The fans have been bitching about it since we joined the conference and more so since we have become a viable TV product for the league. I respect your opinion but frankly I think you are misguided on a few points. Casual fans, AKA dudes who spend Friday night and Saturday in sportsbars in the Eastern and Central timezone do actually watch the late night PAC12 games. I saw it when I lived in the Central timezone and see it when I travel to the Eastern timezone for work. I get the most random communication about the Utes from non-fan friends while the “Friday Night Showcase” game or late ESPN games are on.
The problem you speak of is not “nobody watches”, it is that the 75 year olds who run the AP poll and CFP rankings miss the Big12 games played in the afternoon because they are already in bed. However, a fair look at the last 4 seasons shows that for the most part the Utes enjoyed an inflated ranking at times because people were just looking at the box scores when they woke up.
Finally, Oregon State plays a lot of afternoon games on the Pac12 Network. Bet their fans would trade some late kickoffs for the wins.
Can the season just get here already!
Mississippi Valley State @ 
Utah 
.
