There is a "push" for BYU to join the new-look Big East, according to BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall. The coach also told reporters at a Monday press availability session that there are "conversations in place" for the Cougars to renounce their football independence and flee for the ever-expanding BCS automatic-qualifier conference.

BYU would be the "western partner" that fellow Big East aspirant Boise State is seeking, and could certainly follow the Broncos' footsteps by aligning itself with the Big East as a football-only school.

BYU would theoretically be the Big East's 12th team, and fill out a "Big East West" division that would include Boise State, Air Force, Houston, SMU, and either Louisville or Cincinnati. The Cougars would also come with a decent television market — Salt Lake City — and a sizable national following of Mormons, given the school's prominence and connection to the Mormon faith.

For more on the Cougars, visit BYU blog Vanquish the Foe. For more on the Big East, head to Big East Coast Bias. For more on the conference expansion whirlwind, check out our conference realigment coverage.