Utah football could face significant challenges without its star quarterback, Cam Rising. Rising has been the heart of Utah’s offense for the past few seasons, bringing a proven skill set, leadership, and stability to the team. His ability to make plays both with his arm and legs has been crucial to Utah's success, especially in high-pressure situations. However, with Rising dealing with an injury, the Utes may find themselves struggling to maintain the same level of performance on the field.

Without Rising, Utah will likely need to rely on a less experienced quarterback to lead the offense, which can be a difficult transition for any team. Rising's ability to read defenses, extend plays, and command the offense has been instrumental in Utah’s recent success, including their back-to-back Pac-12 championships. His absence creates a leadership void and removes a key offensive weapon.

In addition, Utah's schedule is unforgiving, and without their proven quarterback, they may struggle against top-tier competition. While the Utes have a solid defense and talented skill players, the quarterback position is pivotal in modern college football. A drop-off in production at that position could lead to more turnovers, fewer sustained drives, and a harder time putting points on the board.

Injuries are part of the game, but losing a player of Rising’s caliber could make it difficult for Utah to remain a top contender in their final Pac-12 season and heading into Big 12 competition. If Rising's injury keeps him sidelined for a significant portion of the season, Utah may face more struggles than anticipated.

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The SEC and Big Ten have long been seen as the powerhouses of college football, and they are continually seeking ways to assert dominance over other conferences, including the Big 12. Both the SEC and Big Ten have expanded aggressively in recent years, adding marquee programs to bolster their brand and increase their revenue potential. The SEC's addition of Texas and Oklahoma, along with the Big Ten's expansion to include USC and UCLA, signals their desire to dominate the national landscape in both competition and market reach.

For the SEC, dominance is built on decades of winning culture, particularly in football, where they consistently produce national champions. The conference has become synonymous with powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, and their expansion only further solidifies their hold on some of the nation's largest fan bases. Adding Texas and Oklahoma—two historically strong football programs—further ensures the SEC's grip on top-tier talent and major television markets in the South and Midwest.

The Big Ten has been similarly aggressive, adding USC and UCLA to extend its reach to the West Coast, tapping into the lucrative Los Angeles market. This move showcases the Big Ten’s strategy of maximizing revenue from both media deals and exposure, bringing its brand to more regions across the country. By expanding westward, the Big Ten challenges the Big 12 in its own footprint, while also securing some of the biggest names in college sports.

The Big 12, however, remains a formidable player, particularly with its recent expansion and competitive football programs. While the SEC and Big Ten seek to assert their dominance, the Big 12 is positioning itself to stay relevant and competitive on the national stage. The rivalry between these conferences for supremacy will likely only intensify in the coming years.

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The Big 12 has established itself as one of the most competitive and deep football conferences, particularly with recent expansions that include teams like BYU, Cincinnati, and the addition of Pac-12 powerhouses like Utah. This depth makes the Big 12 a strong contender for producing teams that can challenge for the College Football Playoff (CFP), positioning the conference alongside the SEC and Big Ten in terms of national prominence.

BYU's inclusion in the Big 12 brings with it a program steeped in football tradition and a history of success. The Cougars, known for their 1984 national championship and numerous conference titles, have always played an aggressive, fearless brand of football. For years, BYU played as an independent, regularly facing top-tier programs across the country, which prepared them for the competitive gauntlet of the Big 12. Their schedule was always loaded with tough opponents, and now, as a member of the Big 12, BYU will have an even greater chance to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

With the Big 12's new alignment, no team is safe week to week. Programs like Oklahoma State, Baylor, Kansas State, and the newcomers like Utah all bring their own strengths to the table. The diversity of playstyles, from high-flying offenses to dominant defenses, ensures that every game is a challenge. This competitive landscape only bolsters the Big 12’s position in the race for the CFP.

The depth and competitiveness of the Big 12 create a scenario where multiple teams, including BYU, could realistically make a push for the College Football Playoff. As a conference that continues to grow in both quality and national appeal, the Big 12 stands strong as a force to be reckoned with in college football.