because of:
Their on-field product. Say what you will about kwhitt, but his teams are always competitive with just about everyone they play. He gives the team a chance to win every game they play, and the fans know that.
I can't say the same about BYU, especially the past few years. Outside of a few games, the on-field product has not been good. If there is anything that is leaving fans unsatisfied and more to be desired, it has far more to do with the on-field product than it has to do with not being in a conference and "having something to play for".