beaten them for recruits many times over the years, and even when BYU was in the WAC/MWC, it was, by and large, considered a better program.
Imagine that instead of losing 4 in a row, BYU head won 4 in a row against Utah. Think about that for a minute.
That's the biggest difference with Utah right now. BYU is a major Independent. It has solid schedules, great exposure, lots of tradition, etc. The thing it lacks vs. Utah is wins, more than anything else.