had a very different experience with other fan bases. As a fanbase (at least looking at myself and those around me), we were coming off consistently strong teams for many years (Beck, Hall, etc.). I could see we might have come into the B12 with some bravado that would have turned other fan bases off to us. Independence, I believe, made us just happy to be at the table after having so many frustrating seasons year-after-year due to nature of independence.

I believe that, strangely, we are in a better position for quality relationships with other fan bases and fulfilling the ultimate purpose of BYU and our football program (goodwill generation, ambassadorship for the Church) AFTER being independent.