They all swear that last part is true. BYU has long ago proved it.
So, what's the hesitation?
A lot of people think — although they're guessing — it can be traced to a couple of basic things: geography and BYU's policy of no-Sunday play.
Those two problems could be solved if the Big 12 simply invited BYU as a football-only member.
Tom Holmoe has told the league that BYU, despite a preference for playing all sports in the conference, is open to singularly joining for football. And commissioner Bob Bowlsby has said the league is not wholly closed to that idea.