This is not exactly a shocker, since Fox owns 49 percent of the Big Ten Network. From the Big Ten, in an announcement today:
"The Big Ten Conference has reached a media agreement with FOX Sports to serve as the official broadcast partner of the 2011-16 Big Ten Football Championship Games. The inaugural Big Ten Football Championship Game will be played in prime time on December 3, 2011, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis..."
Fox does a fantastic job with the Big Ten Network. But it absolutely butchered the BCS Bowl Games from 2006 thru last season. So I'm going to hold my breath on this one until we see more details, like broadcast teams and whether the presentation will look more like the BCS games previously on Fox, or more like the Big Ten Network. We'll see.
Last year's Temple game was at noon. The Owls gave the
Penn State run game fits. Will it happen again this year,
with a later kickoff time?
The Big Ten a few minutes ago announced that Penn State's home game against Temple will air on the Big Ten Network at 3:30 p.m.
All I have to say is "wow, it's about time." Every time Penn State kicks off on the Big Ten Network, it's been at the atrocious noon timeslot. For people like me, who have to make going to games a day-trip, having to wake up at 4 a.m. isn't much fun. The 3:30 slot is fantastic. I'd love it for Penn State to get more of these, but I don't know if Penn State prefers the early kickoffs or not. You'd think after all those slow starts by the team, later kickoffs would be preferred for the benefit of the team itself. Anyway...
Also, we forgot to announce here that the Kent State game this weekend will kickoff at... NOON (zugh). Though, it will at least be on ESPN2. Not sure why the Kent State game got ESPN preference over the Temple game. But whatever. So put on some extra coffee, and hope it doesn't rain.
This significantly boosts Penn State's annual strength of schedule, and is a fantastic, though somewhat expected development. I haven't heard anything about the Penn State/Michigan State rivalry, but will update this post when I do.
The divisions are as prognosticated throughout the day...
(NOT the official names)
Div 1: Indiana, Illinois, Purdue, Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin
Div 2: Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Nebraska
Commish Jim Delaney said this would only affect football, for obvious reasons. Basketball will be up to the athletic directors and stuff. Over the next few weeks, we'll hear names for these divisions, and new logos, etc.
We're about three weeks out from Penn State's season opener against Youngstown State. The game will be broadcast, as are many games throughout the Big Ten, on the Big Ten Network. For years, Pennsylvanians could count on watching their Nittany Lions each Saturday, even those early-season blowouts against cupcake opponents. We didn't care, it was still Penn State football, and we were going to watch it all, dammit!
When the Big Ten Network launched three seasons ago, it faced an uphill battle with the cable providers. But slowly since then, nearly every TV set in all nine Big Ten states had access to the BTN. Unfortunately, "nearly every TV set" isn't good enough. Three years in, and two regional cable providers--Armstrong and Blue Ridge--still don't carry the BTN.
Armstrong is the largest cable provider within the eight Big Ten states that does not carry Big Ten Network. Armstrong has more than 170,000 customers in western Pa., as well as 45,000 in suburban Youngstown and 15,000 in Medina, Ohio. More than 17,800 Penn State alumni and fans live in communities served by Armstrong.
Blue Ridge is the second-largest cable provider within the Big Ten states that does not carry the Network. Blue Ridge has more than 175,00 customers in eastern and central Pa. More than 15,100 Penn State alumni and fans live in communities served by Blue Ridge.
You probably remember this map, showing how many counties lack universal access to Penn State football. This map doesn't even include the customers in eastern Ohio who are also left in the dark each football season.
At last week's Big Ten Media Days, the BTN was a hot topic, particularly with the addition of Nebraska into the Big Ten Conference. Parts of that state are already connected to the BTN, while its regional providers are already working out the details for giving the Cornhusker faithful access to Big Red football.
Then there is Pennsylvania and Ohio. Two states that have been around the Big Ten for quite some time longer than Nebraska, yet are still fighting for TV access for their teams.
In a zero-hour move, Penn State Director of Athletics Tim Curley, Ohio State Director of Athletics Gene Smith and Big Ten Network President Mark Silverman will be attending an event in Youngstown, Ohio, for area residents who do not receive the network.
The three will be at the luncheon reception at The MVR, 410 N. Walnut Street in Youngstown, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 18.
They will be available to meet with the media at 11:30 a.m. and then visit with followers of the Nittany Lions, Buckeyes and other schools who are interested in options to be able to receive the Big Ten Network in time for the fall sports season. All Penn State, Ohio State, and Big Ten sports fans are welcome to attend the event.
Representatives from DIRECTV also will be at the event to provide information and answer questions about its new, discounted offer that includes Big Ten Network and its more than 500 televised and streamed events in 2010-11, as well as NFL SUNDAY TICKET.
Silverman was interviewed last week at the Big Ten Media Days, telling viewers that it's come to a point where the blacked-out customers will start moving away from the companies that aren't giving them what they're asking for, what they practically deserve, not to mention a little blurb about China. You know, that bastion of freedom? [snark] Their people even have access to the BTN.
Let's face it. We're not writing this to start a witch hunt against the regional cable providers that haven't come on board with the BTN. We realize that smaller, regional cable providers are in a different situation than the large telecoms.
In fact, Armstrong Cable president Jeff Ross responded to an article written by Kevin McGuire a few months ago, on this very topic:
This appears to be a legitimate concern, and for smaller cable providers without the resources of companies like Comcast and Time Warner, it can be the toughest hurdle to jump in order to bring the Big Ten Network into the homes of cable customers. Ross is aware of the desire for fans to receive the Big Ten Network, but as long as Armstrong feels they are not getting their best possible deal it appears fans will still be left without the network. Ross claims Armstrong has continued to work on reaching an agreement.
Wheeling and dealing this kind of stuff isn't fun for either side. We love the Big Ten Network, but there is only so much that both parties can do for each other.
The point of all this is that it's time everyone living in a Big Ten state should have access to the Big Ten Network. Part of the requirements of the BTN is that each footprint state must have the BTN on a basic or expanded channel, not in any sort of pay-tier, like a sports package for a few bucks extra per month. That does seem a bit steep for the smaller telecoms, particularly when going up against the giants like Comcast and Verizon.
The Big Ten Network is a great service, and its proponents want you, the cable customers to get on these companies' cases about carrying the network. Fair enough, but while you're making a call to Armstrong or Blue Ridge, maybe a quick call to the Big Ten Network should be in order.
No matter what happens, it's time for both sides to realize which party really matters the most here--The Fans.
"It's more of a relief than anything," said Odrick, when reached by cell phone in Miami on Thursday night. "I felt it was a matter of business, really. I wanted to get to campon time and we (agent Drew Rosenhaus and the Do
lphins front office) got that accomplished. This is a business thing. I'm going to work tomorrow." "It was very important to Jared to report on time," Rosenhaus told the Associated Press. "The other day he said to me'Do everything you can so I can report Thursday night for the first meeting.'"
Quite refreshing to see a high character guy like Odrick focused on getting to camp on time, rather than a certain Pitt defensive player purely focused on getting the most money.
Odrick wasn't the only Lion to sign, as the Collegian's Footblog tells us Navorro Bowman inked a four year deal with the 49ers and is reporting to camp on time.
"Realistically, it's going to take a really strong training camp for Bowman to become a key contributor this season, but he should be able to turn some heads. Whether he does this by playing special teams or by being featured in sub packages remains to be seen. But for now, being at camp on time is certainly a plus."
There's Only One Coach Without a Cell Phone
Take it to the bank, Lions fans. You wont see Joe Paterno being accused of any NCAA violations for improperly texting recruits. Why? Well you need a cell phone to text, last I checked. Paterno finished up his chat with Rich Scarcella of the Reading Eagle, and talked about his use of technology, among a bunch of other topics.
"If somebody wants me, they know how to get me. They may not get me right away. They may call in the morning and Sandi (Segursky, his administrative assistant) will call me and tell me I have three messages. "OK, I'll get back to them this afternoon." I don't need a cell phone.
I know how to use a cell phone. I don't know how to use these phones that they use to take a picture. I'm walking around the campus or walking down the park in the back of my house, and somebody runs out carrying this little thing that looks like a cigarette lighter and takes a picture."
And no, he doesn't have a twitter either.
And the Starters at QB, LB is..........Not so Fast My Friend
You may be playing with Kevin Newsome on your Play Station 3, but the actual starter has yet to be announced (in case you've been living under a rock).
He mentions that the starters are currently slated to be Chris Colasanti, Nate Stupar, and Bani Gbadyu. But it's a comment that Stupar made about backup Mike Mauti that interests me.
Asked if Mauti is back to 100 percent, Stupar replied, "I'd say it's better than that - 110 percent. He's looking awesome."
Mauti was always an exceptional talent that was supposed to give Josh Hull a run at the starting gig last year before getting hurt. If he truly is 110%, why not give him a shot at starting?
Big Ten Network the Place to Be
If you find hours of live press conferences and lip service to be riveting television, then the next couple days are right up your alley. The Big Ten Network and ESPN News will be covering Big Ten Media Day today with the Big Ten Network airing additional coverage tomorrow. Coverage begins this morning at 11 a.m.
Or if you have something else to do on a Monday morning like work perhaps, then you have a couple choices. Either set your DVR, or if you can sneak onto bigtennetwork.com, they will be airing the interviews on their site as well
Ohio State is right behind Alabama at two, Wisconsin slides in as the eighth ranked team, and Iowa gets the 13th spot. Notice I didn't mention Penn State. That's because they didn't even make the top 25, sliding in as the 32nd ranked team in the pre-season rankings.
Guess there must be some sort of uncertainty surrounding this year's team or something. Who knew?
If you're lucky enough to get the Big Ten Network on your television, than this is the week for you. The Big Ten Network will recapture some of the greatest Nittany Lion moments of the decade all week long. From the 2001 NCAA Tournament game against North Carolina to the overtime thrilling Orange Bowl in 06, you'll be able to relive the past this week. And thank heaven's they're focusing on the past, rather than the future in PSU athletics.
Blame Joe? Not so fast my friend...
Type in Joe Paterno on Google, and 99% of the articles will either have to do with him closing in on 400 victories or him having a negative affect on Penn State recruiting. VictoryBellRings.com doesn't quite see the recruiting "problem" the same way as those Joe Pa naysayers.
"Lets get back to the original point. Joe. As of late, critics of Paterno have pointed out that while Nick Saben and Co are out visiting players, Joe hasn’t made a in house visit since Terrelle Pryor (although he came close this past year). Disptite this statistic the program has still pulled together a Top 10 recruiting class for 2010 and as well as many strong classes in the past decade. All of which occured without Paterno’s direct intervention in the household.
While there is something to be said for the All-time winningest coach visiting your house, recruits are really looking for three things. Winning, Playingtime, and a chance to go pro. Penn State has gone 51-13 since 2004, and none of that winning has been related to Joe Paterno eating cookies and telling odd stories to recruits."
Speaking of Joe Pa...
Wow. The same person notorious for his distaste for the media-Joe Paterno- sat down for a one on one interview with the Reading Eagle. Same usual stuff you'd expect..not naming a successor, or when he'd retire, and likes Nebraska joining the Big Ten.
But he had something interesting to say about a certain person the Cavaliers were not able to sign this off-season. And no he's not taking his talents to South Beach. Tom Izzo is staying at Michigan State, but Joe talked about how the dollar signs are affecting coach's loyalty.
Q: You've always had great respect for Bobby Bowden. His situation and your situation appear to be so unique. Do you think we'll ever see any more coaches staying at one university for 20, 25 years?
A: It doesn't look that way. With the kind of money they're paying some guys they have two good years and they're up to 2 or 3 million bucks (a year). They're moving around because people are offering them more money.
Take a guy like (Michigan State basketball coach) Tom Izzo, a guy who I admire and respect. I think he's a great coach. I never thought he would even talk to the pros. I understand even he's talking to some people (Izzo turned down the Cleveland Cavaliers in June).
It's the money and maybe the challenge. I don't know why they're moving around.
I keep telling guys: "If you have a good job stick around and make it happen. Make your institution better."
You see people getting fired who have done a good job. You have a couple good years and all of a sudden someone else comes around with a little better deal and you start thinking, "If I stick around here, they're going to fire me in two years, anyway; I might as well move."
Joe Pa's Best
So we're 44 days away until Penn State takes on Youngstown State (yours truly has the call on Comradio *shameless plug*) which means the first in Nittany White Out's "44 for 44" series, ranking the top 44 players to play for Joe. Counting up rather than down, they start with number one and none other than the Heisman Trophy winner himself, John Cappelletti.
"For a program with as much history as Penn State, it still comes as a surprise that just one Nittany Lion has earned the greatest honor in the college football world. But that man, who epitomizes all that is great about Dear Old State, stands on his own."
Just Saying...
Remember the last time a PSU quarterback was up for the Johnny Unitas Award? Certainly there won't be one this year. But Pat Devlin is the ONLY FCS player on the list. Oh how different this year could have been...
Linkbacker U is hitting to all fields this morning, patrolling the grid iron, hardwood, and the ice in today's edition.
Student Ticket Sales off to Smooth Start
We'll start today's tour in Beaver Stadium, as today marks the second day of Student Ticket Week in Pennsylvania, where students from across the commonwealth are seeing what 7 A.M. looks like for the first time. Today the juniors rush to reserve their seats for the "greatest show in college football". If yesterday's results were any indication, juniors should have no trouble securing a ticket. Quite a difference from the good ole' days of 2007. Must have been Anthony Morelli.
Megan Hodge Awarded NCAA's Best Female Athlete
Remember those high expectations we all had for Morelli? Didn't live up to them did he? Well Megan Hodge certainly lived up to the hype, and yesterday was a co-recipient (along with UConn women's basketball player Mia Moore) of the Honda Broderick Cup for top women's collegiate athlete. Make all the jokes you want about women's athletics, but anyone who watched Moore's UCONN team or Hodge's Lions can attest to the level of dominance these teams, and players demonstrated.
Icers in for a Name Change? Varsity may be in team's future.
If you recall, you were able to catch Hodge and Moore winning their championships on the ESPN family of networks, and were able to follow PSU's streak all season long on the Big Ten Network. Volleyball has caught on like wildfire in Happy Valley, and with the recent ratings success of the NHL, Patriot News columnist David Jones wonders if a switch to varsity is on the horizon for the Penn State Icers.
Boom Boom POW!
Speaking of things that caught on quickly in Happy Valley, remember Tucker Haas? If the name sounds familiar, you probably were at Thon 2010. Or recognize the name from his facebook group. Or his youtube video. Well this morning, he makes his television debut on Fox and Friends as he willl be performing his famous rendition of "Boom Boom Pow" at 8:50 A.M.
There's no doubt about the Big Ten Network. In just about three years on the air, the risky experiment by the nation's oldest college football conference has risen to become the shining success that's left others scrambling to find one of their own.
One could say the Big Ten Network is partly responsible for the seismic shift going on right now in college football. The Pac-10's recent addition of Colorado, and their stated intent to invite several more prominent college football programs, was justified by that conference's officials with their intent to create their own television network.
This is not going away, folks. It's high time the cable companies fell in line.
It took years of fighting for the Big Ten Network to land itself on even the special sports packages, never mind the basic lineup in the nine states which Big Ten schools reside. But oddly enough, even as more Big Ten conference sports (including quite a few key football matchups each season) migrate towards the BTN, only 83 percent of Pennsylvania cable customers have access to the Big Ten Network, the lowest percentage among the eight Big Ten states.
That's no small chunk, especially up there in northeast Pennsylvania. You probably know a few dozen of your own Penn State classmates who hailed from that part of the state. Some of our Linebacker-U.com staff have family up there, so it's extra frustrating when visiting during football season, only to realize their cable provider doesn't offer that weekend's Penn State and Big Ten games.
There are 300 cable and satellite providers that carry the Network to approximately 75 million homes in the U.S. and Canada, including 19 of the top 20 U.S. markets.
The Big Ten Network has televised more than 100 Penn State events and 24 teams in 2009-10, including four football, 16 men's basketball, nine women's basketball and seven women's volleyball contests, as well as coverage of 14 Big Ten Championships.
BTN has been available during the past year to Cox Cable customers living in the Omaha-Bellevue-Council Bluffs area. Cox is the primary cable provider in the Omaha market. So, Penn State, Nebraska and Iowa fans in Omaha area are all set, while 17 percent of cable customers in Pennsylvania are not.
So let's take, for example, those four football games. Eighty-three percent of Pennsylvania gets to see those games.
You know what else looks like 83 percent? Beaver Stadium with a completely empty student section...
Crude rendition? Yes. Gets the point across? We think so.
Imagine if Penn State announced next week that Beaver Stadium's capacity would be reduced to 88,000. The fan base would explode with rage, even from those who weren't going to attend the games anyway. Well, that's what's happening with the Big Ten Network in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Seventeen percent of the state doesn't even have the option to watch games on their TV sets. They can't even buy a premium sports package to get the BTN.
Why?
One of the founding principles of the network was that within the states that are home to a Big Ten institution, the network could not be launched above the expanded basic tier, so it doesn't, and won't, air on a premium sports package within the current eight states, nor in Nebraska as of Sept. 2011. So, among the 17 percent that don't have cable access to the network, their only option is to switch to DirecTV, Dish, Verizon FiOS or AT&T U-Verse, if available in their area.
There really is no excuse. In every other Big Ten state the Big Ten Network is covering more than 90 percent of its homes. That's not a mere percentage point or two. Pennsylvania leaves nearly twice as many homes without the BTN as those other states.
And what will happen if and when the Big Ten expands beyond the 12 teams currently on the roster? You can bet that ESPN won't be picking up more games than it already is for the Big Ten conference schedule. With the conference growing to 14 or 16 teams, that's about 30-40 more conference games per season. Most of them will end up on the BTN.
It's time to get with the program. Penn State fans, even those who currently get the Big Ten Network in their basic cable lineup, need to speak up. Cable providers will only change their service if the customers tell them they want it. So get on the horn, or fire off a message today, to the three cable companies still keeping Penn Staters in the dark:
Fond memories of the last visit from Illinois. (Photo: Joe Hermitt/Patriot News)
If you're planning on going to this year's homecoming game, and love the sight of the morning sun rising over Mount Nittany, you're in luck. Penn State announced today that the Nittany Lions' matchup against the Illinois Fighting Illini will kick off at 12 p.m. Eastern. The official press release added the standard, "The Big Ten Network, ABC, ESPN or ESPN2 will televise the contest with the Fighting Illini, with an announcement on the televising network likely 12 days before the game."
Personally, I despise noon kickoffs. The student section never shows up--no matter how big the opponent--the overall crowd is deader than Rip Engle, and it really, really sucks if you have to drive up that morning. But here it is, in all it's ass-early glory.
