they had with 2 new years day bowl wins and top 25 finishes in the 8 years prior to joining the Pac 12 compared the the 8 years since they joined, they have had less success and national attention since they left. It is not as clear cut as some would argue that their program is better off. I am not saying joining P5 is not a better option, just that if you want success as a program and top 25 finishes and bigger crowds, winning is the most important factor in that. Joining P5 makes those things less likely.