as an independent. Prior to that BYU had 35 years competing in the MWC and WAC showing that the Cougars could be nationally relevant competing in a G5 type conference. Even last year shows that BYU does better with the G5 type scheduling model.

I believe that in the new world of college football teams will be judged as playoff contenders and non-contenders. Making and competing for playoff bids will do infinitely more for BYU football from a financial, recruiting, coaching etc than just staying Independent so BYU can not be a "G5 program." I believe that BYU could make the playoffs a couple times per decade as part of the AAC. I don't believe BYU will ever make the playoff as an independent (due to scheduling and bias).