Zags Wednesday: What BYU moving to the Big 12 means for the Bulldogs
Teresa Powe
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BYU is not moving from the West Coast Conference for another two years. But when they do, it could mean more trouble for the WCC than for the Gonzaga Bulldogs.
Brigham Young University has decided to move to the Big 12 for the 2023 season. So what does that mean for the Gonzaga Bulldogs? It means they lose their biggest rival. Well, as big a competitor as you can be for Gonzaga. The Bulldogs suffered their last regular-season defeat 91-78 by BYU on February 22, 2020.
Why is BYU leaving the WCC?
BYU is leaving the WCC because of its football program. The WCC is a non-football conference. Last season the BYU Cougars football team led in all non-conference affiliated schools with an 11-1 record. They are ranked 23rd this season. It would seem their football program is much like Gonzaga’s basketball program. Both are too good for their conferences.
Effect on Gonzaga
The effect of BYU leaving the WCC is that the Bulldogs’ biggest competitor and only WCC rival will be gone. The Bulldogs will have to depend on neutral games for some competition. Many are saying the WCC should add another program or two. The question then is, what program? Others suggest they leave the WCC. Where would they go? What about their other sports? First off, let’s cut out the Zags leaving the WCC talk. That is not impossible but highly improbable.
BYU leaving WCC after 2022-23 to join Big 12
“The WCC continues to attract interest in membership and will be deliberate and thorough in evaluating our best path forward to position the Conference for continued success.” https://t.co/kMze2cxX0R
— Jim Meehan (@SRJimm) September 10, 2021
If Zags stay in WCC, what then?
How about the WCC is adding some more competitive teams. While looking into other West Coast teams, I liked the Big West and two teams particularly. The University of California at Santa Barbara and UC Irvine. They were the number one and two teams in the Big West for the 2020-21 season.
First, UC-Santa Barbara. Overall the Gauchos’ record was 22-5; the conference record was 13-3. Their stats are on the line of BYU, and they have an incredible roster with some great players. UCSB also earned a spot in 2021’s March Madness. Unfortunately, they were defeated in the first round by Creighton, although it was a near upset.
Second, UC-Irvine. The Irvine Anteaters were the number two team in the Big West, on the heels of UCSB. Their overall record was 18-9, conference record 10-4—another program of talented young men. Unfortunately, the Anteaters were defeated by UCSB for the Big West championship, thereby losing their ticket to March Madness 2021. They can join the WCC instead of UCSB or in addition.
What’s next
Of course, the Bulldogs will be returning to the WCC for the foreseeable future. Although according to new athletic director Chris Standiford, the Athletic reported he said “the Zags have and always will continue to welcome conversations from any and all leagues interested in talking. They are not, however, running around desperately looking for a new suitor.”
Stay tuned to Zags Wednesday, the PNWS source, for any Bulldog information before the season begins. And stay safe out there!