(09-13-2014 07:45 PM)john01992 Wrote:  If BYU is clearly the best G5 program this year and doesn't get the access bowl, you can pretty much guarantee that they are joining the MWC the next day.

There is little doubt BYU intends to remain independent for the foreseeable future. Independent status does allow a greater opportunity to create a more exciting regular season schedule.
The AAC does not give any boost to a playoff spot. BYU has equal access to a playoff spot as any G5 team. A NY6 bowl is not the end goal.
If we go to a 8 team playoff and only conference champs are considered, BYU will likely join the AAC. The MWC will never be an option. Bad feelings exist and that conference has nothing to offer other than Boise State which already plays BYU annually.

When the playoff expands to 8 teams, the P5 champs will auto-qualify which leaves 3 spots. One might go to the top G5 program which leaves two at-large bids.

You would still have to be ranked higher than any other P5 team which would be difficult. Would you beat out a 1-loss Alabama, Oklahoma, Stanford, Clemson, O$U or Notre Dame? Maybe, but the odds are stacked against you.

I can see you moving to the AAC IF the next TV deal pays $7-10M per year; if not, you'll probably stay independent.