OT: Comcast to drop Big 10 network

[Chuck]

I used to lead this chorus, but I do think that being in the Big 10 has upped the interest on Rutgers considerably. Before seeing RU gear or flags was a rarity, now they exist. Still in my neighborhood, I know more UConn fans than RU fans.

FWIW RU's Big Ten invite had less to do fan support and more to do with the 9M people in NJ and it's presence in the NYC DMA, and a little about being AAU and contiguous. It wasn't great for competition, so B1G fans don't like it, but it made sense financially so univ. presidents did... and last I looked there the ones with the vote.

Do you live in Central NJ? I've lived in Northern NJ most of my life (Passaic then Bergen). When I grew up (80s), I didn't know any Rutgers fans, even people who had kids there. That changed a bit with the success that Schiano had. You actually had true alum fans, and some non-alums that at least followed the team(s). That has pretty much died in my small town, but I agree that you can still see some car stickers around. Lacrosse has made a bit of progress with our lacrosse kids. I do know some RU fans in Central NJ though. It's so easy for them to get to games and the B1G affiliation means good opponents. But they say pork roll instead of taylor ham, so they're weird.

Your other point I agree with. I don't think the B1G cares if RU is ever good at anything. I have pride in my state, but a winning RU doesn't give you NYC anymore than a winning UConn does. The difference is the NYC DMA and the millions that live in NJ within and outside that DMA. I also agree that when tv stations become more a la carte, the B1G channel will suffer in NY/NJ. It is a worthless channel unless you are into volleyball and gymnastics.

 

[Towney007]

Huh. Imagine that. People not from B1G schools/areas having no interest in the B1G. That's... wow.

I mean what's next? You're going to tell me that OBVIOUSLY the college TV sports bubble is going to burst or something?

 

[Towney007]

If I'm being shortchanged anything living here in Massachusetts - it's not having Nebraska games on whenever I want them.

 

[CL82]

Do you live in Central NJ? ... I do know some RU fans in Central NJ though. .... But they say pork roll instead of taylor ham, so they're weird.

Lol. I live in North Jersey. Still not a ton of obvious RU fans, but at least you see stuff around now.

 

[Storrs South]

So much for Rutgers selling NY and NJ to the Big. UCONN would have sold more packages in CT and New England.