And Tucson has three times more people than Salt Lake. (OK...you can count the metro and Salt Lake is comparable.) Their recent history of success was basically Urban Meyer. Whit rode his coat tails a bit...but they are settling into their rightful place as cannon fodder. Oregon doesn't need a thriving city. They have Phil Knight.

Utah carries the Mormon stigma without the BYU prestige. They after thoughts and will remain so. Sure...they may have their moment. They may sneak into a Rose Bowl some time when Oregon or USC is in the playoffs. But just look at them. They are the trailer trash of the Pac 12 and will always be.