BYU officially announces football independence, will join WCC

NCAA Football Betting Lines

08/31/2010 - Provo, UT (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Brigham Young University officially announced its resignation from the Mountain West Conference, effective June 30, 2011, in its quest to become a football independent next season.

The Cougars will re-join the West Coast Conference in every sport but football starting in the 2011-12 athletic season.

Rumors had been swirling about the possible move, which became official on Tuesday. Further information will be provided at a news conference on Wednesday at 2 p.m. (et).

BYU is no stranger to the WCC, having been a founding member of the conference in 1952. When the MWC formed in 1998, BYU defected to help form the new eight- member conference. The Cougars had until Wednesday to inform the MWC of their intentions.

The move is a continuation of a massive restructuring of college football's power conferences this summer. The blockbuster move occurred when Nebraska left the Big 12 to join the Big 10. Meanwhile, the Mountain West Conference and Western Athletic Conference have undergone several shifts, with preseason top-5 and WAC powerhouse Boise State announcing its intention to leave for the MWC starting next year among other changes.

Currently, there are only three schools which compete as an independent in major college football. The most notable, Notre Dame, was rumored to possible join the Big Ten but ultimately did not. The two other teams not affiliated with a football conference are the two most recognized service academies, the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy, who of course play against each other every December in the famed Army-Navy game.

Wwwbetgameday NCAA Football Betting News

<< Cowboys release Watkins
Irving, TX (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday released veteran safety Patrick Watkins. A fifth-round pick by the Cowboys in the 2006 draft, Watkins recorded 122 tackles and four interceptions over 49 games. Dallas al

<< Ravens acquire CB Wilson from Seahawks
Owings Mills, MD (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Baltimore Ravens acquired cornerback Josh Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a conditional 2011 draft pick. The 5-foot-9, 192-pound Maryland product was a second-round pick of th

<< Dolphins place OL Garner on IR
Davie, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Miami Dolphins placed offensive lineman Nate Garner on injured reserve and defensive end Philip Merling on the reserve/non- football injury list. Garner (foot) was competing for a starting role on Miami's o

<< Gophers suspend two for opener
Minneapolis, MN (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Minnesota has reportedly suspended senior safety Kyle Theret and senior offensive lineman Dom Alford for Thursday's season opener for a violation of team policy. According to the St. Paul Pioneer

<< Titans DT Brown back at practice
Nashville, TN (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Tony Brown returned to practice on Tuesday after being removed from the physically unable to perform list. Brown, who had offseason surgery on his right knee, is expected to

Lomg-time Stamps physician Murphy passes away >>
Calgary, AB (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Calgary Stampeders physician Dr. Vince Murphy has passed away at the age of 87, the team announced Tuesday. Dr. Murphy was associated with the Stampeders since 1957. A release from the team said Murphy pass

Arena Football League commissioner Kurz to return in 2011 >>
Tulsa, OK (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Arena Football League commissioner Jerry B. Kurz had his contract extended Tuesday and will return for the 2011 season. "I couldn't be more pleased to continue to lead the resurgence of the Arena Football Le

Soul name Mike Hohensee head coach >>
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Philadelphia Soul named Mike Hohensee as the team's head coach for when they return to the Arena Football League in 2011. The Soul, who won the ArenaBowl in 2008 before the AFL folded, will return t

Pierzynski's late HR lifts ChiSox over Tribe >>
Cleveland, OH (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - A.J. Pierzynski's three-run blast in the ninth provided the difference, as the White Sox beat the Cleveland Indians, 4-3, in Manny Ramirez's first game in a Chicago uniform. Pierzynski's seventh home

Ross' grand slam caps Braves' big inning in win over Mets >>
Atlanta, GA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - David Ross' first career grand slam capped a seven-run fifth inning as the Atlanta Braves clobbered the New York Mets, 9-2, in the second of a four-game set. Derrek Lee went 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run sco

Marlins could start season without No. 2 starter Johnson

JUPITER, Fla. -- The Foorida Marlins are preparing for the likelihood that right-hander
Josh Johnson won't be ready when the season starts April 2.

Grapefruit League action starts Wednesday, but Johnson, penciled in as the No. 2 starter, hasn't even thrown off a mound at full speed since September. He's experienced some soreness in his right forearm.

MySportsbook.com have the Marlins listed with baseball betting lines at +800 to win the NL East this season .

''You guys know the math. If he's not on the hill then he becomes an opening day roster issue,'' manager Fredi Gonzalez said Saturday. ''We're borderline now.''

Johnson, who finished 12-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 2007, was supposed to throw on flat ground Saturday. That was canceled when he woke up with pain.

He played catch on Wednesday with no pain but felt discomfort in a throwing session on Thursday. He's expected to try again Sunday.

''Like we always said from the very beginning, we're going to take it easy on him,'' Gonzalez said. ''He didn't feel right, so we shut him down. We're going to take it back to step one and see where we're at.''

Among the candidates to take Johnson's spot in the rotation are left-hander Chris George and right-handers Yusmeiro Petit and Jose Garcia.

Right-hander Sergio Mitre, who missed most of last season with arm and shoulder problems, also is behind.

With Johnson's status doubtful, Gonzalez said right-hander Ricky Nolasco will stay in the rotation and no longer will be considered a candidate for closer.

Additional basbeall odds can be found at: www.MySportsbook.com

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com - this sportsbook accepts credit cards.