This thing apparently has some legs. Some reports are that it's a done deal, pending approval from the board of directors, i.e. the governing body of the church. [Of course, Texas going to the Pac 10 was also "done" at one point in time.] If these reports are true, this truly will only happen "if it is God's will." Either way, two weeks from yesterday we'll know for certain: any announcement to leave the MWC for the 2011 season must be made by September 1, 2010.
One other TV thought: last year, BYU was paid as much money by ESPN to play Oklahoma as it received for ALL OTHER games played in their TV contract with Comcast (The Mtn, CBS-CS, and Versus), i.e. ESPN paid them for one game what BYU got for 20+ football and men's basketball games, plus all other sports programming on the Mtn. Imagine the money they could get if BYU played mercenary for 2 or 3 other big-name games, including a true "Holy War" with Notre Dame. How much would ESPN pay for the rights (and name) to that game? Plus CBS-CS owns the rights for the Service Academies. TV revenue could increase by a factor of 10, even without a specific contract, if it were done right. Plus, ESPN would then have a vested interest in pimping BYU, which exposure could only help the school accomplish its mission. However, it's a dangerous, gutsy move to make without having something from ESPN in writing!
you want feedback? My first question would be, "did you get any work done today, or are you just reading the BYU blogosphere?"
ReplyDeleteWhen Mo becomes the liaison for BYU-ESPN relations due to his extensive research abilities he won't need to get any work done :)
ReplyDeleteI like the idea. As a BYU fan, it has me scared like 4th and 18, but I think it would help people (read Big 12) see the value of BYU. Call it a "spring board" to better waters.
ReplyDeleteI never thought that the craziest move this summer of rumors would be BYU. And who says Mormons don't know how to gamble.
ReplyDeleteIt is probably going to happen, but I don't think it is good for the Y. It would certainly give them more money and more home games though.
ReplyDeleteThank you all, those are some very valid points you bring up here and on the previous post, especially Shane's comment about me getting a job with ESPN...
ReplyDeleteMike, if the WAC falling apart is true, the "gamble" (read bluff) would have failed, BYU would have nowhere to go, though maybe the WCC or C-USA would be willing to add them??? That's why Mormon's don't gamble, or at least you can see their inexperience in doing so!
Boomer, yes, I got a lot of work done today. I just had a lot of LONG print jobs that locked up my work systems, so the only thing I could do was get on the internet while I waited...