to change anyone's attitude, or make them less prepared. When they wake up the next day the fire side is out of their heads, it's all about the game at that point. I'm not even active LDS and I have no issue with the firesides, in fact I actually think they are a good idea because it's a good way to connect with fans, especially fans out of state. There are and will continue to be kids who became bigger fans or even just stayed BYU fans because of their experience with a player or a coach at a fireside.
And to address what you said in another post, BYU absolutely does the walk through's just like every other team does. They do the walk throughs and the offensive, defensive and position meetings.
And let's point out that firesides are 100% optional, no player is forced to speak or even attend the firesides.