compare Utah to the blue blood programs. Not realizing what a great compliment that is. But the idea is since Utah isn't Alabama, Georgia or Clemson...they're mediocre.
It doesn't work that way.
If you eliminate the P2s — SEC and BIG, you take out most of the blue bloods. Then you take out ND because they're not an option for the Big 12 and neither are ACC schools locked up in their GOR.
So you now have a limited pool of candidates. Assuming UW and Oregon wouldn't be willing to join the Big 12 or sign anything long term...who exactly do you have left?
That's what BYU fans don't get. In terms of the remaining candidates, Utah has the best attendance, best TV ratings, strong recruiting grounds and hands down the most prestige on the field.
Maybe the Denver and Phoenix markets are more attractive, but you're going to add one of those and probably both anyway. So you need more prestige and a team that can get to the top 10 and create big games within the conference.