The BYU Cougars may leave the Mountain West conference to become an independent in football, multiple sources have reported. BYU would join the WAC in all other sports.
Currently, the only independent schools in football are Army, Navy and Notre Dame.
The move could come as early as Thursday. ESPN’s Andy Katz and Fox Sports.com’s Jeff Goodman have been reporting on this story via Twitter:
Katz: Utah’s move to the Pac-10 was impetus for BYU considering independent football; re-join WAC in all other sports.
Katz: BYU closer to independent as football; wac rest; MWC made run at FSU-Nevada Tuesday but both agreed to stay in WAC.
Goodman: Hearing from multiple sources there’s a strong possibility that BYU goes to the WAC in hoop and becomes independent in football.
ESPN stated that BYU was “stunned” that they weren’t invited to the Pac-10 after Colorado accepted and then the conference turned to Utah as it’s 12 member.The Cougars want to “differentiate themselves from Utah” and become the “Notre Dame of the West.”
In order for BYU to play as an independent in 2011, they most formally notify the Mountain West Conference by September 1, 2010.
Football Schedules:
Related Links:
- BYU Closing In On Football Independence – ESPN.com