worse. If those two losses hypothetically are great games with small margins of loss against very respectable opponents, then they don't necessarily tarnish a season that isn't earth shattering anyway at 9-3.

So, the recruiting capital we get locally in Utah and among national Polynesian recruits by beating Utah is probably better currency than two additional wins for what are similarly "mid" seasons anyway (9-3 v 7-5). Now if the choice is 10-2 or even 11-1 with the loss against Utah, you take the loss in exchange for a top tier season. Because the top tier season and a close loss to the Utes are probably equally marketable to recruits versus a win and a mediocre season.

I do think there is a tipping point, but the difference between 9-3 vs 7-5 isn't it for me personally. I'd take the win over the U and lord it over them with local and national LDS recruits that we might otherwise lose to them if they are in Conference Championship and National Title contention just for us to go 9-3 and not be in either. The win over them pulls extra sway in our recruiting pool at that point since it's not only the win, but also prevents them from highly marketable glory.