9 conference games.
1 Big 10 game. This is what replaced BYU.
1 USU or an FCS.

Why play BYU, for the reasons you stated? Utah plays for the Rose Bowl with or without you. Call it fear, or call it imprudent.

The Big 10 game replaces BYU on the schedule. This is a sign of a trend toward scheduling out the outsiders. The next step is to cull the duds inside the FBS. The game of musical chairs has started and you're not even playing. I thought Holmoe would be fired by the end of weekend after announcing independence. The only way out of this is to get in the Big 12. I hope you do it, but I underestimated the exceptionalism. What I think BYU fans underestimate is the Brethren's comfort with not chasing the super league that's coming. There will be a lot of adjustments to make. I'm not trolling. The fork in the road was reached and I think a decision's been made.