BYU to the Big 12 should be viewed as a welcomed development for University of Utah sports. The biggest thing is that all of the problems that have come with the “in-state game” since 2011 are over. Our “A” game in the years we are scheduled to play the TDS is now a A5 game meaning the strength of schedule perception argument is alleviated. If the Utes lose (May it never happen again) it is a non-conference loss to another A5 school. The State gets to keep one of the great rivalries in College Football which was teetering on the brink of becoming like CSU/CU. Most important of all local kids have more access than ever to play college football as BYU’s recruiting base elevates and expands it will create scholarship openings at Utah State and the FCS schools.
I would argue that Utah may be getting more out of this than the Big12. And lets face it, their fans were going to continue to be insufferable anyway so it really makes no difference on that front.