with BYU gaining in this case. Historically Utah still owns BYU in terms of wins vs losses in the rivalry. Even after Lavell made up huge ground during his tenure as coach, Utah still is king in the state vs the two teams.

They made their identity based on beating BYU. Even when transferring to the PAC12 they were identified by beating BYU. Interestingly enough I think Urban Meyer may share in the reason why this actually happened to the level it did. By introducing the Team Down South moniker a la Michigan vs Ohio State and creating a more toxic level of rivalry.

When Kyle took over it was maintained and although the team was no longer in the same conference it stuck. Even multiple efforts by Chris Hill to attempt to disassociate the Utes from BYU failed.

BYU over the past decade had to figure out its identity without a conference championship, without guaranteed annual rivalry games at the end of the season and by traveling all over the country. Over that time fan support, visibility, and success on the field in key games increased the already national identity of BYU. Once BYU walks into the Big XII they will already from a resources and facilities measure be at the top of the league.

The state of Utah was flipping over to Utah due to PAC12 membership, I can imagine that bandwagoners could jump back onto the BYU train as BIG XII membership becomes a reality.