Two USF Football Games Added to ESPN Schedule

[DENVERBULL]

Pitt AD gives in to TV, Big East

Panthers accept deal to play on Labor Day

Friday, May 07, 2004

By Paul Zeise, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

After ESPN sweetened the pot with a deal that could mean as much as $460,000 for the university, Pitt has agreed to move it's season opener with South Florida to Labor Day and a national television audience.

The game had been scheduled for Sept. 4. Kickoff now will be at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 6, as part of an ESPN/ABC college football doubleheader.

It's a reversal from the stance Pitt athletic director Jeff Long took last week when he said the university would not change the date to accommodate television because it was not in the Panthers' best interests.

So what changed Pitt's mind?

ESPN and the Big East sweetened the deal for Pitt, offering a package of more money and more national exposure.

The Panthers' game Oct. 16 against Boston College will be televised on ESPN, ESPN2 or ABC, guaranteeing the school at least six games on national television next season. At this point last year the Panthers had no games confirmed for national television. Despite being ranked most of the season and featuring a Heisman Trophy candidate, the Panthers played only five games on national television.

"ESPN's desire to televise this game is further evidence of our program's strength and growth," Long said in a statement released by the university. Long was not available for additional comment.

"During this transition period [within the Big East], it is even more important that we consider not only our program but the best interests of the Big East and our new members who join in 2005. This Labor Day national telecast will provide a tremendous spotlight for the new Big East Football Conference.

"Already having six of our 11 games slated for national television places the University of Pittsburgh among the most visible in college football,"

Although the Boston College game likely would have been candidate for the regional Big East Game of the Week, a national game means a significant revenue increase for Pitt. According to conference officials, each nationally televised game translates into between $150,000 and $250,000 for each school. The conference game of the week payout is generally between $25,000 and $40,000.

Agreeing to the switch in return for a second nationally televised game can mean as much as an extra $460,000 for the university.

Originally, Long said the university would not move the game because it was too late to make changes in the preseason training camp schedule as well as the travel plans of fans. Also, moving the game back two days would force the Panthers to prepare for their home opener at 7 p.m. Sept. 11 against Ohio in only four days, something the coaching staff did not favor.

And while ABC/ESPN, the Big East's broadcast partner, was offering South Florida, which is in Tampa, an extra television game later in the season to make the switch, there was no similar offer on the table for Pitt. Once Pitt got the same offer, the deal was too good to pass up.

ESPN and the Big East wanted the game to be televised because South Florida is expected to be one of the league's marquee teams after it joins the league in 2005. By agreeing to the early-season change, the Bulls' game against Memphis Nov. 26 or Nov. 27 will be picked up by ESPN, giving South Florida three national telecasts.

"We are moving into a new neighborhood and the increased level of national exposure is just one tangible benefit that comes with that," said South Florida athletic director Tom Veit n a statement. "We appreciate Pittsburgh's cooperation in allowing for a date change, something that isn't always easy to accomplish."

While both teams will have only four days to prepare for their second game, South Florida does not have to travel on Labor Day weekend and is at home again Sept. 11 against Tennessee Tech.

The late afternoon kickoff on Labor Day, however, assures Pitt won't get home until near midnight and means the Panthers coaches will have even less time to prepare for the option-oriented Bobcats. Option and spread teams have traditionally given Pitt fits. The Panthers struggled to beat Ohio, 27-14, at Heinz Field in 2002, and in '01, they lost to South Florida at Heinz Field, 35-26.

The University of South Florida Athletic Department, in cooperation with the Tampa Convention and Visitors Bureau, has pledged to help any fans who must change their travel plans or accommodations. Interested parties should contact Stacee Salata of the South Florida athletic department at 813-974-2125.

"An important part of our agreement to move this game was South Florida's and the Tampa Convention and Visitors Bureau's pledge to assist our fans with changes to their travel plans," Long said. "We are appreciative of their efforts and our fans' dedication to traveling with the Panthers."

The second game of the Labor Day doubleheader will be Florida State at Miami at 8 p.m. on ABC.

http://www.postgazette.com/pg/04128/312638.stm

[beastiebull]

It'll be nice and hot at 4pm!  Peak Panther roasting time.  I think the game start time gives us a huge advantage as all of our boys are from Fl and have practiced in the heat their entire lives.

BTW, according to the above article, Pitt gets $460000 for agreeing to the change.  What do we get?

[smazza]

guys, the new york yankees of law firms signed me as a free agent so my days on the bull board during week is over and i am sad but intellectual challenge is more than I ever hoped for so it is a great opportunity.

i hope  we destroy pitt and i will be watching at home or with sheriff and bulliever in phoenix(that sounds like fun)

i will make another home game  or two but i will not select it until official schedule comes out

bulldad- i am beyond  the keeling over stage

i hope we win so all of you have tremendous joy and satisfaction.We all have waited along time for this.

i love the bulls

[bulldad]

Since he has a new job looks like I can  catch smazza with the no of posts!

[bulls96go]

Since he has a new job looks like I can  catch smazza with the no of posts!

one can always dream.

this explains why smazza had so much time on his hands the last few months.

good luck with the new gig!

hope it doesn't get too constraining working for someone else

[smazza]

mikeg- i will see you in sc for sure

i will wait until  final schedule comes out to make any more plans

hopefully all the publicity will land us a QB

hope we don't tank  against TT

I have accepted my fate there  will not be another eruption

uei/usfmike b- the charade lives on

[S p e n c e]

I think it is a good move.  And I don't think the short week will hurt us so much considering we are following up the Pitt game with 1AA Tn Tech.  

I see our second and third string getting a lot of playing time that game after the 1st quarter or so.

[The Sheriff]

I'd prefer you'd say the Baltimore Orioles of Law Firms Smazza... we all know the Yankees suck!

[DENVERBULL]

we all know the Yankees suck!

Easy there!!!

[Bullshiznitz]

My favorite part of that article

ESPN and the Big East wanted the game to be televised because South Florida is expected to be one of the league's marquee teams after it joins the league in 2005.

Ive already started the shiznitz talking to my brother who lives in Pittsburgh (and went to Pitt for 2 years).  Cant wait to punk Pitt on national TV.