Yeah we don't usually get a trial and conviction by one person, especially one who administered an investigation agency, but not active for many years. It's another case where people who aren't in nor have never been in a situation want to judge it. Running a major college football team is more than a full time job and really doesn't allow time do jobs that fall under others responsibility. The NCAA hands down opinions which historically have punished the innocent.
As far as Colorado goes, no sane person does what he does. I've always heard that a death penalty is more expensive due to appeals. I would think in this day and age the courts could speed up the process where there is overwhelming DNA evidence and make the penalty was it was intended to be, a deterrent.
Prison time is unlikely as much punishment as some believe. If you've ever been in the military you know you get used to 24 hour direction and restriction, prisoners here don't even have that, just restriction.