“Examining the Prospects and Pitfalls of Big 12 Expansion: Insights from Arizona State’s Michael Crow”

Big 12 Expansion: Arizona State’s Michael Crow Must Humble Himself, Fight for Pac-12 Exit

The State of the Pac-12

As the landscape of college conference expansion and realignment continues to shift, the once proud Pac-12 conference is facing a major shake-up. Reports suggest that Oregon and Washington are considering leaving for the Big Ten, while Arizona is contemplating a move to the Big 12. In the face of these potential departures, Arizona State President Michael Crow must put aside his staunch support for the Pac-12 and fight for a spot in the Big 12 for his university. The future of ASU’s athletic program may depend on it.

The Power Dynamics at Play

Without the presence of Arizona, Washington, Oregon, USC, UCLA, and Colorado, the Pac-12 will be left with only six teams: Arizona State, Oregon State, Washington State, California, Stanford, and Utah. This diminished lineup hardly qualifies as a power conference, even if the Pac-12 were to add teams from the Mountain West in an attempt to salvage its standing. The potential departure of Utah could further weaken the conference, leaving ASU in a precarious position.

The Need for Humility

Michael Crow has long been a vocal supporter of the Pac-12, but it is now crucial for him to reconsider his stance and recognize the dire straits in which the conference finds itself. Swallowing his pride and actively pursuing a spot in the Big 12 may be the only way for Arizona State to ensure its athletic program’s survival. The days of boasting about the Pac-12’s potential for greatness are long gone, and Crow must now take decisive action to protect ASU’s interests.

Lessons from the Past

In a 2019 interview, Crow expressed confidence in the Pac-12’s trajectory and its ability to compete with conferences like the SEC and the Big Ten. However, reality has debunked these aspirations, as evidenced by the ongoing Big 12 and Big Ten expansions that have seen Pac-12 teams defecting to other conferences. Crow’s optimism at the time was misguided, and it’s essential for him to acknowledge this miscalculation in order to make sound decisions for Arizona State’s future.

The Urgency for Change

Fans of Arizona State are clamoring for a move to the Big 12, and their passionate support is a testament to their desire to see the Sun Devils thrive. Crow must recognize the sentiment among alumni and supporters and take immediate action. Delays and indecision will only bring ASU closer to the point of no return, where the opportunity for major college revenue and national championships becomes increasingly distant.

The Final Call

Ultimately, it is imperative for Michael Crow to prioritize Arizona State’s interests over his personal allegiance to the Pac-12. The potential loss of key conference members and the shrinking relevance of the Pac-12 compel Crow to embrace the possibility of a move to the Big 12. By doing so, he can secure a brighter future for ASU athletics and ensure that the university remains competitive in the ever-evolving landscape of college sports.

Contact: Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff. Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today.