The Mountain West Conference has landed two more members after a week that can only be described as a whirlwind. News broke early this week that the BYU Cougars had arranged a deal with the Western Athletic Conference that would allow the Cougars to play football as an independent (with several WAC teams on its schedule) and let the Cougars play the rest of their sports as members of the WAC. The Cougars were looking to broadcast their games on their own station, BYU TV, in order to maximize revenue for the school. When news broke the Mountain West Conference reacted quickly by inviting Utah State, Fresno State, and Nevada to join the conference. As part of the BYU deal to the WAC, the WAC teams signed a $5 million dollar buy-out clause to not leave the WAC. Utah State declined the invitation first, citing loyalty to BYU. Nevada and Fresno State wasted no time in accepting an invitation to play in the Mountain West Conference. Karl Benson of the WAC is said to be forcing the two schools to wait until 2012 before they can move to the MWC and forcing them to pay the $5 million dollar buyout.  As of right now the BYU Cougars are still a member of the MWC with no plans finalized for them. The WAC, who will be left with six teams, may be looking to the FCS to fill some of its holes. Rumors are running around that Houston could become the 12th member of the MWC, but those reports have yet to be verified as truth.
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It’s that time of year again, Poke nation! Fall camp is here and the Wyoming Cowboy football team is back on the field prepping for their September 4th showdown with Southern Utah University. The opener will be a night game for the Pokes, so get your tickets now! Fireworks show to follow.
The Cowboys are through two scrimmages in this fall camp and so far defense has been the story. Marty English’s aggressive defense has been giving the offense fits, including a victory in today’s scrimmage. The Gipson brothers are having an outstanding camp thus far and looking to make an impact. One newcomer that’s opening eyes around camp is Oliver Schober, a recruit from Germany. He’s a linebacker who can also kick, and is slated to be the kickoff specialist for the Cowboys this year. He has impressed in his short time in the United States. Also having an impressive camp is freshman running back Nehemie Kankalongo. He is battling with Alvester Alexander for time in the depth chart.
Head coach Dave Christensen has been pleased with the effort of the Cowboys thus far into camp. His team is looking to improve upon the 7-6 record of last year, and setting their goals higher than the New Mexico Bowl. The Cowboys journey will be a difficult one as they have three opponents in the USA Today top 10 (Texas, Boise St, and TCU), and 1 more in the top 25 (Utah), with BYU just outside the top 25.
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