There are two things that have been clear over the years:

1. P5 is better than independence (even with 12 team playoff)
2. Independence is better than G5 (If we can get playoff access)
3. Our bowl situation needs to improve

Strategically thinking, we maximize our current value by staying independent, but qualifying for playoff access and improving our bowl situation. Here is a strategy to accomplish it.

1. Have the Sunbelt change their conference champ to highest rated team.
2. Join the Sunbelt in Name only, keeping our independent schedule, but being named conference champ if we are the top rated team.
3. Allow the other independents to also join the Sunbelt with a similar deal.

Here is how that helps us out:
1. We get access to the playoff without joining any G5 conference, keeping good schedules, and not locking ourselves in.
2. We get better bowl games, played in good-weather football country where there are good recruiting opportunities.
3. By strengthening the independents, we set up a system where it is much more viable, helping ourselves out, and weakening conferences overall.
4. BYU, the SEC, and the Sunbelt were the college football organizations most dedicated to playing last year. The Sunbelt would be one of the only conferences to see how the arrangement benefits them strategically, and move ahead on it.

This end-run will greatly benefit BYU (and the Sunbelt) much more than sticking with the MWC or AAC - and may just turn Boise into an independent aligned with the Sunbelt as well.

go Cougs!!!!!!