BYU Football: 5 Reasons Why the Cougars Need to Join a Conference Before 2014

BYU is currently on the outside looking in at conference realignment, as they are one of four FBS Independents. They say that they are perfectly happy in their home of independence, but in reality, they need to join a conference, and join one fast.

You may ask, "What is the rush?' or "Why can't they stay an Independent?". If so, you have come to the right place, and here are the five reasons why BYU needs to join a conference.

Eligibility for BCS Playoff

Eligibility for the newly-announced four-team playoff is a huge reason that BYU should join a conference. Sources have said that the four teams in the playoff will either be the champions of the four best conferences that season, or the top four ranked teams. Even if the latter is chosen, teams are consistently ranked higher if they are in a major conference (talk to Boise State about that).

The playoff will go into effect in 2014, and even if the Cougars join a conference before then it will still be hard to get into the playoff. I wouldn't expect to see BYU in the playoff for several years after it is put into effect.

More Exposure

One of the main reasons that BYU became an Independent was to gain national exposure. What they didn't realize was that joining a conference could gain them even more of it. If the Cougars went to the Big 12, keeping television rights through ESPN and BYUtv would be possible. After all, Texas has their own station, Longhorn Network.

ESPN's College Gameday only made one trip to a school out of the six AQ conferences last season. As a member of a "power conference", BYU has a better chance of seeing College Gameday in Provo in the near future.

Better Scheduling

I have no clue how BYU makes money off of games against Idaho and New Mexico State. They are obvious wins for the Cougars, and can put the biggest BYU fan to sleep. If BYU really wants respect, they are going to have to play quality teams.

Joining an AQ conference gives you games almost every week against good and well-known competition. Besides, the conference itself helps you schedule, so the programs don't have to do it themselves.

Bowl Oppurtunities

Conferences often sign deals with certain bowls so that a team from their conference can play in that game. If BYU can't make the playoffs (if they land in an AQ conference), a bowl game is a good second option.

The games are often fairly close, and provide fans with great post-season action.

I know that the Cougars already play in bowl games, but BYU won't have to personally sign with bowls. The games that the conferences set up are often against good competition, and are exciting.

Respect

You have to respect a team that can go into a tough conference and win consistently, year after year. If BYU can accomplish this, the nation will look at them as a power, not just as a decent program.

Respect is something that you have to work for, and it doesn't come solely by joining a conference. Being a member of a good one may help, but you have to earn it. If the Cougars continue to be a good, consistent team and can work up a good schedule, be prepared to be respected.