Perfect storm.

Independence: our best option, but a major disadvantage. Utah gains P5 access and pulls ahead with greater resources/prestige.

Bronco was weirdly ambivalent about the rivalry while Whitt was maniacal- honestly, this probably cost a couple of games during the streak and could have prevented it from getting so ridiculous

Utes genuinely believing that they were multiple tiers ahead of BYU

Anyway, I actually think it will be healthier with greater balance. The two programs are now on even footing and have always been at similar levels. Whitt needs to go and Scalley and Kalani can make it more of a McBride/LaVell dynamic.