You touched on it, so let me elaborate. When BYU joined the Big 12 it was required to make financial commitments to invest in its programs and facilities. I heard last year that Brett Yormark visited and was not pleased that BYU had not made the expected investments leading up to the 2023 season.

In our defense, we know BYU does not spend anticipated revenue, only money in the bank, and the first $18M distribution was just made. Moreover, we are still another two years away from what might be a $40m share.

However, we are seeing new investment in football facilities, and an unplanned upgrade in the basketball program, but one that far exceeded expectations. And who knows what else is coming? But one thing we must recognize is that there is not as much disparity between the investment in football and basketball as we may think. Laying down a new field in the stadium was not chump change, nor the new practice field. The addition of office space.

Does that make the football team better? I believe front office and facilities matter. And lest we lose hope in September, I had a conversation with one of our prominent D-lineman and he sings praises to the O-line and TJ Woods. We all know a good offensive line changes everything, so in that regard I am more optimistic about the 2024 season than most.