Pac-12 expansion leads to added layer of struggle for players and coaching staff 

Many college football conferences have undergone big changes in the past year from expansion, including the Pac-12. Most teams that used to compete in the Pac-12 moved to other conferences. After the first week, four of those teams appeared in the AP Top 25 Poll. However, it has not gone well since then.

The Pac-12 was left with Washington State and Oregon State as the conference looks to rebuild over the next few years. The teams that left saw initial success, but most have struggled since in-conference play started.

This past week, Oregon was the only former Pac-12 team in the AP Top 25, marking the first time there were not at least two teams in the Top 25 since 2011. One of the biggest issues for these teams has been increased travel in their new conferences.

Travel has caused issues for former Pac-12 teams

With these teams entering new conferences, it has forced them to travel more as their new conferences do not make as much sense geographically as the Pac-12 did. Fox Sports analyst Brock Huard said:

"They started well in non-conference play, which complicates the converstation. As they have gotten into Big Ten play, there's no question the travel has played a significant role."

Huard said he would not discuss private conversations he has had with many of these teams but said there is plenty of behind-the-scenes talk about increased travel. When he discussed all teams but Oregon struggling, he said this:

"There's no question, it's an excuse and an explanation. The early kicks and the amount of miles are playing a role. Oregon's roster is stocked to deal with it. That's not the case for the others."

However, travel is not the only issue for these teams; injuries have also been a factor.

Injuries have piled up for former Pac-12 teams

For teams that entered the Big 12 instead of the Big Ten, travel has not been as much of an issue as the injuries. Huard said:

"Utah lost its most imporant player. Arizona's roster has been decimated with critical injuries. They are really thin. Part of that is the players who followed Jedd Fisch to Washington. They have no depth. It takes a lot more than 22 or even 44 players, especially at this point in the season."

Injuries are always a problem for football teams, but it has been an even bigger factor for some teams that switched conferences. That, coupled with travel, has resulted in a disastrous year for most former Pac-12 teams.