Rankings are based mostly on record. That's how teams like Northern Illinois, Hawaii, BYU, and Utah have worked their way into the top 15 in the past. Strength of schedule is huge. If in the MWC last year, Utah would have swept the league and been top 20. Because of their schedule they went 5-7 and missed a bowl. BYUs higher ranking is a reflection of a weaker schedule, not a superior football team. BYU failed every time it was truly tested last year outside of TX, and I believe BYU would have gone 4-8 with Utah's schedule. The bottom line is that Utah swept in state teams, once again, and was clearly the best team last year.