just as memories are fading on the blacks and the priesthood issue, the Prop 8 debacle occurred.
Good, bad or indifferent, the PAC schools consider themselves a vanguard on civil rights - which is why Stanford and Cal refused to schedule BYU back in the 70s.
As public opinion pivots on gay marriage, it appears the Church will be looked at as being on the wrong side of a civil rights issue, again.
The academic freedom and research institution aspects are there, too, as well as Sunday play for non-football sports.