I’m not convinced that there is a lot of risk to the system. The haves are pretty content. They are getting the best players, big money, and have a fun playoff. Further, the playoff was a lot of fun to watch even though my team was not involved.
The reason we are have nots is due to our numbers. The system can afford less interest from Utah fans- otherwise we would be in the P2.
I am with you in terms of losing interest though. I don’t have much of an emotional tie to professional athletes coming and going moment by moment who happen to wear the uniform of my alma mater. The more Cam Calhoun types and the less Lander Barton types- the less I’m interested.
I’ve always enjoyed watching the prospects join our team as high-school kids, develop and progress over 4 years. The hope for future success has always been a big part of the equation for me. If it becomes who accepts our middling payment for 8 months and then searches elsewhere for a somewhat better payment- that is normal people looking for a better job. Perfectly acceptable, but not entertaining.
I’d support the university going back to being about education, particularly if that meant lowering cost to the non-athlete students. Even if Utah dumps football altogether, Georgia and Ohio State will still do their thing (and I’ll probably watch the playoff).
Utah @ 
UCLA .
