Whittingham. I know those were isolated instances but reflect poorly on our church.

5. IMO, last year BYU's basketball team was a prime example of how BYU athletics can be positive for the church. You will not find even the most vile Utah fan that does not like Dave Rose and respect the way the team rallied behind Brandon Davies. BYU basketball under Dave Rose is a shinning star of BYU athletics.

I think the independence route can allow BYU to use its athletics for its intended purpose to create a positive image rather than a negative one for the church. The intended purpose is not to satisfy the fan base.
I extend an olive branch to those ready to leave cougarnation because of this BIG 1