Some interesting news breaking out of Notre Dame today, with athletic director Jack Swarbrick telling the Chicago Tribune that BYU probably made a good choice in turning independent and that the Irish will do all they can to help their fellow independent make the transition smoothly. Some of Swarbrick's comments: * Independence "is not for everybody, but they certainly fit the profile of an institution for whom it probably does make great sense — frankly, in the same way it still does for Army and Navy." * "All the schools currently in that category have some common characteristics — national profile, strong history and traditions that are important to honor. BYU adds to that, as I think Notre Dame has, media access. Not everybody can produce on their own. I know precious little of the details, but it certainly looks like a smart move, from where I sit." * "As you know, these things, you can't just flip a switch and say, 'OK, we'll start playing. You have to find open dates that match and see when you can do that. But we will certainly do everything we can to create opportunities to play BYU in football."—————————— Also today, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser is reporting that WAC officials will annnounce a scheduling alliance with BYU in football at commissioner Karl Benson's teleconference this afternoon. The alliance will provide BYU with four to six WAC opponents each season. The newspaper also says that "plans were in the works for [Hawaii] to play BYU in 2011, replacing Boise State" on UH's 2011 schedule.

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I'm soliciting comments on BYU's move to football independence from BYU fans today, and hope to be able to publish three of four comments in Thursday's newspaper. Got a strong opinion — for or against — the move to independence?

Send them to me at drew@sltrib.com. Include your name and the town/city in which you reside.