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PROVO — Hard as it seems to believe, given the current state of the program, all is well in at least one area of Brigham Young football.
Another disappointing season reduced to playing out a relatively meaningless final month hasn't put a dent in recruiting, coach Bronco Mendenhall says. Apparently not one prospect has bailed out or lost interest even though the Cougars suffered a four-game losing streak and are playing out the season far off the path of relevance.
"We haven't lost a single player that was already committed, nor have we lost any interest from others that have expressed interest," Mendenhall says. "BYU is a really unique choice. And so the kids that are interested, they know we are always going to win, which we have. And they know that that will continue, which it will. And they know that there is only one BYU.
"There is only one school in the world owned by the (LDS Church) that plays football. And that's what it was designed for. I am anxious for everyone to see how that continues to play out recruiting-wise because that hasn't changed anything."
Really?
The point here isn't to debate Mendenhall. There's no reason for him to go into spin mode during an innocuous group media interview three months before recruits can sign a national letter of intent.
The bigger issue is the reason Mendenhall gives as to why not a single recruit has wavered in his commitment. To him, the greatness of BYU as an academic and faith-based institution always seems to rank ahead of football.
We haven't lost a single player that was already committed, nor have we lost any interest from others that have expressed interest. BYU is a really unique choice. And so the kids that are interested, they know we are always going to win, which we have. And they know that that will continue, which it will. And they know that there is only one BYU.
–Bronco Mendenhall
But high school stars, even those of the LDS faith, want to play football at the highest level with the most at stake. As it stands now, they don't get that at BYU, which can't currently match what Pac-12 member Utah has to offer in terms of football.
As BYU tries to negotiate remaining relevant in the drastically altered world of college football, the program needs a greater infusion of talent. While commitment to religion and adherence to the legion of rules and regulations is necessary to succeed at BYU, Mendenhall needs to make sure his recruits are more football player than Boy Scout.
Passionate BYU followers can recite Mendenhall's priority list, which much to the chagrin of many fans has football ranking fifth. They also know the coach loves to play up religion much more than he does football.
The "football is fifth" and the religious sermons worked well during 2006-09, when BYU averaged more than 10 wins over the four seasons. But they have rung hallow since then, as the Cougars have repeatedly failed to live up to expectations.
For all the preseason talk of going undefeated, BYU has fallen flat on its collective face this season. But, as he's done in every season since becoming the head coach before the 2005 season, Mendenhall will take his team to its 10th consecutive bowl game.
Mendenhall is right in saying his teams always win, which is a noteworthy accomplishment. To the coach's credit, as long as he remains in place, BYU is sure to meet the minimum standard for bowl eligibility.
But BYU fans want more, especially now that the program has become an independent and no longer can win a conference championship. Two or three early losses removes much the suspense and excitement to most of the season.
Maybe it's time for a change in philosophy. Using the win-loss record as the bottom line, the same recruiting tactics that brought BYU success in the WAC and Mountain West don't appear to be working as an independent.
Currently sitting outside the Power 5 network, which holds almost all of the power in college football, BYU needs to make a bold statement to gain attention. The television deal is nice and provides good exposure, but it's not enough of an advantage when most every game for all P-5 teams also fill the airwaves.
When it comes to football, which often ranks high on a recruit's priority list, the uniqueness of BYU as an institution may no longer be enough to lure the best available talent. But that uniqueness, coupled with a nationally relevant football program, could be enough to entice great players.
