I really do think the next round of realignment/expansion will create a huge chasm between the haves (BCS conference schools) and the have nots.

So, I see a PAC10+ invite as a lifeboat for the Utah football program.

When your ship is sinking, you do what you can to stay alive.

You don't quibble about your seating position on the boat. You just get in and be grateful you were spared.

I understand that right now, USC "rows" that boat. Oregon gets the cushioned seats. I get that.

But I honestly do not think the MWC becomes an AQ conference. I absolutely do not that that happens if Utah leaves. Also, even if the MWC became an AQ conference, the difference in money to the conference relative to what will be going on in the BCS conferences will be irrelevant. Sure, the MWC schools will get a 10% raise...but everyone around them will still make 10X as much money from TV, bowl games and attendance.

Attendance and ticket prices are another factor here. I can guarantee that Utah's ticket sales and revenue will increase, at least for the foreseeable future, in the PAC10. I would gladly pay more to see a home schedule that includes PAC10 teams, even if they are just Arizona State, Washington State and Oregon State. Those bottom PAC10 teams hold a lot more interest than Wyoming, UNM, UNLV, SDSU. Honestly, I'd rather watch a Utah vs Oregon or vs. USC game than a Utah vs. TCU game. Or, probably, a BYU game.

I don't see ticket revenue happening for the MWC schools if the wand is waved and the MWC is deemed an AQ conference. Let me ask you: Do you see BYU fans supporting ticket price increases just because the MWC is an AQ, but all the teams, more or less, stay the same?

I can answer for Utah fans, I think. Utah fans would pay more to watch PAC10 football. Utah fans would not pay substantially more to watch the same MWC foes. With a PAC10 invite, I think stadium expansion is probably a reality. Staying in the MWC (AQ) would probably not necessitate that.

Back to my sinking ship analogy. I think that the MWC becoming an AQ is basically someone throwing you a snorkel and a pair of flippers while the BCS rides off in the boat