College Football Conference Expansion: How Does Boise State Fit In?

If you are like me, your head is spinning with all the stories about conference expansion as of late.  It seems everyday there is a new story, taking some new angle about the next conference to make its move. 

Today is no exception.  The story out of Washington D.C. is that the presidents and chancellors of the remaining Big East schools, including TCU, have authorized their commissioner to "aggressively pursue" discussions with schools interested in joining the new Big East.

What schools were mentioned in this discussion?  Well, according to that same article, Army, Navy, Air Force, Central Florida and SMU.  Of course, this was all started because the Big East is losing Syracuse and Pittsburgh to the ACC.

If you saw the news last week, there were more discussion about the Big 12 expanding as well.  Air Force, BYU, Louisville and TCU seem to be the most likely candidates in consideration.  West Virginia, SMU and Houston would be long shots for Big 12 membership.  

The PAC-12 has quieted down now that Texas seems to be content staying put in the Big 12, and the Big 12 appears to be stabilizing after a time of uncertainty. 

The SEC has not made any new noise since adding Texas A&M to its storied conference.  The ACC has only had minor rumors involving Connecticut, which was mentioned in the article released today about the Big East.

Finally, Notre Dame seems to be holding firm as an Independant.   

So Boise State fans, where does this leave your beloved Broncos? 

Sure, there have been a few rumors about a possible Big 12 invite, but those have proven to be just that, rumors.

If the Broncos are left out of all the conference expansions, when it is all said and done, I see only two options as a response. 

First, they will stay put in the Mountain West and convince the Commissioner and the other schools in the Mountain West to "aggressively pursue" expansion themselves.  Houston, SMU, and Tulsa would all be great additions to the conference.  With the Mountain West teetering on the edge of a BCS Conference qualification, the addition of these three quality programs might give them enough weight to finally get over the hump.

I don't see a "federation" with Conference USA as a viable solution, which is what Commissioner Thompson seems to want for the Mountain West.  In my opinion, this would simply bring the Mountain West down to a level they have built years building beyond.  Instead, if they were to add the top schools from Conference USA, (Houston, SMU, Tulsa) it would be a way to add meat to the conference while not adding unnecessary fat. 

If the Mountain West were to add these three schools, you could easily create two solid divisions and add a championship game every year in Las Vegas.  Imagine the additional exposure the conference would create by having a nationally televised game every year for the conference trophy. 

I am not sure why this hasn't been a plan yet pursued, but with things changing daily, it might be a good time to at least talk about it.

So, what is the second option for Boise State if they are not invited to an A.Q. Conference? 

Well, do what the neighbors to the south (BYU) did, go Independent. 

After some consideration, I am convinced that Boise State might be a perfect candidate for college football independence.  They could easily place their other sports back in the WAC or the WCC like BYU did.  Also, like BYU they have a decent national following.  BYU's following is for religious reasons, but BSU has built a passionate following as a classic underdog story.  

Any BSU fan who travels knows this is true.  BSU has become a recognized name brand, and now is the time to seize the momentum.

With big road openers the last two years, the Broncos have proven they can travel, play big games, and win.  Could you imagine if the Broncos were able to make their own schedule every year?

BYU has already signed a contract through 2023 to play BSU in a rotating series.  I am sure Boise could make the same kind of deal with rivals Fresno State and Nevada, not to mention Idaho.  Add to that Notre Dame, Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, Washington State, various Conference USA and MAC games, and whatever other big time opponents the Athletic Director could land, and you would have a pretty intriguing schedule year after year. 

Television wouldn't be a problem either.  I am certain that ESPN would be quite happy to have the Broncos back.  Sure, it might mean some weeknight games, but that is part of what built this program.  Never underestimate the value regular exposure has on recruiting, fan base and reputation. 

Do I think this will happen?  Probably not, but I think it is at least worth discussing.

I would love to hear your ideas.  Let me know.