For years, the relationship between the Mountain West and the Pac-12 has been a tale of two conferences—neighbors separated not just by geography, but by perception. One has long carried the weight of "power" status, while the other has fought for respect as a Group of Five contender. But as both leagues navigate uncertain futures and shifting reputations, the question of whether they should schedule more games against each other deserves more than a casual glance.

This isn't just about filling out non-conference schedules or cashing guarantee checks anymore. It's about legitimacy, pride, and the increasingly blurred line between historical prestige and present-day performance. For the Mountain West, these matchups are golden opportunities—and often, statements. Programs like Boise State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Air Force have spent decades proving that "Group of Five" is more branding than football reality. When they line up against Pac-12 opponents, every snap becomes a referendum on the conference's collective credibility. Wins are ammunition; losses, if competitive, can still reinforce respect.

For the Pac-12, particularly in its reconfigured, post-realignment existence, scheduling Mountain West teams feels more complicated. Historically, the Pac-12 carried the weight of a power conference, viewing these matchups as regional tune-ups rather than competitive litmus tests. But college football's tectonic shifts have changed the equation. With membership uncertainty, media scrutiny, and questions about long-term relevance, every game now carries image implications. If the Pac-12 keeps scheduling Mountain West schools and starts losing too often, the old hierarchy weakens. The "power" label becomes harder to defend when the supposed undercard keeps landing punches. On the other hand, avoiding those matchups altogether could be perceived as insecurity.

So, should the Mountain West and Pac-12 schedule more games against one another? Only if both conferences are prepared for what those games truly represent—a reflection of where they stand today, not where they once were.