The problem with sports fans is that they know the talking points for their teams and are typically unrealistic about their nemesis. Michigan, USC, BAMA, and FSU do it all the time to their opponents. Unfortunately, there is only conjecture beyond the talking points. Biases leap out on the page.

I will be clear, Utah's recruiting at BEST will be in the 30's to 40's every year. The best predictor of winning a national championship is the past three recruiting cycles. You aren't getting the 4 and 5-star recruits necessary to win. That is why BAMA, Florida State, USC, Ohio State, LSU, and Michigan State are in the top 10 every year. That is why Michigan is spending almost 1/2 million for their coaching staff to recruit. For you to get to the Rose Bowl, there has to be a perfect storm. USC being on probation and firing an alcoholic coach, along with Oregon being in a coaching transition, is a good example.

What Utah has done is impressive if you take it in context. However, Utah is not a destination that most great recruits want to go for schooling. There are only so many recruits who like to ski as a hobby. There is no lure to live in your state. Of course, you can build a tradition like Florida State did in the 80's. However, residing in Florida might play a factor in developing that culture. You live in Utah.

Stop acting like your poop don't stink while BYU has stinky stuff. BTW: BYU did beat ASU when they played in the 90's. BYU fared well against PAC-10 in the 80's and 90's. Then they came down the Earth. ASU came down the Earth around 2000. They haven't been much to write home about. I know, I am a fan.

BYU is suffering the effects of Lavell staying on too long, Crowton being a bust, and Bronco being awkward and annoying to the right recruits. Lavell lets some potentially good coaches get away to Utah while keeping some coaches who should have moved on. Utah built its program off BYU players and coaches.

Now Utah is establishing an identity. However, they are shunning a rivalry. No college team has every been benefitted by shunning a rival. Michigan doesn't do it, Bama doesn't do it, and Clemson doesn't do it. No superior team shuns their rival. They go in and try to beat the tar out of them every year to win recruits from their state. Avoiding a rival is childish and doesn't development a culture of winning