Why ESPN Promotes The SEC And Provokes Ohio State And The Big Ten

In this episode of the Buckeye Weekly Podcast, hosts Tom Orr and Tony Gerdeman and dive into ESPN’s broadcast of the College Football Playoff game between Tennessee and Ohio State. They discuss ESPN’s framing and narrative, especially in light of the network’s business partnership with the SEC.

The conversation also explores the broader landscape of college sports media, fan reactions, and the intricate relationship between media coverage and fan perception. The discussion also addresses Kirk Herbstreit’s comments about a segment of Ohio State’s fanbase and how accurate his assessment may be. Tune in for an in-depth analysis of how media narratives are shaped and the impact they have on the teams and fans involved.

The Rundown

00:00 Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
00:48 ESPN’s Narrative on College Football
02:03 Media Bias and Sports Contracts
03:38 Indiana vs. Tennessee: A Tale of Two Narratives
09:44 The Power of Anger in Media
20:19 Kirk Herbstreit’s Complicated Relationship with Ohio State
22:15 The Market for Negativity
23:04 Finding Joy in Sports
24:19 Sports Betting and Fan Behavior
25:02 The Lunatic Fringe
26:32 Criticism of Players and Coaches
28:46 Media Influence and Bias
34:00 The Business of College Football
38:12 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans