Pac-10 Expansion: Colorado Just Isn't Enough

When the Colorado Buffaloes joined the Pac-10 on Thursday, the conference figured it was on its way to a mega conference. What very wishful thinking by Larry Scott and Co.

That’s like finding a penny and thinking you are on your way to becoming a billionaire.

And the penny is dented, bruised, and doesn’t even have Abe Lincoln on it.

While adding the Buffaloes could help restore the Pac-10’s reputation as a threat in the two major money sports, it needs to be put into perspective. If the now inappropriately named conference wants its sexy back, it has a lot more work to do.

Justin Timberlake isn't just handing it out.
Their main mission? catching the bigger fish like Texas.

However, do not use a net. I hear trying to catch a bull with a net works out pretty poorly.

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Why Colorado Is Not Good Alone

Looking at the golden pants, one might think the Buffs provide some of the value their elaborate fashion statement displays.

Hold your horses, Liberace.

Colorado on its own does not have the tools to help the Pac-10 right away for multiple reasons. First let’s look at the competition and talent they provide.

Which is like looking at how a cork plugs up the Hoover Dam. Not helpful.

Last year, they performed poorly in their two biggest sports, which are the areas the Pac-10 needs help most. The Buffaloes went 3-9 in football and 15-16 in basketball. Situating those records into their new conference, Colorado would have been 10th and 6th, respectively.

Oh, I thought the Pac-10 didn’t want mediocrity. But with the addition of Colorado, the Mendoza line is looking pretty good right about now.

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Why Colorado Is Not Good Alone Pt. 2

When you are mediocre or worse, your team tends to not have many fans.

As a Northwestern University fan, I would know.

Colorado’s poor performance of late has dwindled their fan base immensely. While many people argue that the Pac-10 might get a boost to their relatively small annual television contract with the Denver market, what many don’t realize is that Denver is a football town.

For the Broncos.

The Buffs do not carry that market as greatly as even the Rockies or Nuggets do, proving that pro teams dominate the city’s viewership. So while the Pac-10 might add some viewers, they are adding it from a tiny pool.

Like asking a teacher to pick their best D student for a spelling bee, it’s just so helpful.

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Why Colorado Is A Step In The Right Direction

All of that being said, getting Colorado to leave the Big 12 could be the first domino to fall.

It’s as hard to root for a collapse of a multimillion-dollar institution as it is to hate BP.

With Colorado, and possibly Nebraska, ditching the Big 12 for greener pastures, the end of that conference seems inevitable. And since money makes the world go ‘round, the teams in the sinking ship will likely abandon it before it hits the depths.

Before. Not after like Leonardo DiCaprio. This means the big teams like Texas and Oklahoma will need a new home. And who better to take them than the Pac-10, who is already looking at expansion more than a Viagra commercial?

And this should be the ultimate goal.

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Why The Pac-10 Needs More Big Fish

Getting more Big 12 teams into the Pac-10 can cause a seismic shake up to the landscape of football.

Even more than Andy Reid falling over. But this should be exactly what the conference wants. If the Texas and Oklahoma schools join the super conference, not only do they provide the huge television market Colorado lacks, but also a giant recruiting basin.

Tons of top prospects come out of the Lone Star State, and with the dearth of talent in the Pac-10 lately, it could be a great help.

I use dearth lightly. Watching Pac-10 basketball last year was like watching paint dry.

At a morgue.

Also, note how this aligns with the USC violations. Now that the Pac-10’s top dog won’t be in the constant national spotlight, the conference will need someone to represent the conference. Who better than the all the top teams in the Big 12?

Besides the SEC in football. Or the Big East in basketball. You get the point.

When you have a chance to add top talent, a huge recruiting pool, and a fat television market, you have to take it. While Colorado may have been a small piece to the puzzle, if it makes the Big 12 collapse like Jenga, the Pac-10 could win in all regards.

And if Texas’ cheerleaders come to the West Coast, then everyone wins.

Check out more from Ross at LA Sports Examiner and follow him on Twitter at Rossel64.