## Pac-12 Fans Reflect on First Year in New Conferences
Following the 2024 college football season, fans of former Pac-12 schools offered their perspectives on the transition to new conferences.A survey soliciting feedback from over 1,200 fans revealed a mixed bag of experiences.
More than 46% of respondents indicated a positive outlook for their program’s trajectory in the new conference landscape. This sentiment was notably strong among Oregon fans, likely reflecting the Ducks’ performance and prominence in their new league.
Interestingly, almost a third of respondents (30.7%) felt their program’s trajectory remained unchanged.
Fans were also asked to compare the talent and coaching quality of their new conferences to the Pac-12. A majority (37.4%) perceived an increase in talent levels, while a smaller percentage (23.1%) felt the talent pool had declined.
When it came to coaching, a larger portion of fans (59.9%) saw no meaningful difference in coaching quality between the old and new conferences.
the transition to new conferences appears to have been met with varying degrees of optimism and pragmatism among former Pac-12 fans. While some have seen a clear upward trajectory, others remain cautious, awaiting further advancement and time to fully gauge the impact of this seismic shift in college football.## Pac-12 Exodus: Fan Reactions to Conference Shakeup
The 2023 college football season brought major changes as several Pac-12 schools transitioned to new conferences.A recent survey sheds light on fan sentiment regarding these moves, revealing a mix of optimism and dissatisfaction.
**Early success for Some**
While many Pac-12 schools struggled in their new environments, some thrived. Oregon, in its inaugural Big Ten season, posted a phenomenal 13-1 record and secured the conference championship. Arizona State, now a member of the big 12, exceeded expectations under Coach Kenny Dillingham, reaching the College Football Playoff and generating excitement among fans. Colorado also found success in the Big 12 after its return to the conference.
**Mixed bag for Others**
However, not every team enjoyed a smooth transition. USC, Utah, Arizona, Stanford, and UCLA faced disappointment in their new conferences.
**Talent and Coaching Comparisons**
When asked to compare the talent levels of their former and current conferences,nearly 40% of respondents felt the talent remained consistent. An additional 37.4% believe the talent pool in their new conference is stronger.
A slightly lower percentage, just under 60%, perceived the coaching quality in their new conferences to be comparable to the Pac-12.
**Nostalgia for the Pac-12**
Despite some positive experiences, a striking 75% of respondents expressed a preference for their former conference, the Pac-12. Reasons for this sentiment ranged from travel logistics to kickoff times, suggesting a strong emotional attachment to the dissolved conference.
**Impact on Travel and Kickoff Times**
the survey also explored the impact of the conference switch on travel and kickoff times. Only 13.2% reported traveling to more games in their new conferences.Conversely, 29.2% traveled less frequently. A significant 57.6% indicated they don’t travel to games at all.
Feedback regarding kickoff times was mixed, with some praising the changes while others expressed dissatisfaction.
The survey results paint a complex picture of the Pac-12 exodus. While some schools are flourishing in their new homes, others are grappling with adjustments. The overwhelming nostalgia for the Pac-12 highlights the emotional bonds fans felt with their former conference, ultimately raising questions about the long-term impact of these seismic shifts in college athletics.
West Coast College football Fandom Shifts After Realignment
College football fans on the West Coast are navigating a new landscape following the seismic shift brought by realignment. A recent survey shed light on how these changes are impacting fans’ experiences and perspectives.
Over 1,300 fans responded to the survey, offering insights into their travel habits, opinions on kickoff times, recruiting perceptions, and overall sentiment toward the sport.While the majority (57.6%) reported not traveling for games, 29.2% acknowledged traveling less this season. This is likely due to the expanded travel demands in the new conferences like the Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12.
Fans also expressed satisfaction with improved kickoff times.
46% of respondents felt kickoff times were better in their new conferences compared to the Pac-12, addressing a long-standing frustration with late starts that made it difficult for fans outside the West Coast to watch games.
The survey also revealed a sense of optimism regarding recruiting. While oregon and USC remained the top recruiting programs in the West, 45.6% of fans felt their own program’s recruiting prospects had improved with the move to a new league. This suggests a perception that the Pac-12 faced a recruiting disadvantage.
However, the overall impact on fan sentiment is mixed.
Nearly half of the respondents (48.1%) said they now like college football less consequently of the realignment, highlighting the challenges of adapting to a new era.
Fans shared their thoughts on the positives of their new conferences in open-ended responses. Some cited benefits like improved media exposure, easier access to games through national broadcast networks, and a more passionate football culture. Others expressed thankfulness for less restrictive officiating and the excitement of competing for conference titles.## Fans Lament Lost Rivalries, Travel Woes as Pac-12 Teams Join Big Ten
The move of several prominent Pac-12 programs, including USC, UCLA, Washington, and Oregon, to the Big Ten conference has sparked a mixed bag of reactions.While some see the move as a step toward greater exposure and competition, others lament the loss of regional rivalries and the logistical challenges of navigating a geographically dispersed conference.
Fans expressed concerns about the grueling travel demands ahead. trips to Midwestern and Eastern time zones will mean longer flights and less appealing destinations compared to the familiar West Coast locales. “No truck stops in the conference of champions,” one fan quipped, highlighting the lack of authentic travel experiences compared to the Pac-12.
The loss of past rivalries and the sense of West Coast camaraderie were also deeply mourned.
“Competing against schools that geographically we have no connection or rivalry with … killed some of the fun discussions and banter because we all live in separate worlds now,” one fan shared.
Another lamented the demise of local connections, saying, “In our local areas, we work with many Pac-12 alumni but not many ACC. ”
Furthermore, the Criticized were the altered kickoff times, which could range from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. pacific Time, disrupting viewing habits and potentially alienating fans.
Some fans expressed skepticism about the Big Ten’s brand of football, perceiving it as predictable and lacking the excitement of the Pac-12. “B1G football is so boring! Such an unimaginative and bland group of coaches and programs,” one commenter remarked.
The inclusion of non-traditional powerhouse teams like UCF also raised eyebrows, leaving some fans questioning the direction of the conference.
While the move to the Big Ten brings new opportunities and challenges, the transition is undeniably bittersweet for Pac-12 loyalists. As they prepare for a future of cross-country travel and unfamiliar opponents, they grapple with the loss of familiar traditions and the essence of West Coast football.
From Pac-12 to Big Ten: A Fan’s Viewpoint on the Seismic Shift
The move from the pac-12 to the Big Ten has been a momentous shift for many college football fans, and their experiences illustrate the profound implications of conference realignment.
Money reigns supreme in this new era of college athletics. The Big Ten’s financial resources dwarf those of the Pac-12, offering previously unimaginable opportunities for programs.
One passionate fan summed up the financial disparity succinctly: “Money, money, money, money!!!”
While the Big Ten boasts a higher overall level of play, the Pac-12 was renowned for its exceptional quarterback talent.
“The lines are way more physical in the Big 10 but quarterback play in the Pac-12 was wayyyyyyy better,” one fan noted.
Another fan highlighted the sense of professionalism that permeates the big Ten: “The Big Ten is much better run. It’s more professional — in a good sense. the Big Ten Network is excellent and far more accessible than the Pac-12 Network,” they said.
The Loss of Regional Flavor
Several fans expressed a sense of loss associated with the move away from regional rivalries. The Pac-12, with its focus on West Coast matchups, instilled a strong sense of regional identity.“Loss of identity. It feels fake and lame. Miss the regional aspect,” one fan lamented.
Another fan echoed this sentiment, expressing a sense of disillusionment with the new conference landscape. “Having those (Big Ten East Coast) be conference games. I’d feel that way even if we won any of them,” they admitted.
A New Level of Competition
Despite the nostalgic longing for the Pac-12, many fans acknowledged the elevated level of competition within the Big Ten. The competition is fierce, demanding a higher level of performance from every team.“The talent floor feels higher. There are fewer weeks where you can afford to take an opponent lightly,” one fan acknowledged.
Another fan emphasized the importance of strategic scheduling and consistent performance:
“no divisions makes tie-breaker scenarios complicated and teams’ control of their path is more difficult,” they observed.
– What are the key differences in the style of play between the Pac-12 and the Big Ten, especially in terms of quarterback talent and physicality?
From Pac-12 to Big Ten: A Fan’s Viewpoint on the Seismic Shift
The move from the pac-12 to the Big Ten has been a momentous shift for manny college football fans, and their experiences illustrate the profound implications of conference realignment.
Money reigns supreme in this new era of college athletics. The Big Ten’s financial resources dwarf those of the Pac-12,offering previously unimaginable opportunities for programs.
One passionate fan summed up the financial disparity succinctly: “Money, money, money, money!!!”
While the Big Ten boasts a higher overall level of play, the Pac-12 was renowned for its remarkable quarterback talent.
“The lines are way more physical in the Big 10 but quarterback play in the pac-12 was wayyyyyyy better,” one fan noted.
Another fan highlighted the sense of professionalism that permeates the big ten: “The Big Ten is much better run. It’s more professional — in a good sense. the Big Ten Network is excellent and far more accessible than the Pac-12 Network,” they said.
The loss of Regional Flavor
Several fans expressed a sense of loss associated with the move away from regional rivalries. The pac-12, with its focus on West Coast matchups, instilled a strong sense of regional identity.“Loss of identity. it feels fake and lame. Miss the regional aspect,” one fan lamented.
another fan echoed this sentiment, expressing a sense of disillusionment with the new conference landscape. “Having those (Big Ten East Coast) be conference games. I’d feel that way even if we won any of them,” they admitted.
A New level of Competition
Despite the nostalgic longing for the Pac-12, many fans acknowledged the elevated level of competition within the Big Ten. The competition is fierce, demanding a higher level of performance from every team.“The talent floor feels higher. There are fewer weeks where you can afford to take an opponent lightly,” one fan acknowledged.
Another fan emphasized the importance of strategic scheduling and consistent performance:
“no divisions makes tie-breaker scenarios complicated and teams’ control of their path is more difficult,” they observed.