BYU also doesn’t compete on Sundays, and that’s non-negotiable, so don’t even try. Personally, I think it’s charming. Brigham Young tells the world that some things are not for sale. When did a little integrity ever hurt a conference? – Berry Tramel

An influential voice inside Big 12 country wrote the conference should go west and add BYU and Boise State.

"The Big 12 has to add two schools that bring value to the Big 12 brand," wrote Berry Tramel of The Oklahoman. "And in the 21st century, most certainly in the Big 12’s case, that means football brand. The answer is clear. The Big 12 should add Brigham Young and Boise State."

Tramel laid out his case for the Broncos and Cougars in terms of branding and television. He also addressed the geography concerns of adding two teams from the Intermountain West, as well as BYU's no-Sunday play policy.

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"BYU also doesn’t compete on Sundays, and that’s non-negotiable, so don’t even try," wrote Tramel. "Personally, I think it’s charming. Brigham Young tells the world that some things are not for sale. When did a little integrity ever hurt a conference?"

Tramel also addressed concerns about Boise States academics, which is often brought up as an objection to adding the Broncos.

"The Big 12 needs Boise State football and can live with Boise State’s academic status," wrote Tramel.

Tramel concluded his argument with these words: "Desperate times call for desperate measures. Maybe these aren’t desperate times for the Big 12. But you can see them from here. Brigham Young and Boise State would put a great deal of distance between the Big 12 and its demise."

Utah out to prove it belongs

It seems the Utes have a bit of a chip on their shoulder after getting picked fifth in their division at Pac-12 Media Days.

“Ever since we’ve basically been in the Pac-12 people have looked at Utah as the underdog,” junior cornerback Brian Allen told John Coon of The Associated Press. “We take that as motivation. Last year, I feel like we proved everybody wrong beating the so-called powerhouse UCLAs, USCs and Stanfords. We proved we can play in this conference with everybody.”

“It’s just adding fuel to the fire again,” Devontae Booker said in the same article. “Last year, we were picked at the same (spot), so it’s definitely motivating us and just adding more fuel on the fire for us to go out there and kick some butt.”

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National writer thinks Jazz should still make the playoffs

Zach Lowe of Grantland said Dante Exum's ACL tear put a crimp in the Jazz's plans, but they should still be in the playoffs this season.

"The news is sending Jazz Nation into a panic and apparently jeopardizing Utah’s status as everyone’s favorite 'Cinderella' playoff contender that isn’t actually a Cinderella at all," wrote Lowe in his analysis. "And this is where we have to chill. Exum’s injury is a blow, but Utah should still make the playoffs as the No. 7 or No. 8 seed — or at the very worst, lose out to Phoenix in a spirited race for that last spot. It’s hard to untangle the impact of two simultaneous lineup changes that carried the Jazz over a small sample, but Utah’s rise was more about (Rudy) Gobert than Exum."

Lafe Peavler is a staff sports writer for the Deseret News. Follow him on Twitter @LafePeavler.

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