In a sense, I guess any attempt to account for time slot, opponent, or network is a hypothetical, but the alternative is to compare apples to oranges to chimpanzees.
Besides, conference expansion is all about hypotheticals, you're entering into a semi permanent relationship with a team when you add them to your conference. You're projecting their value in 5, 10, 15 years. You don't base your additions on short-term athletic success.
If you listen to Yormark, the B12 are looking for additive programs in new time zones and markets. Utah does not meet that criteria.