Boise State Football: Why Not Take the Lead in Starting a New Conference?

There has been a lot of buzz about Boise State joining the Big East and I think we have all been waiting for that shoe to drop. 

Then fans find out West Virginia is leaving the Big East for the Big 12, and now it seems like the Big East, which was marginal before, just might be finished.

So, what if that was true?  What if the Big East is finished?  Where does that leave Boise State?

I have an option that I have not heard anyone talk about yet.

With the fair amount of pull that BYU has, the small amount of clout that the Broncos have and with other teams in similar positions lingering out there, why not consider banding together? 

If Boise State, BYU, and a few other solid schools could come together, they might be able to form something special and convince others to do so as well.  

You might say, but didn't the Mountain West do that when it broke away from the WAC? 

Yes, and it turned out rather well.  If, BYU, Utah, and TCU had stayed put in the Mountain West, we would not be having this conversation right now.  With Boise Sate included, the Mountain West would clearly be in line for the highly desired AQ status. 

But as it stands AQ status is not a certainty, even if the proposed merger with Conference USA goes through and the Mountain West expands to over 20 teams.

Take a look at the teams that could possibly join a new conference.  If the schools could compromise on individual needs, that is, realizing that every school has a unique situation, a deal favorable for all teams involved could possibly be reached.

Here are a few potential teams for this new conference: 

Boise State: The school is regretting the Mountain West television deal, and so are the fans.

BYU: Independence is good, but work would have to be done with their existing television contract.  BYU would have to be given considerable freedom for scheduling and TV rights.

Houston: The Cougars are in a great television market and would bring much to the table, including the coveted Texas recruiting market.  

SMU: The Mustangs are willing to do what it takes to bring their program back to the glory days and would also add a pipeline into Texas for recruiting.

Nevada: The Wolfpack are always good in football, and at times great.  Nevada sports solid basketball and baseball programs as well.  

Air Force: The proud tradition of a service academy would be a great addition to a new conference.   

Southern Miss: Southern Miss isn't that far to travel in the new world of college sports.  

Fresno State: The Bulldogs need a shot in the arm in football lately, but Fresno State is a solid school in the California market.

San Diego State: San Diego State is another California school with success in several sports. 

Tulsa: Tulsa is another hungry school looking to succeed. Tulsa adds a rivalry and another recruiting station.   

A conference shaped with these ten schools would be solid. 

The solid recruiting bases of California and Texas would be perfect for longevity.  This would also be a conference that would be solid in all sports.  If you look at that list, there are several outstanding men's and women's basketball programs as well as excellent baseball and softball programs. 

The key to this whole thing would of course be BYU. 

As I mentioned, I think that you could springboard off the back of the existing BYU television deal.  One would have to work with them to make sure they have the freedom of independence with the security of a conference. 

The way I look at this is that BYU would have nine games a year against pretty good conference opponents and it would still leave them the freedom to go and play three other games of their choosing.  Allow the Cougars their own BYU football network and don't schedule them on Sundays.

If the leadership at Boise State could get with the leadership of BYU, the two schools might be able to spearhead this thing. 

At the very least, I hope it is an option they are considering.  Of course, I am sure they are looking at so many options that some heads are spinning...I know mine is.