U takes pride on not letting athletics run the show. Ultimately recruiting would improve somewhat (ceiling of the Honor Code of course) but football wouldn't all of a sudden change its stripes. Many of these schools are absolutely desperate for the money they get from football. BYU is not in this position,

Where do you get the impression that the athletics department at the Y is not "hurting". You don't get to count all the money the Church has put aside to take care of temples, humanitarian needs, the poor, those in need.