Because the local media only has to research and follow 6 or 8 teams including the Jazz, RSL, BYU Football and Basketball, and Utah football and basketball. And even among those teams, many media members specialize in only a couple. Do Hans or Gunther know much about the Jazz or RSL or Utah Basketball? Not really? So they can spend all of their energy focusing on BYU and Utah football. Ask Hans who the better coach is. While I don't think his opinion is more valid than a national guy regarding Ohio St or Florida, he knows a lot better about the local landscape.

The argument is the same with the fanbase. Do you, me, or the other folks on this board know more about college football than a national writer who covers 120 D1 coaches and had to make up a list of the best? Absolutely not. But I guarantee that every fan on this board know more about BYU football than he does. If asked to name two players on BYU's team off the top of his head do you think he could name anyone besides Taysom? Many fans on this board could probably name all 22 projected starters off the top of their heads and I could do the same for Utah and probably name half of BYU's starting lineup.

These national writers are paid to go wide but not deep. They know a little bit about each team. At least a writer who is dedicated to just one conference can focus their energy on 12 or 14 teams instead of 120.