1- So the only goal is CFP? BYU has never been ranked in the CFP rankings so Independence doesn't seem to be helping BYU get to the CFP. If BYU keeps going 6-6, the money is going to dry up eventually. The stadium is emptier than I've ever experienced in 30+ years of attending games. I'd argue that UCF and Boise have had much better exposure the last decade vs BYU. Yes, beating Wisconsin is nice but so is beating Auburn in the Sugar Bowl and making the NY6 in back to back years.

2- I would argue that UCF's brand is bigger than BYU's right now.

3- Navy has an independent deal with CBS Sports and Boise State has one with ESPN. It can be done.

4- Not sure what this has to do with staying independence. This could make a separate deal with ESPN easier to pull off regardless of conference affiliation or lack thereof (see point 3).

5- Yes, winning 10 or 11 games will get BYU to an NY6 game. However the path to 10 win seasons is easier in the AAC and the NY6 bid is much more of a sure thing. Again BYU has never been ranked in CFP rankings so we have no idea how good BYU would have to be to make an NY6 game as an independent.

6- A conference championship was Lavell's goal for nearly 30 years and it seemed to work pretty well then. What is BYU playing for now? Exposure, pride, the Hawaii bowl, protecting Lavell's House. What ever they are playing for, it doesn't seem to be working.

7- UConn left for basketball to try and return to what worked for them and made them nationally relevant. BYU should return to what worked for them as well.

8- That's why BYU should join the AAC and not the MWC. Plus there is a better national perception, more east coast exposure, better bowl games (though still limited), etc.

9- Under the current system, an AAC championship could still mean a shot at an NY6 bid (especially if BYU's losses are to teams like USC or Washington). Boise State played in the Fiesta Bowl in 2014 with 2 losses. Boise/Fresno would have likely played in the Fiesta Bowl last year if UCF would have lost their conference championship game. There is still tons to play for as the conference title means more than it did in the past.

10- Again, the quickest path to wins and national relevance is by joining a conference, ideally the AAC as it seems to be the best G5 conference by far (best teams, most recent success, best TV deals, etc).