Criddle the players didn't care all that much about it either. Winning big games matters far far more.
Winning a P5 conference matters. Some close G5 race does nothing for me. At all. Other than 06--which I only remember because the Utah game was the deciding factor--I couldn't tell you when/if or what years we won, didn't win, etc.
Also, I can PROMISE that the players will remember that USC victory more than having Craig Thompson hand them a plastic trophy after a big win against Air Force.