A couple of months ago when it appeared that the four-corners schools were considering dumping the PAC-12, it was believed that if only Colorado left, the conference would survive. I see no reason to doubt that. I think that the conference will survive. It is not as strong as the Big 12 or the other four power conferences, but it is not as weak as the Mountain West or American Conferences. Washington, Oregon, Utah and Arizona State will be the leaders of the conference going forward. That is not a bad place to be even if they lose Arizona. The other four schools are the ones they need to keep.
One must remember that doom and gloom of any sort are what sell papers, or in the 2023 vernacular, drive people to your website. I can be a little more level headed as I do not rely on this blog for my living or even for my side hustle. I am going to try and give an honest answer about going forward.
As I have mentioned in a prior blog, you don't replace the 2nd largest media market. Losing USC and UCLA hurts bad. But Colorado is replaceable. There is no need for panic in PAC-land.
That being said; dragging their feet on a media deal, and trying to push for money that isn't there is the biggest issue for the conference and its schools. If the PAC-12 is indecisive, fan bases and supporters will grow impatient and that will cause schools to leave. That is the biggest issue the PAC-12, or now -9, faces. They have been too greedy. I'm not suggesting the conference settle for less than they deserve. But trying to get close to what they would have gotten had USC and UCLA remained could leave them with nothing.
As far as expansion goes, there is now a new top school. Colorado State. Adding the Rams will keep a presence on the Front Range, with access to Front Range money and the Front Range recruiting base. But going to 16 and having a pseudo-merge with the Mountain West could water-down the brand too much. San Diego State is a good add. SMU is a good add. But don't go crazy. Be you, get what you can get, and learn to be happy with it. Win games, then the conference will survive and thrive and get the money for their schools that they deserve.
