Didley Tech's comment in 1984) but there were no P5's & G6 conferences back in the 80's. There was the public perception of the WAC (while inferior talent wise) being on "some equal footing" with the Big 8, SWC, Pac Ten & SEC etc. in the 1980's.

Arizona & Arizona State in the 70's before leaving helped the WAC & BYU's success in the 80's brought the WAC "some" form of respect.

The "divide" between the conferences wasn't that wide back then. Miami & Florida State were independents & they competed against each other every year for the national championship.