With USC down, there's no premier program, more parity between the top 4-5 teams. Whereas most of every other conference
same 1-2 champions every year.
Either Utah is unique as the only mid tier school blocking the the premier programs from the playoffs...can you imagine Purdue beating Michigan or UNC beating Clemson.
Just doesn't happen.
Next year, you have USC, UW, Utah, Oregon and UCLA / Oregon State all have a shot at the championship. No one else has that close of a fight.
I think OP is right, adding two new teams gives more opportunities for the top 2-3 schools to stay on top every year.