The big one is the honor code. It existed back then, but it was loosely enforced. Even the coaches looked the other way. There are pictures circulating of McMahon walking beer into a party. Wouldnt fly today. Edwards and the administration gave the kids a longer leash. The internet has made it even harder for kids to get away with stuff. Bottom line is that kids want to have sex. Its harder to get away with that in Provo.

In the 80s we were the premier football destination in the state. Utah was a joke. Utah surpassed BYU during Mendenhalls tenure and has lapped us since going independent. Not only is BYU not the premier destination for athletes in Utah, its not even the premier destination for LDS athletes in Utah.

The political and social positions of the church werent in major contradiction with mainstream culture in the 80s. BYU has academic freedom issues and a perceived LGBTQ problem. Its also lily white and very consetvative. Not an extremely appealing place for athletes.

The administration was more focused on winning. They were clearly more invested athletics in the 80s. They really seemed to see football as a missionary tool and used it to build the BYU brand.

There was no official P5 - G5/Indy hierarchy. We are literally in a lower league now. We dont have the prestige or the resources of the elite schools and we never will. Our access is worse than even G5 programs. It is nearly impossible to ein a NC now. You cant just luck into one by running through the WAC and beating a 6-6 team in a bowl fame. You actually have to go undefeated against quality opponents now.

Recruiting athletes is a major problem. Almost impossible at BYU. There are more reasons but Ill leave it at that.