Okay, so I'm a fan (and alum) of both schools, although Utah is my #1 team. Do I think BYU should be P5? Absolutely. Do
I think that religious discrimination has played *some* factor in BYU's exclusion? Yes.
Has political correctness, and the general overall liberal nature of institutions of higher education played a role? Yeah, probably.
Is that TOTALLY to blame? No.
I *do* think that the No-Sunday thing is a factor in non-football related sports. I also think that the whole "media rights" thing is a factor.
BYU has a NC trophy, and a Heisman Trophy in its resume. Utah does not.
Under LaVell, BYU became a MASSIVE deal. The problem is... since LaVell, BYU hasn't done much.
BYU and Utah are like two beautiful high school girls, waiting to be asked to prom. BYU's history makes "her" parents a little bit arrogant, and so they place a number of conditions on taking their daughter to the dance. Utah's parents are surprised about how beautiful their daughter turned out, and are just thrilled that she was asked to the dance at all.
There are factors that were and were not controllable for BYU. And Holmoe MIGHT have made a few mistakes, with those things BYU did control, the last time "prom" came around. I hope that things line up right the next time.