ESPN's consistent attack on the Big Ten
Over the last two weeks i have noticed ESPN and commentators just trashing the Big Ten relentlessly. While i agree the talk about the Big Ten's struggles in bowl games and against the elite competition (i.e 1-6 in bowl games last year and OSU making poo every time they play the SEC and elite teams), them see to be going out of there way to go after the conference.
So how LSU's pulling away victory over a 0-12 Washington team last year was more impressive then Minnesota beating a Syracuse team (who actually won some games) wasn't good enough? Big Ten went 10-1 last week (thanks Illinois).
So last week i started thinking of some theories as to why the constant attack and it got me thinking about the Big Ten getting their own network. Lets face it the Big Ten is a big money conference that brought a lot of money to ESPN. Now that ESPN doesn't get all the Big Ten games their revenue was probably hurting because of it. This also prompted them to sign the SEC after wards.
So my theory is that ESPN is pissed about it and is now taking some shots at the conference because of their network. While the talk of the struggles are warranted, the ramming it down our throats isnt. Any thoughts?
September 12th, 2009 at 1:59 PM ^
Trashing Big 10 supports the SEC myth. BTN isn't going to kiss the SEC ass, and NBC thinks that ND is and should be relevant. Follow the $.
September 12th, 2009 at 2:07 PM ^
I have had this very thought...there have been way too many off handed comments to ignor.
September 12th, 2009 at 2:26 PM ^
This is ESPN's MO. Think about NASCAR - irrelevant to them before they got the rights to it. Now you can't escape it. NHL no longer gets five minutes a night on Sportscenter since they no longer have the rights. Tennis is gettin considerably more coverage this year now that they have all 4 grand slams. It's pathetic and makes the channel infuriating to watch.
September 12th, 2009 at 2:29 PM ^
Don't forget soccer - they barely covered it, but now that they have English Premiere it is EVERYWHERE.
September 12th, 2009 at 8:01 PM ^
Very true. I forgot about soccer - can't avoid it now.
September 12th, 2009 at 2:30 PM ^
ESPN loves going after the Big 10 because it is easy - the conference has struggled recently and thus the easy storyline is already written. Let's see what happens if UM and/or OSU pull out victories tonight. My guess is that they'll jump on the bandwagon if either of those wins occur.
September 12th, 2009 at 2:40 PM ^
my thoughts are that if michigan and osu do pull it out they will be ignorant and say well everybody else isnt that good. They will find something to minimize the accomplishments. Although i think Michigan will get more love then OSU will.
To be honest i think more people are interested in seeing Michigan/ND rather then USC/OSU simply because everybody knows OSU is going to get killed. they will get the viewership because its the prime time game.
September 12th, 2009 at 3:20 PM ^
I agree that OSU will get killed, but I do think that an OSU win would be huge for the B10. Beating an overrated ND would lead to the inevitable "Weis is on the hot seat" comments, but not necessarily the return of the Big 10. OSU beating USC would show people that the Big 10 can compete against the top teams from other conferences, even if it would be a pretty convoluted example.
September 12th, 2009 at 2:34 PM ^
I dont understand the Big Ten bashing. Yes the conference in not good, but has anybody been paying attentiong to the ACC, thats a terrible conference.
September 12th, 2009 at 2:44 PM ^
ESPN wants to say the big ten sucks and are irrelevant in college football now because they cant beat anybody. If that is true then why even talk about them? Why go out of your way to give them air time? you dont hear them talking about CUSA and how bad they are do you? The fact of the matter is the Big Ten is down and cheap shots are available. Get them in while they last because they know that they are a conference that will override this slump and once it does, what are they gonna say then?
September 12th, 2009 at 7:21 PM ^
Earlier this year, RR was asked about UM being ranked. He said something to the effect that they will be ranked when they deserve or earn it. The same thing goes for the Big Ten. When you win, the respect comes.
The Big Ten has to get to an National Championship game and win it convincingly, with no controversy. Also, someone has to beat USC in their home postseason game commonly known as the Rose Bowl. Beating USC in the Rose Bowl for the National Championship would be even better.