is in Utah's relative position in regard to BYU.

It is by no means the only reason and it is largely exacerbated by Utah's successes, three 5-loss seasons, and smashed expectations due to player injuries, execution issues and poor coaching.

But the super-high level of angst is not really attributable to Bronco (I do not think he isn't part of the issue). It is mainly attributable to non-P5, independent status and, most importantly, Utah's P5 status.