Oregon State running back Damien Martinez (6) fights off a tackle from San Diego State cornerback Noah Tumblin (10) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Corvallis, Ore. (AP Photo/Mark Ylen) Now that the Power Five is about to become the Power Four, the schools left out of the recent consolidation of wealth produced by conference realignment are looking at creative ways to stay relevant. An idea floating around the Mountain West Conference calls for the creation of a multi-tiered conference or alliance of leagues that would use a promotion-and-relegation system akin to what is done in European soccer. Yahoo Sports first reported the existence of the proposal and Front Office Sports obtained the detailed presentation of a plan put together by Boise State associate athletic director Michael Walsh. Right now, it’s just an idea. “I’m open to anything that elevates the Mountain West,” said Commissioner Gloria Nevarez, whose league is most often associated with Oregon State and Washington State — the only two Pac-12 members committed to the battered league past this season. A relegation approach is a complicated if inclusive way to reach what might be the best next move