I may not be your classic missionary story, but why do new members count more than current members when it comes to missionary stats? As the relative of a mission president, I know the church is looking at retention more seriously that it previously has. The focus of many missions has shifted to working with members, not converts. Even if BYU football is only a 'member entertainment', 'cultural identity' thing, isn't it still a missionary tool? And I'd suggest BYU football is much more than just member entertainment / cultural identity.

As such, I think BYU Football may actually be UNDERRATED as a missionary tool, and I think the BOT knows it.