ESPN, Many Power Coaches Want Exclusive Sked

So it begins. Basically, the Big Ten, Pac-12, Big-12, ACC, SEC, and the Fighting Irish don't want to play any more football games against the FCS schools or the smaller Division I FBS schools.

What's this means, you're not going to see anymore FCS teams like Appalachian State beating Michigan in football. I also realize that APP State is not a FBS school, but they're not going to be playing the big five schools anymore, either. Frankly, this smacks of elitism. It's not like Minnesota or Indiana are very good in football. One has to wonder if this is going to filter down to College Hockey and Basketball as well?

Brett McMurphy, ESPN.com - Many of the Power Five conference coaches in college football told ESPN that they favor a schedule consisting of only Power Five opponents.

Of the 65 Power Five coaches from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, SEC and Notre Dame, 46 percent (30 coaches) favored playing exclusively Power Five opponents while 35 percent (23 coaches) were opposed. About 18.5 percent (12 coaches) were undecided.

The Pac-12, Big 12 and SEC coaches favored playing all Power Five opponents, while the ACC coaches were against it by a 6-4 margin with four coaches undecided. Big Ten coaches were divided: Six each were for and against it, with two undecided.

The coaches, who were in Bristol, Connecticut, last month, were asked whether they would favor all Power Five conferences playing their respective conference schedules and then scheduling all non-conference games against other Power Five teams. Because of the tougher schedules under this hypothetical scenario, teams would not be required to reach six wins to play in a bowl.

The Pac-12, Big 12 and SEC coaches favored playing all Power Five opponents, while the ACC coaches were against it by a 6-4 margin with four coaches undecided. Big Ten coaches were divided: Six each were for and against it, with two undecided.

Alabama coach Nick Saban said "fans want" Power Five teams playing exclusively Power Five opponents.

This is good from @McMurphyESPN; poll of Big Ten coaches on playing just power-5 teams: 6 said yes, 6 said no, 2 undecided #FCSFootball
— Dom Izzo (@DomIzzoWDAY) August 7, 2014

Lot of interesting quotes in that ESPN story. 46 percent of Power 5 FB coaches want Power 5-only schedules.
— Tom Miller (@tommillergf) August 7, 2014

MTSU Football: Marine Sgt Rhodes to compete immediately

Here's the official response by the NCAA....

As a part of its continued review of Steven Rhodes’ eligibility, NCAA staff determined he may play immediately. Additionally, he will maintain all four years of his eligibility.

Throughout this process, NCAA staff worked closely with Middle Tennessee State University, and we appreciate the school’s partnership.

As a part of the ongoing review of NCAA rules, our members will examine the organized competition rules, especially as it impacts those returning from military service.

We thank Steven for his service to our country and wish him the best as he begins college.

— Kevin Lennon, vice president of academic and membership affairs

Pac-12 Network launches campaign to drop DirecTV

Here’s another unhappy customer with DirecTV.

SAN FRANCISCO – Pac-12 Networks today launched a new advertising campaign titled “Compare” that contrasts the exciting Pac-12 football action a fan will see on Pac-12 Networks with what they won’t see on DirecTV. The campaign will be featured on digital, print, outdoor and radio outlets, and across all Pac-12 member university platforms.

Entering its second season of covering Pac-12 football, Pac-12 Networks is distributed on more than 50 video providers across the country, including three of the four largest. Despite being offered the same deal that all of the other providers have agreed to, DirecTV remains unwilling to reach an agreement, and the “Compare” campaign is the latest step by Pac-12 Networks to urge fans to drop DirecTV and switch to another provider.

“We realize this is affecting many of our fans, and we share their frustration,” said Pac-12 Networks President Lydia Murphy-Stephans. "We built the Pac-12 Networks to give fans unprecedented access to their favorite teams and sports on TV, and with just two weeks before the fall sports schedule begins, DirecTV continues to deny them that access.”

This does bring up a matter for discussion. College sports fans are really over a barrel in some instances when it comes to watching their favorite teams. Obviously, there’s more options for watching the professionals sports like the NHL, MLB, NBA and the NFL. It’s becomes more dicey with college sports.

I love DirecTV, the programming is amazing… I like it better than Midconet. I can watch all kinds of stuff and I have more channels than I shake a stick at. However, there’s instances where I can’t always watch what I want to watch as well, even with the Sports Pack. If for some reason I didn't go to the hockey game at the REA, it wont be on my TV. That could change at some point in the future, but as of right now, it won't be on.