http://www.blocku.com/2016/5/21/11678428/will-big-12-expansion-affect-utah
Not sure if this has already been posted. My favorite part of this writers logic.....
"With BYU as an independent, the Holy War benefits BYU far more than Utah. Beating BYU does not significantly change local recruiting, and it does not give Utah the national exposure that playing a team like Michigan does. However, if BYU were to move into the Big 12, they would become a Power Five opponent, which would change the dynamic of the rivalry and provide more benefit for Utah. It would be a game between two Power Five opponents that are heated rivals, making it higher profile".
I don't disagree that the game benefits BYU more as an independent but, the BYU game still has way more interest and passion amongst their fans than nearly any other game (despite what they want to believe). But somehow if BYU was in a P5 conference it would be different? BYU is already a P5 opponent in every aspect expect the logo on the jersey. But as we all know....Utah fans would actually rep the P12 logo over their own if given the chance. I live in Eugene, Oregon (real P12 country) and I never see pack 12 logos.