Comcast vs. ESPNU

There are a couple of things here that need to be addressed. As far as UConn being upset at being on ESPNU, it isn't the Rutgers game this week that caused this. It is the following weeks game with Cincinnati. VERY IMPORTANT DISTINCTION.

When the Cincinnati game was put on the U, the Huskies had already won 2 games and were in first place in the Big East and had their national ranking. So this crystal ball issue doesn't apply.

That would be 4 times that UConn is on ESPNU. And regardless of this weeks outcome they will still be the first place team in the Big East.

Now, 4 games on ESPNU is a lot. That is a third of the UConn schedule. The Big East contract with ESPN and ESPNU is a good thing for the conference most times. Mike Tranghese knows that and tried to do some damage control yesterday.

But ESPN has to remember that the games have to benefit the schools too. It has to be a mutually profitable situation. At this point in time, the relationship is not helping UConn. It's harming them.

ESPN shows games on ESPN Classic, ESPN News and other channels depending on the market when this issue comes up. Michigan-Minnesota comes to mind this past week. Why can't WTNH 8 New Haven use the ESPNU feed for that game like Detroit used it for the Classic feed for Michigan?Is it red tape? Yes. Why is it not possible? No one explains this.

On Saturday, ABC will have regional coverage of USF-Cincinnati. On ESPN, there will be a reverse mirror of another ABC game. What does that mean? ESPN in Connecticut will have the Michigan game on ESPN, while USF will be on ABC. In Michigan, USF will be on ESPN. UConn remains on the U.

So, ESPN, ABC etc. can play around with feeds and channels. It's more complicated than flipping the switch (advertiser buys and contracts etc.), but it can get done.

Why doesn't ESPN do this with Connecticut?

If it's contractual, then put the game on ESPN Classic or ESPN news only in Connecticut. It's not rocket science. a pain in the rear end? Yes.

I don't think they are using Connecticut specifically, but there is no doubt that when these games are unavailable, if the games are big enough, (see Rutgers NFL Network), a tremendous cry goes up to the cable companies (don't get me started on Comcast, they are terrible, so no sympathy).

ESPN is getting good programming and publicity for its ESPNU channel, but the 4th time the Huskies are on it this year (and in first place nonetheless) is excessive considering the unavailability of the network locally, it's pricing structure where available, lack of compensation to schools, and standing within the Big East conference

UConn needs to build a fan base. Making games accessible locally is NO. 1 priority for all college sports. National is great, but what's the use if a lot of your fans can't watch it, or have to pay extra?

They still are trying to sellout a stadium. Would West Virginia be happy if its games were shown on the U and unavailable in West Virginia to half its fans?

How does this benefit UConn? It doesn't.

For the first time, this team is generating tremendous amounts of excitement and it needs to capitalize on it. Being on ESPNU is preventing that. That's the plain truth.

Personally, I want ESPNU. It is an incredible channel and very very high quality. It's worth the money. I would pay for it if I was allowed (of course I have Comcast, which won't even give me Celtics games in HD, but that post is coming soon), but that isn't the issue. These college games HAVE to be allowed in local markets. If it is picked up by the U, there should be a way for it to get on local TV also.

Of course ESPN has rights to the game, they paid good money for it, why would they allow it to be broadcast locally? Then no one would call their cable company and request ESPNU, definitely not the volume. So ESPN is exercising its contractual rights, and they are well within their rights to do so, to further its business objectives.

But, ESPN and the Big East have to be partners in this. The games have to be advantageous for both UConn and ESPN and all the other Big East teams for that matter.

ESPN has to understand this. And from what I have read, they don't seem to realize the frustration or much care for the feelings of their partners.