The Big Ten has announced times for the first three weeks of its teams’ seasons, and an additional one. Michigan’s games are as follows:
September 5 v. Western Michigan. 3:30, ABC.
September 12 v. Notre Dame. 3:30, ABC.
September 19 v. Eastern Michigan. 12, BTN.
October 31 @ Illinois 3:30 (2:30 local) ABC.
On top of that, we already know that the Iowa game will be played under the lights in Kinnick on ABC or ESPN.
Somewhat surprising that the Western game made it onto ABC, but I guess the network executives are expecting a pretty good game. The Notre Dame and Eastern times/channels are no-brainers.
I believe BTN rule is that each team must appear on the network 3 time during the season, with at least one of the appearances being a conference game. That leaves two games remaining in Michigan’s schedule that will be headed for BTN. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Indiana game, already announced to be played at noon, ends up there, especially if the Hoosiers are as bad as everyone (including me) predicts, and Michigan struggles to start the year.
That leaves (at least) one more game to be sent to the Big Ten Network, and Delaware State is a no-brainer for that one. If Purdue is as terrible as it appears they will be, the contest against the Boilermakers is likely to be sent there as well. Still, in a year that Michigan is expected to go through some growing pains, having 3 games already announced to be on ABC, another one (Iowa) likely, and Ohio State a mortal lock to be on netowrk is a pretty good accomplishment.
Posted under Football, Media
Tags: scheduling, tee vee
Call me a pessimist, but I think the WMU game is on ABC because they want to show highlights of Michigan’s opening game losses the last few years (esp. App State).
Also, I think it may be in the afternoon because RR is pushing for later games.
Tim–
Need your help. Nick Saban was complaining in an article written by ESPN (author’s last name is Lowe) that “recruiting websites” were not just asking kids where they were going but actually recruiting for their schools or against there hated rivals.
On one of the message boards I read that
was happening at UM with either Rivals or Scout or one of these Wolverine websites and there was going to be an investigation.
Could the writers a those sites being dong that? I hope not. My question is where is the line drawn as far as representing a University? Could UM be in trouble?
People located in the midwest probably don’t realize how cool it is to sleep in on Saturday a.m., wake up, pour some Joe, cook up some eggs and cheer for the Maize and Blue at 9:00 a.m. on the West Coast.
That’s why 12 noon kickoffs are the best.
The game is over by 1:00 p.m and I have time to run errands, etc.
I’ll be at attending the Western Michigan game, so I’ll have more time to buy my UM gear, stash it at the hotel and head to the game. Oh, and drink a few more brewski’s before kickoff! :)
Yeah, I was thinking about that the other day. I’ve always been an early riser, so I’d love to have Gameday already going when I get up at 7, and real live football on by 9.