throwing is perfectly legit. Utah was up, but a nervous backup punter muffed a punt deep into Utah terriotry, Rising got hurt...the list goes on.
Utah fans at the game were happy because it was a barn burner, great entertainment and the game could've gone either way against an elite blue blood.
Utah followed that game and the following year with record recruiting.
Utes also started top 10 the following season and will likely start to 10 this coming season. That helps with recruits and transfers.
The perception battle is something Utah is succeeding very well.
So it's not me. It's perception in the CFB world in general.