I just don't think the conference is that good this year after the top teams. The BTN has little to do with that.

Uhhh. They don't make the polls because of the teams you see on TV.

The polls are a political house of cards. Yeah, Florida was great at the end of the season, but so was USC. Because of no playoff system we all just "guess" and "suppose" that Florida was the "no. 1 team."

I believe it does hurt the Big Ten conference. What hurts even more is that cable companies (ie Comcast etc.) in Michigan will not carry the Big Ten Network. In order to watch most Big Ten games a household has to have Dish Network. Think about it - it's not only turning off Midwest college football fans but the recruits who can't watch Michigan, Ohio St, Penn St. are watching Florida, LSU, USC. Do the math. It the long run Big Ten Network is only hurting themselves

I knew they would lose a ton of money. I know it is a good station but its stupid how greedy they are. People in Illinois with Insight are not aloud to watch it since BTN wants us to pay the total package not just let us see Illini game.

Direct TV has the package as part of its low end package, so everyone gets it. I think its great.... at least if you have satellite, I think Dish Network also gives it on the low end package.

Dish does give it on the low end package. I have it on AT&T U-verse (which sucks btw), but it's on one of the more expensive packages I think.

I love the Big Ten Network (here in rural MA). Now, if I could just get an SEC or PAC Ten Network, then I could see most of the good games in the country. ESPN GamePlan is a joke and not worth the money. If only the Big Ten had better teams this year, then there would be good games on for 4 time slots on Saturdays (noon, 3pm, 6pm and 8pm).

Being blacked out for your local teams (Big Ten teams in Big Ten country) is a major pain in the -----. I get the same treatment with the NFL blackouts and it doesn't help keep the local talent from going to warm weather schools.

its not the big ten network its becuase the Big 10 is the 2nd worst BCS division only ahead of the overrated Big East

Again, I find it funny that Karen in rural Massachusetts can get the BTN but someone like me that lives 20 minutes from the "Big House" and 35 minutes from Spartan Stadium can't get BTN. How sad.

Oh please, there is a reason why ESPN didn't buy out the games that the Big Ten Network did; it's not a good quality football.

Well, this article is from BigTen counrty. I guess it's in their blood to make excuses.

Nobody want s to watch that crap they call football anyways.

For instance, the battle of the shitties Minn vs Northwestern.

they do too irish... ever wonder why clemson was ranked after beating FSU...

If they made polls based off of exposure, then ND would be number one.

Come on now. Tell it like it is. The schools sold their fans out. Unfortunately, the plan backfired. Nobody wants to see 2nd rate football, while being forced to pay for it. I feel the Big Ten is getting what it deserves,

Hey Tigator, re: "For instance, the battle of the shitties Minn vs Northwestern."

For your info, I was at that game and our double overtime finish was every bit as exciting as the Kentucky/LSU game. A great day to be a Wildcat in Kentucky or Evanston!!

no, the irish have indecent exposure.... you have to look GOOD on TV...

I have basic cable - not even digital! I rarely miss a game Id like to see, and usually then it's not the network it's my schedule.
I say boycott the big ten network!
They'll come back to TV.

Maybe the big 10 is being hurt in the polls because the teams that play in this conference were good 20 years ago. ohio state is undefeated and the only team they have played has been washington. everybody else in this conference is weak.

i sure hope i don't have to watch another championship game where ohio state is exposed. there are at least 10 teams from around the country that would whip the buckeyes every time.

the big 10 has missed the boat on every chance to compete in the nation, from adding a 12th team and having a championship game. to the big 10 network.

since i have directv, i had the opportunity to watch northwestern yesterday. wow, how impressive is that? who wants to watch northwestern?