Around the Big Ten

[Cody_Russell]

Purdue has hired Darrell Funk as their OL coach.

Funk will probably be fired next season after Purdue goes 3-9 or 4-8. Hazell would have a 50/50 shot of being kept.
The increase in wins will only be because of returning experience. Purdue's roster is still obviously not talented.
But 4-8 or worse? Attendance should continue to drop. Purdue fans simply don't care anymore.

[Cody_Russell]

Purdue finished with the 98th ranked class for 2016.... 98th.

http://247sports.com/Season/2016-Football/TeamRankings

By far the worst major conference class.

[iam416]

They were 79th in Composite! And if they had signed as many kids as UMass, they would have easily pass them!

[WM Wolverine]

How many MAC teams did better? I'm sure Western did, they should have the most talented team in the MAC next season.

[UMStan White]

Here in Indy the papers are raving about IU's 11th place finish in the Big Ten

[Da Geezer]

Here in Indy the papers are raving about IU's 11th place finish in the Big Ten.

Are they raving good or raving bad? That surely doesn't seem something to be pleased about.

[UMStan White]

raving good, Claim size and speed big upgrade

[Jeff Buchanan]

I think the Kevin Wilson coached IU offense IS really good. But they can't play defense worth a shit and their low, low finish in recruit talent rankings for a decade or more tells everyone paying attention why.

There is no way IU is every going to win their division so, any enthusiasm for that team by the locals is unwarranted and possibly a hype gamut by IU football officials to drum up ticket sales for 2016.

[Wild Hoss]

Hearing rumors that NBC is making a serious bid for the back half of the BIG football contract.

I am no fans of ESPN, but not having any games on their platform...kinda worrisome, given their influence. Airtime will be an issue with NBC as well, especially considering their broadcast obligations for the Irish.

[WM Wolverine]

Just be a double header (someone evening game) on days Irish are at home (7 of 13-14 weekends), the extra inventory would go to Turner Sports.

[Whitley]

https://frankthetank.me/

[Wild Hoss]

Just be a double header (someone evening game) on days Irish are at home (7 of 13-14 weekends), the extra inventory would go to Turner Sports.

NBC (scheduling around Notre dame) and Turner Sports vs ESPN/2....not really competitive in my book. TWWL has its issues, but making way for saturday primetime hospital dramas and the like isn't one of them.

ESPN is what our recruits watch as well. IDK if we want to be entirely absent from that medium, in lieu of just being back of the bus?

[WM Wolverine]

I don't want to lose ESPN either; 2nd part could be split up 1st tier to someone and 2nd tier to ESPN. ESPN has tons of inventory and they don't need the B1G inventory but they do need the B1G footprint to air ESPN on or cord cutters might finally cut their cable bill.

[Whitley]

Not going to lose ESPN. It is in everyone's best interests for B1G to stay with ESPN. I can see Fox getting a few more games though. the link to that blog up thread explains things pretty well.

[lineygoblue]

Just make sure the SEC keeps Brent Musburger