Pac-10 Expansion: Is Colorado Ready for the Big Time

The University of Colorado is the first to leave the Big 12 in the dust and make the switch to the Pac-10. They’re now the 11^th member of the Conference, the first new member since 1978.

Let the restructuring of college football begin. The expansion of the Pac-10 to 16 teams may have at first seemed absurd, but now it’s well on its way.

According to Pac-10 Commissioner Larry Scott, Colorado is “a great fit for the conference both academically and athletically.” The Buffaloes have recently been struggling on and off the field however, is this really the right choice?

Just recently the Colorado football team was penalized with a reduction of five scholarships for not meeting the minimum APR standards. Luckily they had anticipated this and had already reduced their scholarships given out.

They’re instituting an APR improvement plan complete with academic support staff and renewed focus in recruiting. Maybe a switch to the Pac-10 is a good incentive to get their academics in check and start fresh.

New recruits being able to handle the workload are key. Colorado has to start emphasizing the role of a student-athlete.  Some argue the APR doesn’t show the whole story and the football GPA which has been over 2.5 for five of the past six semesters is overshadowed. So, maybe they are perfect matches academically after all.

But what about on the field?

There’s been a lot of pain and frustration lately with the current team. They just can’t seem to get it together. But this year, they’re coming back with more depth and experience in key positions that could lead them to win more games.  With 16 starters returning to the field this year, they should be able to get back into the game.

If it’s anything like last year though, it doesn’t look too promising. They have to figure out their QB and o-line problems to get some points on the board. Maybe the transfer from Michigan, Toney Clemons, will add the spark they need.

Led by head coach Dan Hawkins since 2006, they’ve gone 16-33 in the past 4 seasons.  They haven’t had a winning record in their conference any of those seasons; so maybe a change of scenery is exactly what they need.

All in all, they’ll be a great addition to the Pac-10. If nothing else, they’ll provide a boost to conference television revenues, expanding the Pac-10 to Denver.  Colorado will strengthen the Pac-10 and they could be the next Super Conference.

Time will tell as other teams decide whether to jump on the bandwagon and make the switch.