that everyone hates, mocks and disrespects the program the way BYU does. Most people have mad respect for the Utah program in general.

As a program, Utah was not a rival to anyone in the P12.

Why would they be? They had decades and Utah was a newcomer from a non BCS conference.

They would absolutely look down on Utah, as they should. But rivalries are often created when you take something away from a program.

Utah became the top performing program in the South the last 5 years. Completely dominating CU...and consistently beating UCLA, AZ and ASU. Then 50/50 vs. USC, until the last bit where Utah won 4 in a row.

Collectively, Utah has been dominant with that group.

That made Utah a top target year in, year out. If the goal was to secure a CCG berth or a championship, Utah was the top contender. The weight given to the head to head outcome in a 6-team division, made every game vs. Utah critical.

Utah- USC ended up having some of the best barn burner, last second outcome matchups in the west. I don't think anyone would argue those weren't well fought, deeply contested matchups that mattered to both schools.

For that, yes, Utah and USC built up a divisional rivalry. To pretend they didn't want a CFP berth in 2022, or that they didn't love beating top 3 Utah in 2015, or top 10 Utah in 2019 is silly.

The ratings, the attention TV gave it, post-game coverage — all made this a big game annually.

I don't see the big deal of people referring to it as a rivalry...but it is certainly not a long-term rival.