Interesting Reactions to BYU’s TV Schedule…

Gordon Monson wrote an interesting column (shocking) about BYU’s Football schedule.  And I have to say, I agree with him.  But the point of this post isn’t to attack the BYU TV deal.  If BYU fans think three Saturday home games and weekday starts at 8PM local time are their thing, well I don’t have the energy or desire to fight with them.  Have at it guys.

But what I do find interesting is the comments section.  You’ll find three types of comments there.

1. Gordon Monson is a BYU hating idiot

2. Utah fans who have run to make fun of BYU fans.

3. BYU fans trying to make fun of the Pac-12 TV deal.

On point one I think I’m starting to give ol’ Gordo a bit more credit than I used to.  For a time there was the thought in the Salt Lake media market that you attack Utah and praise BYU as the way to optimize ratings.  But for a long time I’ve thought that was 1980’s thinking.  Monson is at least understanding that now, that BYU fans will come running if you attack them and Utah fans will come running to belittle them.  One more example of how too many of each sides fans are different sides of the same coin.

Utah fans who spend too much time making fun of BYU and their TV deal look stupid.  Yes, I and many Ute fans would hate a deal like that.  But non-Saturday or late start times affect the Utah Football experience.  BYU fans don’t tailgate.  Their big desire is to get exposure and they’ve done that.

BYU fans who make fun of the Pac-12 TV deal look like fools as well.  The Pac-12 Network is nearly everywhere and will be everywhere in the not to distant future and we’ll get plenty of high profile opportunities as long as we keep on winning.  Not to mention the giant pile of cash is spectacular.

As a Utah fan I’ve gotten pretty much all I’ve ever dreamed about from the Pac-12.  Money and a chance to play for all the finest things in college sports.  BYU claims they have what they want as well, which I’ve come around to the idea of taking them at their word.  From my point of view I think it would be awful to be them.  What do I care about getting on ESPN if at the end of the day I’m still going nowhere.  But they have their own needs and agenda.  And I guess if that makes them happy.  Have at it boys.