as a true frosh, and Utah lost in OT. In Logan. Yeah, it sucks to lose to USU, but Utah feels like they are an entirely different team.
But it's only 1 of 2 Utah OOC losses since joining the Pac-12. Utah has been fantastic against the WAC/MWC/BYU since joining the new conference. I don't think fear plays a role, there's just no benefit to it.
With a 9-game conference schedule, I just don't think Utah has anything to gain by adding BYU and USU. Two schools who would do anything to beat Utah. Anything.