To that I'll add that their brand is taking a serious hit. It's mostly (not all) fodder for the online crowd and followers of social media, but the U and its fans are just not well liked. People from all over their new conference have found the Utes off-putting and more than a bit delusional about their place in the college football landscape.

As you point out, the well-publicized Mark Harlan temper tantrum was widely viewed, roundly mocked, and very on brand for Utah. Could it, along with their fans' bluster and annoyances, be having an effect?

When you are relatively NIL poor in today's game and your rock of stability, Kyle Whittingham, just had a bad season and is clearly on the way out, the Utes' image certainly isn't helping them.