BYU AD Tom Holmoe Discusses Variety of Topics Involving Cougar Sports

Oct 12, 2013; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars cheerleaders run the flag during the second quarter of a football game against Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Urquhart-USA TODAY Sports

Today, BYU Athletic Director Tom Holmoe spoke with the media for about 45 minutes to discuss a variety of topics surrounding BYU Athletics.  Here is a recap of what Holmoe addressed today.

• Change to Honor Code Policy

BYU’s new PR policy is that they will no longer comment on honor code violations unless it is a public issue, or initiated by the student.

Imagine if this had been in place during the Brandon Davies fiasco?  Or even last year with linebacker Spencer Hadley?  Honor Code violations are not criminal offenses.  We don’t need to know the dirty laundry.  Glad BYU put this in place.

• Conference Realignment

Realignment is done for the next five years in my opinion.  But it will start up again.  What I don’t understand about realignment is what has been accomplished for all these schools that have switched leagues?  West Virginia, Utah, TCU, and others are floundering in their new leagues.  The games are still the same but the pageantry and tradition is gone.  The pocket books for school presidents is now deeper.  That might be the only significant change from this recent realignment craze.

BYU is a natural fit for independence.  If another league came calling BYU would definitely have to listen to the possibility.  But independence has been a great thing for the Cougars.

• 2014 Bowl Game

It’ll be interesting to see what happens with BYU when it comes to their post-season destination in 2014.  I always felt that BYU would keep things open and see if a bowl game became available.  Similar to what Notre Dame did in 2013.  With a team like Army having a contract to the Armed Forces Bowl, felt that was a likely destination for BYU to fill in if the Black Knights couldn’t become bowl eligible.  Sounds like Holmoe has a contract brewing with a bowl game, which leads me to believe it might be a bowl with Mountain West Conference tie-ins.

• Future Schedules

We are already seeing the strength of future schedules. BYU is loading up the future slates with terrific match ups.  Even the 2014 schedule has some quality match ups when you look at the novelty of the games.

• Notre Dame Series

I’ll be stunned if these games get played before I turn 50. I’m 25 years old right now. The next two games need to be in Provo. BYU has went to South Bend the last three meetings between the two schools.

• Alternate Uniform in 2014

BYU should always have one game with an alternate uniform each season. In 2014, expect the black uniforms to make a return.  The black uniforms had a lot of fanfare in their one appearance in 2012 against Oregon State. But there has also been speculation that BYU would wear a Virgil Carter-era (mid 1960’s) uniform, which had the oval Y on a blue helmet.

The BYU Bookstore and other local retailers have sold replica helmets (pictured) from that era the past few years. I would be a huge fan of a throwback uniform to the 60’s.

At the end of the day I just want to see a throwback uniform with a modern twist to them.  Don’t bust out Zubaz style uniforms, just make it classy.

• Feelings about the West Coast Conference

I completely agree with Holmoe when it comes to the West Coast Conference. The conference races in all sports across the board in the WCC have been fantastic.  From recruiting to TV appearances, nothing has changed for the Cougars going to the West Coast Conference.  I would argue that things have become better for BYU since going to the WCC.  Great conference that has their primary focus on men’s basketball.  Very unique in that regard where other leagues push basketball to the back burner.