BYU and the Big 12 are a Perfect Match

The relationship between BYU and the Big 12 is paying off big time for both parties.
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[@tbarron1631]

So glad BYU is in the Big12. You guys are a lot of fun.

[@dfausti66]

God has been gracious to BYU. We are just humbly doing our best to be competitive in this enormous challenge that is the Big 12.

[@mmiller73]

Unlike our neighbors to the north, BYU fans are thrilled and grateful to be part of the Big 12.

[@stevenmcneely1466]

Ironically, the worse Utah does in the BIG12 the more their fans are going to disparage the conference

[@romebigred2]

I think Utah will be continually trying to get into the SEC.

[@royalblueblood]

The reds are NEVER getting into the SEC

[@mrp4242]

Most BYU fans are grateful to be in the Big XII because they came in with their tails tucked between their legs. They were forced to admit that the Independence thing was a failed experiment. Utah is coming from a conference they had some success in, had spent over a decade building relationships and rivalries with, only to have it disappear in a seemingly short period of time. OS it was shock. As time goes on, adjustments will be made. To put some perspective to it-let’s say BYU has some success in this league and in 3 years, the Big XII evaporates as the SEC and B1G form two superconferences, add several more teams each, including from the ACC and Big XII, and BYU (and Utah) are back to being left without a conference; having to side step with other left over programs to, say, the ‘new PAC-12’. BYU fans would be lamenting that type of environment, with a fairy amount of vitriol. Bank it. This is not particularly hard to understand. For BYU it was most certainly an upgrade. Like getting a job promotion where the pay is better and the workflow is stable. For Utah, it was a necessary sideward step, like a company downsizing-they got to keep their jobs, but many of their former co-workers are no longer around. Like I say, as time goes on adjustments will be made. Enjoy your time in the sun, though. When you step on people when you’re at the top, though, all that gracious ‘honeymooning’ will be over. I beg you to not bring back the BYU fan of the late 80s.

[@Big12rocks]

⁠​⁠@@mrp4242 independence was a "failed experiment"??? BYU had sone great wins during independence. Besides, what options did they have - the MWC?

[@cougartracks4442]

BYU waited years to get into the Big-12. It was great and the fans loved it. We are already seeing benefits that I never thought would happen this soon. Thank you, John, for all your kind words about BYU and the Big-12 members.

[@tomterrible9717]

As a Kstate fan I love having BYU in the Big XII.

[@bighornbasin]

BYU is a first-class institution. They do it right. They love being in the Big 12 and are a great fit with the other teams in the conference. From everything I see, they are dedicated to the Big 12's long-term success and value their relationship with the conference. I see it as a win-win, and I think other members do as well.

[@sarahmccoy1941]

Like Utah, I think BYU would prefer to be in the B1G. $$$$$

[@bobbypaluga4346]

@@sarahmccoy1941Disagree, BYU isn’t a dreamer like Utah nor arrogant like Utah, they battled in the wilderness for 10 years, they are thrilled to be in the Big12.

[@mrmonkeysays]

BYU is a terrifically valuable brand that uniquely fits the Big 12. Glad to see them doing well.

[@Ty-jr9ou]

Lavell Edwards Stadium is definitely a great stadium, great atmosphere and amazing backdrop with the mountains behind.

[@cashfrybread4587]

I agree totally with this video, I'm still so excited that BYU is in the Big12!!!

[@roywall8169]

So excited to be a part of this conference, and getting the chance to earn the right to be here. Go Cougars!

[@ryanking1652]

We couldn’t be happier to be in the Big 12!! Thanks for the kind words and #gocougs

[@desertwill4521]

As a die-hard BYU fan since 1980 when I was a kid, I’m glad for any value that BYU adds to the B12. But I gotta tell ya, being accepted into the B12 is the biggest thing to happen to BYU since the 1984 NC. Love this conference, so grateful for the opportunity…

[@MichaelMcDowell-jk1cj]

Big XII was the best possible conference for BYU culturally, I think the fellowship that’s formed between BYU and Baylor and now BYU and KState is proof of that. I cheer for more teams now and know more players, it’s been a joy

[@caleballen4721]

I've been surprised at how well we've been received what with the religious aspect. It feels genuinely good to be in a conference that already has religious schools!

[@troysilvester5791]

Thanks for the love, John!

[@amahana6188]

Its one thing to see the stadium on tv, but when you are in the stadium in person, its a wowwww experience. I've been to FSU, WVU, Oklahoma, and Florida Gator home games. The Provo setting is by far the most beautiful of them all. And the atmosphere is amazing. Is it WVU Country Roads amazing? Pretty damn close.

[@ReeverN21]

As a longtime BYU fan, the Big 12 is a perfect fit. Thanks to so many amazing fans of these great schools who have welcomed us with class.

[@tgray747]

Thanks for this John, you're the best!!!

[@patricktrier4503]

Despite getting beat down in Provo, all the kstate players said the byu players and fans were professional and polite. In fact they were encouraging Avery Johnson. What a great fan base and great addition to the big 12!

[@dfausti66]

As a BYU fan, we are greatly humbled by all of this media attention. Our stadium surroundings are just a little contribution for the Big 12 brand.

[@kevinmott51]

From a Kansas State fan...we are thrilled to have BYU as part of our beloved Big 12 conference.

[@caleballen4721]

I grew up a block away from LaVell Edwards Stadium and went to most home games growing up. It will always be a very special place for me, I'm happy to see it getting positive recognition. Also, Klatt was fanboying over Edwards' legacy in a way I've never heard on national TV. Yeah, I've heard it from BYU fans but not the rest of the country. Edwards coached Steve Sarkisian, Kyle Whittingham, Andy Reid, Steve Young, Jim McMahon, Ty Detmer, Brian Billick. And Kalani Sitake of course!

[@lexingtonconcord8751]

I'm an OU fan. I was disappointed when Nebraska, Texas A&m, Colorado and Missouri left. Now I guess Oklahoma and Texas have left. Even though my team has moved to the SEC, I still enjoy keeping up with Big 12 news. And I consider you to be the voice of the Big 12 and the best commentator for the conference as well. Keep up the good work!

[@DanDeGaston]

So BYU has really upped their game at the stadium. For an old Stadium that was built in the 60's renovated in the 80's. . . We have put a lot of focus on pregame and on-the field entertainment. Overall it has made a difference. One unique thing is the "Tailgate experience", it is more family friendly with lots of games and activities. There is a lie band, food trucks, and BYU Gameday (which you got to be on as a hall of fame tight end). I will never forget my time as a student playing Catch Phrase, Spoons, Speed, Nertz, and Slap!, occasionally I would do homework while in the ROC line. During Jimmermania I know there were Super Smash and Mario Kart Tournaments in line. A very unique and fun experience.

[@Murdock966]

During the independent years, BYU home games were ESPN only. Nice to get FOX in Provo now. Love the Big XII affiliation.

[@ACiowa]

BYU fans have been 10 times better than the Utah fans I have interacted with online, or reading comments of Big 12 football videos. Most BYU fans say cheers on a good game even if they lost and how excited they were to join the big 12. Utah fans on the other side have complained that they ended up in the big 12 and that there was no reason they should lose a game. And that they have the best defense in the big 12 without even playing 1 game. That is why we play the games folks. I understand hype and wanting to win games but oof. But congrats to BYU on a great season. I think it would be cool at the chance to see undefeated ISU and undefeated BYU in the championship, and get two in the CFP.

[@swcordovaf]

BYU has a very national brand with one of the most dispersed fan base in the country. You go to all regions and guess what? You find thousands of fans in every major region of the country.

[@nealljones]

100%, John. BYU alum here. Coug Nation was in the proverbial wilderness for many years in Independence while our (little) brother in SLC was braggin' and winning more than ever before in the PAC 12. Now that we joined the BIG XII, BYU is getting much more attention and resources. And winning. Last year was rough, but the future is bright. And it just so happens that little bro, U of Utah, is already collapsing and will likely begin a slow decline in terms of recruits in the state of Utah. In football and basketball. BYU grad, Coach Willingham, is neither gonna be there long. BYU football dominated most years from the late 70s - much of the 90s. With a few outstanding years sprinkled in the 2000s. We might be returning to that consistently winning paradigm. Go, Cougs!

[@tito7310]

We’ve wanted to be in the Big 12 since 2010.

[@daveduncan2748]

Stop complimenting BYU!!! We prefer playing as the underdog! 🙂

[@daveduncan2748]

Agreed that the Big12 is a great environment for BYU. The PAC 12 made more sense geographically, but they were too snobby for BYU. Now look at the PAC12. The Big12 is a mostly a bunch of college football towns, where they absolutely love their team. That's a great environment for the Y. I hope the B1G and SEC don't ruin college football these next few years!

[@johnfaris5376]

For years I lamented that BYU wasn’t in the PAC which was so geographically desirable, but as time went by schools like USC and UCLA just saw their attendance dwindle to an embarrassing level. People’s on the woke coast just lost interest in CFB and didn’t go to even relatively important games. The big 12 with its passionate fan bases is now so much better than that. They are into it and support their teams in a big way. So much better of a fit for BYU Who will rise to compete and demonstrate that they belong in both football and basketball. And I believe that all of the newbies recognized the tenuous nature of their former position, and are very grateful to be included in the big 12. Well, maybe not Utah. It will prove to be a conference people take great interest in, maybe more so than any others because of its relative parity.

[@Shaunskee]

So happy for BYU... The only problem is that BYU should have been invited to the BIG 12 8 years earlier in 2016 . BYU is a program that has been ready for an invite to a power conference since the late 80's ... There brand and competitiveness has been ready for this stage for years. In the next 5 years BYU is going to be in or talked about or in conference championships for years to come!!!

[@ryandearing60]

As a BYU fan I agree 100%! All of the opposing Big 12 fans I have met at games have been great! It's a breath of fresh air after playing so many toxic Pac 12 teams.

[@retireorbust]

Oh I can imagine. Came back to Kansas after over 20 years in the Northwest. Good to be home.

[@COOGlife]

It's hard to hate BYU.

[@yelircaasi]

it's pretty easy for Utes fans haha

[@user-hc7pl8vu1k]

Rise and Shout. The cougars are out!

[@scottwins2]

Suddenly, Utah is silent

[@richardevans4531]

my hope coming into this year was win 6 games Ok done Now its beat UofU and go 10-2. Then we will talk conf championship game. No way they win a NC but if they some how get into the national playoffs that will be huge. If they even win one game in the playoffs that would be major major changes and process for BYU.

[@sotl97]

BYU has been an incredible program for decades. The Big 12 had numerous opportunities to add them. I think it's clear that passing over BYU for Baylor, TCU, and West Virginia was a big mistake.

[@theoptimist9605]

Are you a Utah Ute fan? BYU fans are almost always humble and nice. Very suspicious!

[@_Doodle-bob]

@@theoptimist9605 who knows, but you are a BYU fan.

[@mrp4242]

@@theoptimist9605ironic that YOU of all people are calling things out as “suspicious.” You pretend to be something you are not on every other post. Probably a microcosm of your ‘real’ life.

[@theoptimist9605]

@@mrp4242 Strange comment. Best wishes

[@mattmoon3865]

I love John Kurtz

[@daveduncan2748]

It was a beautiful day in Provo last Saturday. And the fall mountainsides were looking great. Probably even better than at night. Friday night in the cold and rain isn't going to seem as "beautiful."

[@DanDeGaston]

Speaking of KState game, I am expecting BYU vs KState in DFW this December! It will be fun to see you again!

[@SvdSinner]

How is a 2 loss KSU going to make that happen after losing Farmageddon?

[@DanDeGaston]

@@SvdSinner Well, if KState loses Farmageddon. . . I don't think they will make the championship game. Honestly, if they lose just 1 more game, it is tough to get to the championship game with 2 losses. Likely you need tiebreaker rules to go in your favor.

[@johnd.1849]

BYU vs Iowa State in the Championship game

[@caseymolifua7612]

Thanks for your comments 👍🏽

[@natestapleton5494]

Go BYU!

[@jt4jt4]

The Big 12 is an amazing conference with mostly terrific play across the board. I couldn't be happier with BYU's membership in the Big 12. It's such a great fit with other schools that have passionate yet sportsmanlike fan bases. And I think it's very reasonable that the conference will become even stronger over time as some of the newcomers like BYU and UCF increase their capabilities due to the better recruits they can get at this level.

[@kevinmatthews7180]

ESPN loves BYU.

[@eddielozanosanantonioreale8735]

Like it or not Teams play the schedule that is in front of them SEC and Big X have lax schedules as well

[@brailsmt]

BYU was in the conversation to join the Big XII when it was first created. Texas pulled for Baylor and Baylor got the nod. BYU has been a good fit for the Big XII since its inception.

[@Rsadidit]

I apologize for the over-eagerness of our BYU family. It’s frustrating. While we occasionally win we always mess it up by losing a ton the second we are favored. Our Big Brother Utah is the superior university with AAU accreditation while we don’t even have a medical school. Since 2002 BYU has only beaten Utah 4 times. I think BYU finally winning is going to our heads but we should remember Utah dominates us. We almost fired Sitake the past 4 seasons, who trained under Whittingham. Go Cougs!!!

[@jeffnelson7669]

Ute Troll😂

[@Rsadidit]

@@jeffnelson7669 elder, never. Cougar tails and caffeine-free hot cocoa next home game. Go cougs!!

[@tybeau1986]

About time, a BYU fan that gets it. 🙌😂

[@Rsadidit]

@@tybeau1986 cougar tails and uncaffeinated hot chocolate for all the elders!! 🙌🙌 Go Cougs!!!

[@jt4jt4]

Troll.

[@theoptimist9605]

I apologize for the behavior of our Utah family‼️ It’s frustrating, but BYU has always been our Big Brother in Academics and Athletics. I’m afraid our PAC 12 invite gave us a Very Big Head. Now it feels like BYU is about to dominate us for the next 35 years… AGAIN! If possible, let’s just hope Kyle doesn’t retire. GO UTES‼️

[@tybeau1986]

This guys clearly a BYU fan because he sounds like an idiot

[@bkm83442]

It's true BYU had a bad year last year, but I don't think this team is necessarily any better than most of the teams they have had in recent years. They are just getting more attention. They have always been good if not consistent.

[@jaredfrank9581]

The Big12 is the best thing that ever could have happened to BYU. So happy the Pac12 never worked out. The culture in the Big12 is a perfect fit.

[@CarlaJenkinsTV]

3:37 John you should send this video to Notre Dame. They just need to go to ACC since all of they're other media rights are with that ACC (They're not getting into the Big 10 because NBC Sports creates two separate contracts). Also the independents get 10% versus 15% for the Big 12. With the $22 million House settlement, that annual 5% more in money will become an even bigger factor.

[@EmeryBenallyxWF]

BYU got snubbed! We dont lose to Northern Illinois

[@yellowmartian]

Uhhhhh...we did. I was there. It was frustrating. Zach's first start I think. They wouldn't let him throw the damn ball.

[@tradingwithsteve]

❤❤❤

[@BoomGoesTheDynamit]

Likely the SEC or BIG take Pitt into their league.

[@RadioMan666]

👍👍

[@secretagent73]

I fear, we may have helped create a monster.

[@rodneydurrett8604]

Still a lot of football to play.

[@ReisterJP]

Don't get too cocky BYU fans remember the 1985 UTEP Miners.

[@sarahmccoy1941]

A perfect match for what?

[@JJ-yx6jy]

BYU's schedule is a joke. 🤣🤣 You bag on other team's schedules while flexing BYU's????Any big 12 team in the playoffs is just a free win for whatever SEC/B1G team(s) they play.

[@John-ne4fq]

Vanderbilt beat Alabama 🤣

[@malaw514]

Bless your heart.

[@SenorHomeslice]

BYU has two wins against top 25 teams. Oregon is the only other team ahead of them that can say that. For instance, take Abalama. One game… Georgia. What else about their schedule has been a non-joke? Sure, their schedule WILL get tougher, but up to this point, they’ve played one game and five scrimmages… losing one scrimmage and a two-point conversion away from losing another. Up to this point, BYU has had a more legit schedule than Abalama. And Miami. And Tennessee. And LSU. And Clemson. And Notre Dame. And Penn State. And Texas. By the end of the year, those teams will have better schedules. But not yet.

[@tbarron1631]

BYU has one of the highest "strength of resumes" in the country. Not based just on future "strength of schedule", but based on current status of teams they have played. Some metrics have BYU as the #1 strength of resume. Show a team that has played a harder schedule?

[@slcmomo]

Remember what a "little" team from Utah did to Alabama in 2009? While the SEC and B1G are talented, they are completely blown out of proportion. The SEC and B1G always struggle against Big XII. There's nothing "easy" about those games. Why else do you think those two conferences want 8 auto-bids for the Playoffs? It's not because they deserve it. They want to reduce their risk of getting beat by a non-SEC/B1G conference team. Thus, exposing the bias in the AP polls (Which has been done already).