A bit more from Trevor Matich, who's the subject of this week's sports on TV column.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/sports/52521248-77/matich-byu-tape-local.html.csp

The former BYU football player/current ESPN analyst thinks that the eight-year deal the Cougars signed with ESPN wasn't the tipping point in BYU's declaration of football independence.

"My opinion is that they would have done it anyway," Matich said.

However, that contract was a means to BYU's end - exposure, not cash.

"Most of the time, when people say, 'It's not about the money,' it's about the money," Matich said. "With BYU, I can honestly tell you that it's not about the money. The money is nice, but it's not about the money.

"My understanding is that they really, truly believe that the athletic program is an ambassador for the university and the greater mission of the (LDS) church. And under the previous television contract, it was difficult for them to get the exposure that they thought they should have."

The exposure they're getting this season with at least 10 games on ESPN networks.

Matich also said he thinks that "if they can win early, then that will impact recruiting. That will impact them in a continuing way and it snowballs. But they have to win, and it's best if they win early."

Outside of the old Mountain West Conference footprint, recruits weren't familiar with BYU because they didn't see them play.

"And recruits today, they want to be stars," Matich said. "Where can you big a bigger star than here with the ESPN contract? And with your own TV network to publicize the great things you do?"
But he emphasized that the Cougars have to win.

"If you win, it creates a better environment for what the mission of the program is," Matich said. "Because then you're being talked about places other than BYUtv."