Big Ten Network faces big challenge for viewers

Though more than three dozen of the most important Big Ten football games will still be shown by the Disney-owned channels this season, the Big Ten Network is pleased to control scores of others, where no one can tell the universities a game must start at a time upsetting to students and alumni. Each university must let at least one football game a year be broadcast on BTN, and this week’s is the Ohio State game.

In a strange twist, the University of Michigan’s jaw-dropping loss to Appalachian State in the season opener was a boon to the Big Ten Network: It helped drive home its importance, since the game was unavailable on ABC.

”We felt sorry for Michigan for the loss, but it brought a significant amount of attention to the network,” said Silverman, whose crew quickly offered a two-hour replay of the game to viewers on Fox Sports Network. Silverman said phones were ringing off the hook that following Monday at the Big Ten Network from interested advertisers, and the historic upset put a burr under football fans who angrily wondered why it was unavailable on their cable system.

In fact, the passion of college sports fans could save or destroy BTN’s cause. For example, thousands of Badger diehards were fuming when they couldn’t find the Sept. 15 Citadel-Wisconsin game, available only on BTN.

That number will soar Saturday. The big question: Will they blame the Big Ten Network or their cable provider?

Stay tuned.

Last, but not least …
Who would ever guess the clothes of a gruff, monosyllabic coach accused of cheating would travel well?

At the Patriots Pro Shop online, coach Bill Belichick's hooded sweatshirt has been a No. 1 seller this season. Considered a bargain by fans at $74.95, the sweatshirt designed by Reebok is available in four sizes. Maybe the nearby promotion is the key to sales success:

“Wear what the Coach wears! The ‘Belichick’ long sleeve hooded sweatshirt not only looks good, but it's also really comfortable!”   

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