BYU’s Declaration of Independence is a Long-Term Plan and Doctrinal

By: Mitch Harper

DeepShadesOfBlue.com’s Brett Richins (Former BYU-TV employee) posted an article today stating that BYU turned down the idea of “Football-Only” membership in the Big East Conference. No official offer took place, but the idea was sent BYU’s way. Also in Richins’ article he states that traditional powers in College Football are lining up to play BYU in future schedules.

Of course, all of it is speculation but as the old saying goes, “When there is smoke there is usually fire”.

BYU Athletic Director, Tom Holmoe had a Q&A session with local media last week discussing various topics. Most of which revolved around football Independence. Holmoe stated they want to make this Independence plan, great. From all indications this plan is great and has a bright future.

For BYU fans out there, who have viewed this move to Independence as a ploy to get into the Big XII or another “BCS” Conference; think again. Independence is here to stay, and if the rumors are true about turning down the idea of joining the Big East, this would definitely be a strong indication that Independence is here to stay in Provo.

BYU is a national brand, and has always been a program that has pushed the envelope in the world of College Football. When LaVell Edwards was hired as BYU’s Head Coach in 1972 he incorporated the passing game when College Football was known for it’s power running attacks and wishbone offenses. In 1984, BYU did the unthinkable winning a National Championship making the College Football powers rethink how the system is done. Then in comes the “Bowl Alliance”. In 1996, BYU goes 14-1 and was deserving of a Fiesta Bowl bid, but the Bowl opted to pick Texas. (Yes, John Junker was the guy who picked Texas over BYU on a nationally-televised Bowl Selection show on CBS that year. We all know the honesty that Mr. Junker holds)

After another scare to the system, the BCS then comes into play in 1998. BYU goes undefeated through it’s first 12 games in the 2001 season. With one game remaining in the regular season at hostile Hawaii, the BCS deemed BYU ineligible for a BCS game. That off-season the cartel (BCS) then evaluated it’s process of allowing “Non-BCS” teams into their games. Opening the door for future Non-BCS teams.

Where am I going with this? BYU is always pushing the College Football envelope.  When the powers say they can’t do something they always prove everyone wrong. Independence is the next thing in line that BYU will set off in the College Football world. Many thought BYU was crazy when they did this, and many still probably do. But BYU brass know what they are doing. This is an institution and Athletic Department that makes researched moves. This is no different. This wasn’t a knee-jerk reaction to try and one-up Utah’s move to the Pac-12, which at the end of the day did in fact one-up the Utes. But that wasn’t the purpose. BYU wants that coveted exposure to allow the national following this program has to be more passionate than ever.

The exciting part about Football Independence is that the possibilities are endless. As not only a BYU Football fan, but a College Football fan in general; the thought of playing Nebraska, Penn State, USC in big-time neutral, nationally televised settings is exciting.

BCS games are exciting, and that is definitely a goal for the program to get to one of those bowl games. But high-profile, neutral setting games are nearly just as good. That 2009 BYU-Oklahoma game was a special game. Win or lose that night against the Sooners in the first game ever at the Dallas Cowboys new stadium was a memorable setting.

Love the direction and the approach BYU is taking with scheduling. BYU has histories with many of these traditional powers already from previous matchups years and years ago. And I trust Tom Holmoe to make the right decisions. Balance will be key, and that’s one of the obstacles BYU faces in it’s scheduling.

Independence is the wave of the future and BYU is leading the charge. This is not a short term move. BYU is head first in this thing, and it’s going to be a special thing for this program, and Cougar fans worldwide.

BYU President Cecil O. Samuelson has said it best when talking about the move to Independence, “It’s doctrinal.”

Referencing Section 78, Verse 14 of the Doctrine & Covenants:

"That through my providence, notwithstanding the tribulation which shall descend upon you, that the church may stand INDEPENDENT above all other creatures beneath the celestial world."

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