I get so tired of hearing that BYU should go back to the Mountain West, and we never should have left. I think that most fans haven’t realized that yes, we aren’t in the promise land yet, but we are way better for leaving Egypt. I hope this narrative will help you and others understand that independence is the way to go.
The Mountain West brought a few things every year… The first thing it brought was a guaranteed winning season. The foes that BYU played in this conference were subpar minus a few teams. BYU was not being tested. No, we didn’t have a losing record, but what did having a winning record do for BYU? Nothing! BYU would go to a conference championship, and then we would just go to the Las Vegas Bowl. There was no room for anymore success than that.
I remember being in this conference like it was yesterday. Watching BYU games on the mountain network (which sucked) and loving the winning ways. We were pretty much guaranteed a 6+ win season. I got used to the winning, and I enjoyed it. I remember thinking that BYU was at the top of their game. But still, there was no opportunity for anything greater.
Moving to independence has not been a walk in the park. There is scheduling issues, top loaded schedules, and of course not always winning a ton of football games. But the major thing that independence brings is the opportunity for a championship. BYU now has the opportunity to play tough opponents every year. Playing these opponents will give us national coverage, and also the opportunity to play for more than just a conference championship.
Not only does being independent give us an opportunity at a National Championship, it also gives us a chance to join a better conference and be guaranteed (if they win a conference championship) a chance at a BCS game every year.
Guys. I am as frustrated as you are walking in the desert. That losing season a few years ago hurt… I remember being so mad and thinking why do I care so much? But its important to remember that we are building something great, and greatness isn’t born overnight. Sitake is the right coach for the job. I have a great optimism for the future of this program. Every year we gain a new piece of the puzzle. BYU is just a few years away from putting that full puzzle together. Whether that puzzle is getting into a better program, or BYU winning a championship, I’m not sure? But watch and keep the faith and I guarantee that good things will come to these Cougars. Because of the changes that we are making now, BYU will win a championship in the next 30 years.
A lot of people want to jump ship. Don’t! Hold tight my friends, and watch greatness unfurl right before your eyes.
Jacob Dale's Sports Insiders Blog 