As I have always shared from my friends, BYU likes Independence and still does. They enjoy their relationships with the WCC, however, they also feel the pressures of the changing landscape of college football. I've always maintained that BYU and sunday play is an issue (yes I know there are those who say it isn't, this is from what I've learned), so is BYUtv. BYUtv is not as simple of an issue as many may want to think it is, it's not going to go away to join the B12, and it can't be absorbed into the B12 contracts. And if BYU can continue to make independence work (which I continue to believe they are and will), that is the preferred route.

The talks between BYU and the B12 over the last six months are not as big as many on CB want others to believe they are. In fact, though they may have been going on, they were not "Sign on the dotted line and you're in" kind of talks. So don't believe those who think BYU botched a deal, there has never been one for them to botch.

As for FSU/Clemson. Yes, they want out of the ACC and have for some time. B12 is a back-up, and the B12 knows that. FSU/Clemson want into the SEC, and they will do what they can to get that invite. If they feel it never will come anytime soon, they may try to make a move to the B12, but don't be fooled, they want the SEC.

ND is in the same situation and you can mark my words. If they bolt independence, the ACC is their #1 target. There are to many ND alumn in ACC land, and including the admin of ND, who believe their culture and acadmeics are more in par with the ACC then any other conference (specifically Duke, NC, etc). The only thing that will keep them from joining the ACC is if they will loose to much money joining. But the ACC out of any of the BCS conferences will allow them to keep their own TV contract with NBC, a luxury they won't get in the B12, B10, or any other BCS conference. ND however is like BYU, they are still committed to Independence, and that should tell you something about BYU's chance of maintaining Independence.

BYU still has an opportunity for the B12, but it is not in their hands right now, nor has been. Next shoe to drop will be what FSU/Clemson does, and if the SEC will expand again (which at the time they most likely won't). After that, it will be what happens to the Big East, and does BSU/SDSU bolt back to the MWC?