The more things change the more they stay the same. This Saturday BYU and the U play a postseason football game in Las Vegas, a place that both teams wish were not included in their travel plans this bowling season. Now both schools have nothing against the City itself but both schools wish that their postseason destination was somewhere else and probably against someone else, especially the U.
The University of Utah really wanted to be in a “Big” name bowl this bowling season but alas they got regulated to Las Vegas. This seems highly unfair since the Utes were ranked as high as number three in the country this season after a pretty good start. Even though one of the better PAC 12 teams and co-champion in the south division of the PAC 12, the bowl committees had reason to bypass our school and pick “other schools” that “were a better fit.” In other words, The University is not well thought of out of the state of Utah despite their impressive resume that past 10 to 15 years.
BYU has found success (some) as an independent but would rather be playing in a “BIG” conference but they are constantly snubbed in conference alterations.
Whether it be because they are a church school or won’t play on Sunday or whatever it is, the so-called Power 5 conferences keep looking down on them with dismay and will not include them in their future plans. Shortsighted in my opinion.
BYU left their old conference, the Mountain West, because they were tired of carrying the conference financially and even now as an independent they are doing well as they play anybody, anywhere, anytime and could last this way for a good number of years.
And now they play each other and like it or not, these two schools are tied to each other and maybe that tying will be forever. It is not a bad thing. For example, the Las Vegas Bowl is completely sold out already and has been for nearly a week. No other non-New Year’s Day bowl can say the same nor will they before the game is played. The fans of these two teams like to beat the other school on the field and love to do smack talking both before and after. It will be good.
Utah was not invited to join the conference to win the conference but for the number of TV’s in the state and to help their television contract. BYU has not been invited for the same reason because conferences kind of like their current status and don’t want to see it change. It is time for these two teams to stand tall, play well and take their place in the football world. Make this game the best bowl game of the season with the best crowd. Good luck you two.
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