Pac-10 Expansion: Colorado vs. Baylor, Who Deserves the Last Spot?

Multiple reports say that the Pac 10 is getting ready to extend invitations to six Big 12 schools to create a 16-team super-sized conference.

The first five schools appear to be a no-brainer — Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

The sixth school is the big question.

Colorado appeared to be the clear choice until a loud cry from Baylor backers and a ton of back-channel messages that the Texas legislature won't allow Texas to leave without taking Baylor.

So, which one would be the best fit for the Pac 10?

The tale of the tape is extremely one-sided.

School Size

Baylor is located in Waco, Texas and boasts a student population of 14,769

Colorado is located in Boulder, Colo., and has 30,196 students — nearly double the size of Baylor.

ADVANTAGE: Buffaloes

Bowl Appearances and History

Baylor has been to 16 total bowl games but none since 1994 or while as a member of the Big 12. The Bears have seven conference titles and an all-time record of 521-523-43.

Colorado has been to 28 bowls, eight as a member of the Big 12. They claim 26 conference titles, including a Big 12 crown, and won the 1990 National Championship.

ADVANTAGE: Buffaloes

Recent History

Both schools have struggles as of late.

The Buffaloes are 16-33 over the last four years, while the Bears are 15-33.

ADVANTAGE: Push

Academic Reputation

The University of Colorado has a rich history as a research institution.

The school boasts four Nobel Prize winners and 19 Rhodes scholars.

Baylor has zero Nobel winners and five Rhodes scholars in its history.

ADVANTAGE: Buffaloes

Facilities and Mascots

The Buffaloes call Folsom Field home. It has a 53,750 capacity and more importantly, is routinely mentioned in the list of the top college football venues in the country.

The Bears play at Floyd Casey Stadium, a 50-year-old stadium that has a capacity of 50,000. There's nothing to bash here, but nothing that particularly stands out either.

Compare the mascots. The Buffs have a manly buffalo named Ralphie. The Bears have two bears named Joy and Lady.

ADVANTAGE: Buffaloes

Lobbyists

Buffaloes boosters have been frustrated at the Colorado state legislature's lack of comment on the story, according to Neill Woelk of the Daily Camera.

Baylor boosters have been loud and relentless in their support of the Bears. They have pushed the legislature to speak on their behalf and latched themselves as a package with the other Texas schools to any reporter who will listen.

ADVANTAGE: Bears

Athletic Reputation

We previously mentioned the Buffaloes' national championship in 1990.

The school has won a total of 22 national championships.

Baylor has two national titles, one in men's tennis in 2004 and one in women's basketball in 2005.

ADVANTAGE: Buffaloes

Scandal

Both schools have been in the headlines for the wrong reasons.

USA Today reports that starting in 1997, rape, sexual assault, underage drinking, providing minors with alcohol, strippers, and sexual harassment were a regular part of football recruitment season.

Head football coach Gary Barnett (pictured) was put on administrative leave in February 2002.

It continued in 2004. Ten women submitted claims that they were raped and/or sexually assaulted by University of Colorado at Boulder football players at off-campus parties.

Baylor's issues were just as salacious. A member of their basketball team was killed a teammate. The team's coach resigned after being accused of telling his players to cover up the issue by labeling the victim, Patrick Dennehy, as a drug dealer.

An internal school investigation found the program was riddled with drug abuse and recruiting violations.

ADVANTAGE: Push, though if we're talking football only, the Bears have been cleaner.

Athletic Department Revenue

In studies done by Street & Smith's Sports Business Journal, both schools were middle of the pack in athletic revenues.

Colorado had 2008 revenues of $52.1 million, good for 43rd on the list.

Baylor had 2008 revenues of $44.1 million, good for 56th.

ADVANTAGE: Buffaloes

Television Market Size and Conclusion

Colorado is part of the Boulder and Denver TV market, currently ranked 18th in television market size.

Baylor is part of the Waco market, currently ranked 95th.

ADVANTAGE: Buffaloes

It's a clear cut win for Colorado. I'm not a Buffaloes alum and have no affiliation to either school. We just looked to find some points of comparison and found that Colorado is the clear-cut choice for the Pac 10.