Coincides with it less, especially for 18 year old kids. There are only so many 4-5* talented LDS kids to go around and as our society moves more and more away from basic values, we will get fewer non-LDS kids which are needed to bring more talent and compete. Sure, we will get a Jamaal W. here and there but we 8-10 “Jamaals” ever year to compete at a higher level...ain’t ever going to happen.

Basically, the HC is much more of a hurdle than it has ever been in the history of BYU FB (and B.B.) and it’s not going to get better. BYU’s heritage of being “unique” is becoming less appealing to the worldly, me-first generations (non-LDS and LDS kids). In my opinion, even with a P5 conference and more money, it’s not enough to overcome the mile-high wall that is the HC.

I know it sounds pessimistic but it’s actually helped me enjoy BYU more. I don’t get nearly as frustrated because I know it’s who we are. This all hit me at once after the LSU game as I was flying home. I even shared some of thoughts with a non-coaching staff person on the team. He looked at me as if I had solved world peace. My argument was much longer and better articulated than in this post. He said he was sad to say that he agreed with me.