The News-Gazette.com Weblog

Fourth-and-blog

Let's make a deal

Posted by: Bob Asmussen

Tuesday, November 18, 2008 10:30 AM

The word came out today that starting after the 2010 season, ESPN will televise the BCS games. It's a huge get for the network, though you have to wonder if the price was worth it. ESPN is paying a reported $25 million more per year than Fox was willing to pay. You can't blame the BCS folks for taking the money.

My first question was how does this impact a possible playoff? Though the folks at Fox seemed to be pro-playoff, this should help push the colleges toward at least a plus-one format. ESPN will continue to ask for more and more for its money. With all five games under the same broadcast umbrella, it will be easier to make the jump.

Of course, the consumer is hurt by the games going off free television. ESPN can tell you it's in 80 zillion homes, but you still have to pay to get it. The federal government will not be happy with the move. Trust me, there will be repercussions for college football, the kind that might need a playoff to help the sport satisfy the government.

Here's how it might work out. The college are told this is not acceptable and that the government will find a way to make the schools pay. The colleges come up with a different plan. How about a title game after the BCS games, which will be broadcast by ESPN partner ABC? Works for me.

A special note to ESPN: Please, no Chris Berman.