Looks like we'd have an easier path to the playoffs through the MWC/PAC8. It would be us vs Boise every year. If you look back at historical rankings of BYU, we are given similar respect with 10 wins as a Big 12 team vs a MWC team.

Previous rankings at end of season

2020: 13 — loss to Coastal Carolina after beating up a bunch of Sun Belt teams all year
2009: 15 — 10-2 with losses to Florida State and TCU
2008: 17 — 10-2 with losses to Utah and TCU (lost later to Arizona in bowl game)
2007: 19 — 10-2 with loss to Tulsa and UCLA
2006: 19 — 10-2 with losses to Arizona and Boston College (felt like this team could beat anyone by the end of the season, that offense was amazing)
2001: 19 - 12-1 following the loss to Hawaii

Edit: given some of the responses here and the emoticons given, some people missed my point. Going back is TIC. I am not advocating returning in any way, shape, or form. I'm commenting on the lack of respect we have for going 10-2 in a major conference vs going 10-2 in the MWC.