Half their class last year were JC lineman - guys that don't get evaluated. But yes, historically BYU has probably been in that 50 range most years according to the recruiting experts. Nothing to brag about for sure initially, but that talent usually turns about being good enough when it's all said and done - with a few glaring exceptions. BYU typically lacks depth at DB most years and BYU could use a few more explosive skill position players on offense. That's it. It doesn't matter if it bumps them up only 10 spots or whatever. Guys that can be solid at a couple of historically weak spots is all they need. They meet that need, they'll be much improved regardless of what some recruiting services, that pretend they know the value of each of the million or so high school kids that are playing football currently is, say.
BYU and Utah have been pretty equal the last 20 years. Similar recruiting rankings, similar records, etc.
The past two years their difference has been has Schedule. You switch their schedules and their record switches.
Since Utah has joined the PAC-12, their recruiting ranks have jumped from the 50's to the 30's and they have still lost a lot of games. Since BYU has left the MWC, their recruiting ranks have dropped from the 50's to the 70's.
So, Utah's schedule has gotten harder, their recruits have gotten better and they have lost more.
This year will be big for BYU because their recruits have diminished in quality but their schedule is getting a lot tougher.
This is where your depth gets really tested. Big year for BYU. Win, and you can really do special things. Lose as an independent and you can quickly get forgotten, especially without having Utah on the schedule the next two years. What game do you get excited for? And not semi-excited, but really excited?
I'll make a confession here: I know Utah might only win 3-6 games this year. If Utah goes 3-9 and beats BYU, USU and WSU, I can live with that. I'd want Kyle's seat warm, but I'd want him to have a year with Erickson and a Jr QB. If Utah goes 3-9 and with loses to USU and BYU? I don't know if I bring Kyle back. All we've heard is how the recruits are better, the coaches are better, yet their program hasn't passed BYU yet and has regressed to where USU can consistently beat you.
3 wins does not equal 3 wins this year.
My point with the rambling is that Utah has games/rivalries that are fun to look forward to. If BYU is losing and can't play Utah, that could kill them.