well, first of all, I would argue that BYU is unique.

We are the only BCS-type program stuck in a mid-major conference.

Hence, a different economic model applies to us. Meaning we don't have to be as successful as an independent to come out ahead.

Navy was on CSTV all year. Goes to show that you don't need a conference to ink a deal that gets you more exposure than the MWC.

I don't think this is as hard as you think it is.

And I would argue that the first priority would be to get into a BCS conference. Even after going independent.

And also, just the process of exploring it puts pressure on teh MWC and the MTN to do something right.

Penn State has a bigger fanbase than BYU does. Why did they eschew independence? You still haven't answered why independent teams have virtually ceased to exist.

Because they had the opportunity to join the Big 10.

Do you think Penn State would have chose a mid-major over indepedence? Of course they would not have. Do you suggest differently?

Again, another example of how an independent team of little stature can gets its own bowl deal:

http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/...053006aas.html

Which will certainly be one of the 3 lowest paying bowls in the NCAA and which will only be payable to Navy should they be bowl-eligible. Not exactly anything to thump your chest about.

According to Wiki, the payout for the Meineke Car Care Bowl was $750,000.

Las Vegas Bowl 950,000
Poinsettia 750,000
New Mexico Bowl 750,000
Armed Forces Bowl 600,000

This divided by 9 = 338,000

Meaning that Navy came out ahead of BYU last year.

If you werent' so stubborn, Indy, you would be willing to at least explore the topic. But you have already shut down your mind.

actually, compared to the 4 bowls the MWC participated in last year, I think the Meineke bowl compares quite well.

Let's make it real simple: you present a business case why going independent is the right move for BYU. Please make sure to include risk analysis of what happens if BYU for some reason goes belly-up and there isn't any bowl revenue and/or the TV contract dries up because of it.

If you can put together some reasonable assumptions and projections, then I'll reconsider my position. See you soon.

P.S. Please also consider the legal ramifications of BYU leaving the MWC conference as part of your analysis.

Jay has already started the process for me.

http://cougarguard.com/forum/showthr...ht=independent
http://cougarguard.com/forum/showthr...ht=independent

I want you to come up with a risk assessment of staying in the MWC.

Again, you presume that any change is better than the status quo. Jay's "analysis" is a start, but his assumptions are way too optimistic, IMO, and don't include any real risk analysis.