Talk about an undertaking that I was definitely not prepared for. A few days ago, I started trying to collect what each network was planning on Super Bowl Sunday, and I was not prepared for the amount of work the following schedule of events would take. Either way though, you can view it in all of its glory below. I've got everything from celebrity guest appearances, to segments on each network, as well as your particulars on the game itself. Enjoy!

(FYI- Haven't settled on a live-blog or open thread for the Super Bowl, but I'll certainly have something going on)

Your Super Bowl XLIII Viewing Guide:

NBC

Pregame Show Length: 6 Hours (12pm-6pm)
Pregame Show Hosts and Analysts: Bob Costas, Cris Collinsworth, Keith Olbermann, Dan Patrick, Jerome Bettis, Tiki Barber, Peter King, Matt Millen, Tony Dungy, Mike Holmgren, Rodney Harrison, Matt Lauer, Al Roker
Celebrity Guests: President Barack Obama, Bruce Springsteen, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Kevin James, Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Vin Diesel, Hayden Panettiere, Tom Colicchio from Bravo's Top Chef and Rainn Wilson
Musical Performances: Journey, John Legend, Faith Hill and Jennifer Hudson

Segments

9AM-12PM:

Today Show Coverage - "Meredith Viera, Al Roker and Ann Curry will give viewers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the sights, sounds, parties and food of the big game as well as the preparations that go into Super Sunday. They will also explore the city of Tampa and experience the local Super Bowl fever. Tiki Barber will get a VIP tour of the stadium from his twin brother Ronde, who plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers."

12PM-6PM:

"ROAD TO THE SUPER BOWL": "Bob Costas will kick off NBC's pregame coverage live at Noon ET from the "Pirate Ship"."

HAIL TO THE CHIEF: "NBC News' Matt Lauer will sit down with President Barack Obama for a live interview from the White House during NBC's Super Bowl Pregame Show."

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: "Bruce Springsteen, who will be performing at halftime of Super Bowl XLIII, will be the subject of an exclusive sit-down during pregame with Bob Costas. Nightly News anchor Brian Williams, a native of the Jersey shore, is contributing an essay on his idol Springsteen in the pregame show."

COVER ME: "Among the features in the Super Bowl XLIII pregame show are segments on the Cardinals' Ken Whisenhunt, Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald; features on Mike Tomlin, Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, beloved defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau and Ben Roethlisberger of the Steelers; analysis of each team with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who analyzed game film with Collinsworth; and a look at what the players experience during Super Bowl week. Rodney Harrison will analyze how to defend the seemingly unstoppable Fitzgerald."

"LITTLE BIG SHOW": "Olbermann and Patrick, who together redefined sports highlights, will break down the best highlights from the AFC and NFC this season."

BACK STAGE PASS: "NBC will follow the Cardinals and Steelers throughout the lead up to the game, from the team hotels, to the team buses, to the first-ever Super Bowl pregame reports from the locker rooms, to the teams' sidelines."

ROKER TO HOST SUPER SUITE: ""Today's" Al Roker will host NBC's pregame coverage from the "NBC Super Suite" from the NFL Experience in Tampa."

TOP CHEF: "Tom Colicchio from Bravo's Top Chef, will join Tiki Barber and Jerome Bettis in judging a "Cook-Off" between previous "Top Chef" contestants exploring the cuisines of Arizona and Pittsburgh."

GATORADE SHOWER: "CNBC's sports business reporter Darren Rovell will take a look at Gatorade and its iconic presence in the Super Bowl."

"LET THE SUNSHINE IN": "The Weather Channel's Jim Cantore will provide updates on the weather from Tampa throughout the pregame."
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ESPN

Pregame Show Length: 3 Hours (10pm-1pm)
Pregame Show Hosts and Analysts: Chris Berman, Cris Carter, Mike Ditka, Tom Jackson, Keyshawn Johnson, Chris Mortensen, Mike Tirico, Trent Dilfer, Ron Jaworski, Steve Young, Suzy Kolber and Ed Werder

Segments:

History (10am)- "In their own voices, the two Super Bowl XLIII quarterbacks, Ben Roethlisberger and Kurt Warner, narrate their team’s paths to the Super Bowl and the history that will be made."

Cardinals Turning Point (10:30am)- "Rachel Nichols reports on Whisenhunt’s decision to toughen up his team by practicing in pads once-a-week, a move that Arizona players say was the turning point to their season and improbable playoff run."

Mike Tomlin’s Formative Years (11am)- "In an old red notebook that sits on his mother’s kitchen table are pictures and hand-written captions describing early moments in the young coach’s path to the NFL. The first page reads: “This is a book about football and how it has molded my character, Michael Pettaway Tomlin 3-15-72.” Jackson speaks with Tomlin about his childhood memoirs."

Mayne Event: Offseason Insanity (11am)- "Kenny Mayne embarks on a mission to discover what other players are doing during their off-season, catching up with Pro Bowlers Jared Allen and Wes Welker as they begin their winter “retreats”."

Namath’s Guarantee (11am)- "Jeremy Schaap reports on the circumstances that led to Namath’s famous proclamation."

“Soundtracks” – AFC Championship (11:30am)- "Countdown will re-live the sights and sounds of the game"

Super Bowl Quarterback Blueprints for Success (11:30am)- "Former Super Bowl quarterbacks Dilfer, Jaworski and Young will present the blueprints for success for both Ben Roethlisberger and Kurt Warner."

Big Ben: Stand & Deliver (12pm)- "Tom Jackson sits down with Roethlisberger and his teammates to discuss how “Big Ben’s” style of play means big risk, but comes with big reward."

Larry Fitzgerald: Memories of Mom (12pm)- "Cris Carter sits down with the Arizona wide receiver to discuss how he honors his mother on the field and how her death has affected him."

EA Sports Virtual Playbook: Kurt Warner vs. Steelers’ Blitz (12:30pm)- "In EA Sports Virtual Playbook, Jackson previews how the Steelers blitz will pressure Kurt Warner in Super Bowl XLIII."

The Terrible Towel (1pm)- "Greg Garber traces the history of “The Terrible Towel” and the charity which benefits from the sales of the towel even after [Myron] Cope’s death last year.
_______________________

SUPER BOWL XLIII

WHAT: Super Bowl XLIII
WHO: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals
WHERE: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, Florida
WHEN: Kickoff 6:28pm (NBC)
SPREAD: Steelers -7, O/U 47
ANNOUNCERS: Al Michaels, John Madden, Andrea Kremer, Alex Flanagan, Peter King
TROPHY PRESENTER: Dan Patrick

(Info from ESPN and NBC PR)

Of all the things that could happen on Radio Row during Super Bowl Week, this was not one that I could imagine. It turns out that two feuding stations/broadcasters, one from Baltimore and one from Dallas, decided to throw down this afternoon. From Dallas Sports Fans via Deadspin....

This morning on Radio Row at Super Bowl 43 in Tampa, “Nasty Nestor” Aparicio, a controversial Baltimore radio host attacked Gordon Keith. The incident is the latest in an on-going feud between Nasty Nestor and the Ticket.

Apparently, Gordon Keith went over to Nasty Nestor Arapicio with a wireless microphone to attempt to bury the hatchet between the two parties, when Nasty Nestor became angry, grabbed Gordon Keith around the throat and attempted to strangle him. The two were then separated and the police were called.

This is not the first incident between Nasty Nestor and the Ticket. In 2008, at the Super Bowl coverage, Corby Davidson went to Nasty Nestor to make peace. Nestor Arapicio began swearing at Corby Davidson and accused him of having a hidden mic, to which Corby responded, “I swear to the good Lord I do not have a microphone.” Nasty Nestor then called Corby a “(Explitive)-ing Jew.”

Well then! If there's anything lamer than a media feud, it's gotta be a Sports Radio feud. After the banquet lunch, and my interview with Frank Caliendo, let's settle this at the Playground free Pepsi Machines outside the conference center!

If anyone has audio of the exchange, I'd love to hear it.

Nasty Nestor Arapicio Attacks Gordon Keith (Dallas Sports Fans)

(Usually) Everyday I'll throw out a photo, you provide the caption, and then hilarity ensues. I'm also adding a handful of links at the bottom of the page that you should check out each day.

Yesterday's Winners....


"Guy in the Background: "Sweet, they hired that chef from the TGI Friday's commercials to make our pregame lunch!""- David

"Sporting a new skirt and freshly dyed hair, Brenda Warner makes her first appearance at the Super Bowl."- VFTCS

"Sorry I'm late guys, me and Leinart were checking out the beer bong at the Beta House and... whoaaaaa!"- dwhit

"Steelers kicker Jeff Reed demonstrates what psychologists have come to call the Gramatic complex. When kickers come to realize how much smaller and less significant they are when compared to their teammates, there is a natural tendency to exhibit unheard of levels of douchebaggery as compensation."- Gorgonzola
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Are you funny enough to create a caption for this photo of Steve Young chatting with Tampa Mayor, Pam Iorio, during an event yesterday?


Your Super Bowl Links:

A Super Bowl Preview From Offsides (Offsides TV)
Captain Morgan's Is Offering A $10K Donation For Each Player Who "Poses" During The Game (Baltimore Sun)
The People Vs. Kurt Warner (Five Tool Tool)
A Super Bowl Cheat Sheet For Moms (Mom Logic)
Some Pittsburgh Fight Songs (Rizzo Sports)
T.O.'s Future In Big D Is Looking Bleaker (Dallas Cowboys Examiner)
There Are Zero Cards Fans In Tampa (Pittsburgh Live)
Ten Questions With Tony Kornheiser (RCS)
Swann's Catch, Best Super Bowl Play Of All Time (TampaBay.com)
Edge Has A New Ride (Fan Nation)
Obama Picks The Steelers (AZ Central)

FYI- The AA "Super Bowl Viewing Guide" will be up this afternoon, so make sure you don't skate on me too early today!)

The casting notice went out yesterday for Michael Irvin's new Reality Show, which airs on SpikeTV. And not only are they looking for great players, but they're looking for great stories as well. Namely Vince Papale and Kurt Warner....

Untitled Football Project

ENDS: 10 DAYS 12 HRS 35 MINS 30 SECS
CASTING START: 1/29/2009 12:00:00 AM
CASTING END: 2/9/2009 11:59:59 PM
GENDER REQUIREMENTS: Male Only
AGE REQUIREMENTS: 21 to 40
ONLY OPEN TO MEMBERS IN: United States

Michael Irvin and Spike TV are looking for guys who think they can play either WR or DB! This is for an upcoming reality competition show. The winner will be awarded a coveted spot on the Dallas Cowboys training camp roster!

Looking for elite football athletes whose careers ended on terms other than their own. Did family, friends, finances or an injury prevent you from achieving your lifelong goal of becoming a pro football player? Kurt Warner was bagging groceries before he became a two-time league MVP and Super Bowl Champion. Vince Papale was tending bar before he walked on the Philadelphia Eagles. Could you be the next professional football player to come out of nowhere?

This is a REAL opportunity to make a lifelong dream a reality.

Direct Submissions:
STEP 1: Download the application and fill it out
STEP 2: Make a 10-minute videotape
STEP 3: Mail the application, video and a non- returnable photo of yourself by February 10 2009

Man they aren't joking around with this whole process. I've never actually tried out for a Reality Show before, but it honestly seems like more trouble than it's worth. Here are some of the questions you have to answer in the six page application....

WHAT WOULD LIFE BE LIKE FOR YOU WITHOUT FOOTBALL?
HOW DO YOU FEEL WHEN YOU WATCH PRO FOOTBALL ON TELEVISION?
DO YOU HAVE A FOOTBALL MOTTO THAT YOU LIVE BY? WHAT IS IT?
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT DRUGS?

Untitled Football Project (Got Cast?)

(Gracias to WL for the link.)

The reviews were mixed from the first announcer switch, when Breen, JVG, and Jackson got traded to the NCAA for Vitale and Shulman, and the ratings didn't really seem to grow based on the stunt. And while "Announcer Swap #2" probably won't see that great of ratings either, the move itself is extremely interesting.

On Monday night, ESPN2 will air Pat Summitt's attempt at win #1,000 against #2 Oklahoma, and Brent Musburger and Bob Knight will be on the call. Why is that interesting, you ask? Well, you have the all-time NCAA Men's leader in Knight, working a game featuring the all-time wins leader in Summitt.

The announcement will come later today, and I'll have more info if there is any, but this plan seems like a winner. While the last move came off as more of a stunt than anything else, this one seems more like ESPN is capitalizing on a great opportunity.

Of all the nonsensical things that ESPN has done over the years, this is by far the worst. Deadspin pointed out yesterday that Subway's commercial actor Jared Fogle was going to be on for an ESPN Chat, and The Sports Hernia decided to take in the fun. The only thing lamer than the actual guest were the actual questions that ESPN let through....

Leon (Maryland): Do you start singing the Five Dollar footlong song whenever you see it on TV like the rest of us?

SportsNation Jared: (11:28 AM ET ) Yeah, I think it's in my dreams these days. I do get asked to sing it quite a bit. But you don't want me to do it.

Steiny (NYC): So, Jared, do you eat at Subway?

SportsNation Jared: (11:32 AM ET ) My favorite now is the Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki. I still eat it about twice a week. The best thing about my job is that I don't have to pay for it.

Bob (Tucson): Do you think they should have 6 feet subs on the sideline next to the Gatorade for the linemen?

SportsNation Jared: (11:33 AM ET ) Yeah, they could. That would be good. It should be the official sandwich of the NFL.

Jack (Old New Orleans): What kinds of reactions do you get when you go into Subway restaurants?

SportsNation Jared: (11:34 AM ET ) It's pretty crazy. The amount of crazy stares and the people. They can't believe. I find I freak people out a little bit.

Godish (Chicago): Do you just go by Jared now? Is Fogel in the past?

SportsNation Jared: (11:40 AM ET ) It is. Sting, Madonna, Prince, Cher. When you say Jared, people know, but if you say Jared Fogle, they don't know.

Unbelievable. They say that not that many people made the trip to Tampa this week, and that's clearly evidenced by this lame chat. Hey ESPN, I'm pretty sure Terry Tate "Office Linebacker" is available as well if you need space to fill.

Finally, your Super Bowl chat with Jared from Subway (The Sports Hernia)

What is it with mascots these days? When they're not getting DUIs, they're getting ejected from College Basketball games. Last night's Tulane-Rice game featured such an occurrence and you won't believe why the Rice Owl got send to the showers. He head-butted a referee. Seriously.

Here is the video from CBS Sports with Carter Blackburn and Pete Gillen on the call....

Now you don't see that everyday, now do you? Mascots have certainly done worse to officials over the years, but that was pretty blatant. Those Owl mascots are fiesty ones!

I still have no idea why companies release their ads before you get to see them on Super Bowl Sunday, but whatever. In Sobe's latest lame/trippy/lizard inspired ad, Ray Lewis, Matt Light and Justin Tuck perform Swan Lake for some reason before the stage gets turned into a lizard dance party. Enjoy!

So so bad, but Ray Lewis turning into a lizard at the end cracked me the hell up. If you want to view some of the other spots to air this Sunday, be sure to head over to Adweek.

Adweek Super Bowl Videos (Ad Week)

A gay rights group, called Egale Canada, is upset with CBC's Mike Milbury for coining the term "pansification", and using it at least twice this season. The term was used by Milbury to describe the NHL's current discussion on fighting in the league, but the group doesn't seem to buy that explanation. Via Globe and Mail....

Network spokesman Jeff Keay said neither Milbury nor Cherry intended to offend homosexuals by using "pansification," a derivative of the word pansy.

"The point is, it was no way intended to be a reflection on or offensive to gay people," Keay said. "I think the colloquial use of the term was something they didn't associate with gay people. The way the language evolves over time, 20 or 30 years ago it would have been seen, reasonably enough, as a direct slur against gay people.

"But I think with usage now, I'm not sure the association is so immediate."

Kennedy wasn't buying the explanation.

"Words like pansification just further the stereotype and perpetuate the homophobic stereotype in our society," she said yesterday.

I've always said that if you offend anyone, you apologize and move on, but this is a little ridiculous. Sure the word was developed in Elizabethan Times to describe and effeminate male, but you also have to take into consideration the intent of the person who said it. I can't imagine that the thought of a comparison to homosexuality even crossed Milbury's mind.

Gay group outraged by CBC's use of 'pansification' (Globe and Mail)

Herm Edwards was said to be taking a year off, but that will just be from coaching. The former Jets and KC Coach will be joining ESPN starting in mid-February, and will be under contract for one year. Via ESPN PR....

Former Kansas City Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards is joining ESPN as a NFL studio analyst. Edwards will appear on NFL Live, SportsCenter, ESPNEWS and other programs throughout the year in addition to contributing analysis on ESPN Radio and other platforms. He is scheduled to start in mid February.

A head coach for the last eight NFL seasons, Edwards coached the New York Jets from 2001-05 and most recently the Chiefs (2006-08). He led his teams to four playoff appearances, including 2004 when his Jets squad finished with a 10-6 regular season record and advanced to the AFC Divisional Playoffs. Edwards, who also guided the Chiefs to a Wild Card berth in 2006, is one of only four NFL coaches to lead two different teams to the playoffs in his first season as head coach with those teams.

“Herm is well-liked and highly respected throughout the league, and his insights and opinions as a former coach will make a tremendous addition to our year-round NFL coverage,” said Norby Williamson, ESPN executive vice president, production.

Edwards, who worked a brief stint at ESPN during the 2008 NFL offseason as a guest analyst, added: "I'm excited about the opportunity to join the ESPN team and offer my insight as a former player and head coach. I'm going to be truthful with my opinions on all the issues that take place on and off the field of play."

I wasn't a fan of Edwards' brief stint on ESPN in 2008, but that was mainly because current coaches and players are afraid to say anything controversial while still in the league. Hopefully Herm can provide a little bit more this go around, and the addition of another NFL analyst can mean the eventual dropping of a current someone who doesn't belong on the network (*ahem* Emmitt *ahem*)

(Usually) Everyday I'll throw out a photo, you provide the caption, and then hilarity ensues. I'm also adding a handful of links at the bottom of the page that you should check out each day.

Yesterday's Winners....


"No - I'm not doing anything this week - why do you ask?"- Nuk

"Maria: "How do you feel about Frankie getting jealous over you having a new bro?"
Matt: "What are you talking about?"
Maria: "Wait, aren't you Brody Jenner?""- A Boy Named Art

"Do you know if I can hear the commercials in my helmet speakers during the Super Bowl?"- Mal

"Sunday, Sunday...nope, I've got NOTHING going on. You like beer bongs?"- Nick
_______________________________________

Are you funny enough to create a caption for this photo of Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Jeff Reed walking to the team's practice facility on the campus of USF?


Daily Links:

NBC Analyst Pyramid! (Sports Hernia)
The Pro Bowl Could Be Blacked Out In Hawaii (The Olympian)
On The DL's Super Bowl Call In Show! (On The DL)
A Quick Interview With AJD Of DSpin (RCS)
A New Game: What Did Gary Payton Just Say? (Didn't Draw Iron)
It Might Be Time For A Change In College Park (Rush The Court)
Welcome To DC, Rob Dibble! (Washington Times)
A Look At The 9ers New OC (Niners Nation)
The Top Ten SB Commercials Of All Time (MSNBC)
It's A Jazz Dance Off! (Ball Don't Lie)
Iggy Owns Yao (NESW)

No, he's not giving up on Basketball, or joining the Browns full-time, but King James will be an analyst for TNT during their coverage of the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge. James will be working along side Kevin Harlan, Kenny Smith and Craig Sager for the game. Via TNT PR....

Perennial NBA All-Star LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers, a participant in the 2004 and 2005 T-Mobile Rookie Challenge, will join TNT’s Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Kenny Smith (analyst) and Craig Sager (reporter) as part of the network’s telecast of the 2009 T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam on Friday, Feb. 13 at 9 p.m. ET. The Emmy® award-winning studio show Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai will follow the game live from U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix. TNT’s exclusive coverage of the 2009 All-Star Game from Phoenix, AZ will air on Sun., February 15 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Great job by TNT pairing him with Kevin Harlan, and hopefully we can get Lebron's version of Harlan's famous "No Regard For Human Life!" call. As far as the game, it should be a pretty good one. The Rookies actually look like they could end the Sophmores' 6-game winning streak, and as an added bonus, you get Dwight Howard (Sophs) and Dwyane Wade (Rooks) as coaches. Here are the rosters in case you missed their unveiling yesterday....

Rookies: Michael Beasley (Heat), Rudy Fernandez (Trail Blazers), Marc Gasol (Grizzlies), Eric Gordon (Clippers), Brook Lopez (Nets), O.J. Mayo (Grizzlies), Greg Oden (Trail Blazers), Derrick Rose (Bulls), Russell Westbrook (Thunder)

Sophmores: Aaron Brooks (Rockets), Wilson Chandler (Knicks), Kevin Durant (Thunder), Jeff Green (Thunder), Al Horford (Hawks), Luis Scola (Rockets), Al Thornton (Clippers), Rodney Stuckey (Pistons), Thaddeus Young (Sixers)

Miami Heat Rookie, Mario Chalmers, has had a solid first season in the NBA, but he still has a lot to learn. Like the difference between a radio and TV interview. The guard was on NBA TV the other night, and after a question from Eric Snow, Chalmers decided to stick his head between his legs....literally. Via NESW....

Too funny. Now let's talk about Eric Snow. I hated the guy as a player because he killed the Wizards, and I hate him as an analyst. Does anyone ever teach these guys to put some energy out there when they talk? You can't understand a word that Gary Payton is saying, but at least he sounds like he's enjoying himself.

Mario Chalmers Proves he is a rookie on Camera, Video (NESW)

It happens every year without fail. One team will plan their parade early, or call out a certain player, and you know who's winning the game. While Pittsburgh has been relatively quiet over the course of the week, the Cardinals decided to hold a rally and desecrate the "Terrible Towel". Not only did "Big Red" use the towel to wipe his underarms, but the Mayor of Phoenix blew his nose with the thing....

The mayor of Phoenix blew his nose into a Terrible Towel and then threw it to the ground at a send-off rally for the Cardinals in Phoenix on Monday.

On Tuesday night, he apologized for his actions.

Mayor Phil Gordon said, "At no time did anyone intend, in any way, to offend the Steelers organization and their many fans, supporters and traditions."

At the same send-off rally on Monday, the Cardinals' mascot used the Terrible Towel to wipe his furry armpits before the mayor sneezed and stomped on it.

Oh no, how dare he!!! Seriously though, why is it that every year you can tell the exact moment when a city causes their team a loss of Karma? Just calm down and try to enjoy the game, Arizona. It will all be over soon enough.

Phoenix Mayor Blows Nose In 'Terrible Towel' Then Apologizes (WPXI)
Towel Video (WPXI)

There's been a lot of talk about Cowboy-based reality talk shows as of late, but this Michael Irvin appearance got lost in the midst. The Playmaker was a guest star on the USA show Burn Notice, and all-in-all, he wasn't half bad. Sure he played a Football Coach, and got beat up, but still good....

The guy does have a certain charm about him, I'll admit that. And to all of you who told me that Burn Notice was a great show, and I scoffed at, I apologize. Great show and good to see Irvin making something of his post-ESPN career.

Not sure if you all were watching, and it's been a long time since I've put up a highlights video, but Wake just knocked off number one Duke at the buzzer after a great comeback by the Blue Devils. Here's the end of the game in case you missed it....

That's three number ones to go down in just twelve days, and we're officially in the College Basketball season. Just a great game, and even though I'm not entirely sold on either team as a National Champion (one has too much inside game, one has too much outside), both teams have a shot of going pretty far in the Tourney.

The best part about all of this? Pittsburgh went down tonight, so that means that with a win against Providence (who put up 100 in a win over 'Cuse tonight), UConn will be number one. Why is that significant? Because the day after the Super Bowl, the Huskies travel to current #7 Louisville, and a fifth different number one could be crowned this season.

I'm sure Chris Berman has a ton of awards (he has been at ESPN for 30 years), but this one will be special. Berman will be given the Pat Summerall Award which of all things is given to someone who has "demonstrated character, integrity and leadership". Yes, this guy is being giving an award which embodies integrity....

Berman will join Jim Nantz, Greg Gumbel and James Brown as the only recipients of the award, at the annual Legends for Charity dinner. So if you're in Tampa, stop by and say hi to the big winner!

Interesting news out of Houston today. 1560 The Game's Lance Zierlein (a friend of the site) interviewed Tom Penders today, and the Houston Cougars Coach flat out accused ESPN of doctoring videos. The two were discussing the clip when Cougar player Aubrey Coleman stepped on Chase Buddinger, and Penders stated that the added shadowing, and statement that Coleman is "looking down", was added in to make his player look bad. Take a look and listen at both the video and interview below....

"ESPN made it look like he was looking down. I thought it was a total distortion. And I think it was intentional on their part because I worked there, and I've seen them do this kind of thing."- Tom Penders

Seems like a weak argument if you ask me. They've been putting elements in like the one in the video for a while now, and just because a Sportscaster sees him looking down, doesn't mean that ESPN is out to get you. I could be wrong though.

Tom Penders accuses ESPN of dirty tricks (The Z Report)

There are gimmicks all throughout the Sports World, but this one might just take the cake. If you've got red hair, AND a deep voice, then you could very well win front row seats to a Milwaukee Bucks game! That's right, the Bucks are holding a "Bill Walton Lookalike/Soundalike contest.

Don't believe me? Well let's hear Walton talk about the contest himself!!!

What an amazing idea. It's a shame that the prize is just a pair of tickets to a Bucks game, but I guess it could be worse. Plus you get to be in Bill Walton's "Personal Hall of Fame"....whatever that is.

Bill Walton Contest (Bucks.com)
Do you look or sound like Bill Walton? (Ball Don't Lie)

Not sure if you've been watching much ESPN this week, but if you have, you may have noticed a new set of songs being played during highlights. Those tunes are from Bruce Springsteen's new album, and in what's becoming a growing trend, music companies are coming to ESPN asking for the network's help. Via Sports Business Daily....

Columbia Records, Springsteen’s label, initiated contact with ESPN about how it could incorporate the Boss’ music from the new CD into football highlights leading up to the Super Bowl. “This all kind of came about nicely,” ESPN Dir of Music Kevin Wilson said. “We were talking about the idea that Bruce was a possibility and then they reached out.” With Springsteen already slated to perform at halftime of Sunday’s game, the combination of the two seemed natural. Wilson: “They talked to us also about the interest for us to maybe include some of his catalog songs and we brought the concept back to production. They thought it was a great idea. Between us and Sony (Columbia's parent company), they helped get the deal done with Bruce.”

Wilson said the network does not “have a specific genre in mind” in regards to using music but admits there are “certain sounds that seem to fit sports better than others.” “We usually reach out and say, ‘We’re just looking for a couple acts and a handful of songs … to bed our [programming with],’” Wilson said. “Then see what they come back with or we have ideas on our own.” Deals with music labels can include the use of one band’s music or access to a larger library of music, but ESPN Coordinating Dir of Music Claude Mitchell said instead of specific labels, it is “what we can provide to our shows that’s the key in what we look for.” “We’ve been very lucky in that we’ve been able to find good ways to bring value to our label partners and the artists. At the same time, we’re getting good artists we want to be on the network to work with our sports and shows,” Mitchell said.

Makes sense on both ends, and if it gets us to here new stuff and not the old elevator music that ESPN has used in the past, I'm all for it. It's odd to think that record companies would now be approaching ESPN instead of MTV, but that's what happens when you turn into a reality show channel.

ESPN Diving Into Using Music With Content (Sports Business Daily - $)

(Usually) Everyday I'll throw out a photo, you provide the caption, and then hilarity ensues. I'm also adding a handful of links at the bottom of the page that you should check out each day.

Monday's Winners....


"Body by Milk
Hair by Supercuts"- BF

"Body by Milk.
Studio by the storage room at Applebee's."- Josh

"He must have grown 5 inches just from that glass of milk. His pant legs start at his shins."- Ethan

"WWJD, What Would Jesus Drink?"- Randall
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Are you funny enough to create a caption for this photo of Matt Leinart talking Football with Access Hollywood reporter, Maria Menounos? (At least that's who I think she is)


Daily Links:

This Video Will Make Your Day (TSB)
What Do Bloggers Hope Happens At The SB? (Five Tool Tool)
Tecmo Says The Cards Will Win (Mouthpiece Sports)
Don't Mess With The Stache (Total Pro Sports)
Sanchez Hires His Brother To Be His Agent (SbB)
A Look At The Brief History Of The Cards (Juiced)
A Look At The Hansbrough Effect (FCL)
A New Nickname For Mo Williams (RCS)
Happy BDay Ashley Gellar (Moon Dog)
A Chat With The Double Alley-Oopers (Love Of Sports)

I guess this shouldn't come as shock to anyone, but NBC Chairman Dick Ebersol told USA Today that if Madden should want to retire, they have a replacement already lined up. That person of course is Cris Collinsworth.

Not that Madden has ever suggested he wants to retire. He noted Tuesday that "it doesn't get any better" than working a Super Bowl and working another one "sounds pretty good." And NBC's Ebersol has repeated said that Madden will get that chance, saying he plans on keeping Madden at least through the remaining three seasons on NBC's NFL TV deal. Tuesday, Ebersol even volunteered he'd be "devastated" if Madden decided to retire. But if Madden did step aside, said Ebersol, Collinsworth would be "the first guy" in line. Which makes sense, given that Ebersol hired Collinsworth to be NBC's game analyst -- until Madden, who'd been at ABC, became available. Ebersol, still wanting Collinsworth on games, had him practice play-by-play calls in hopes he could be teamed with Madden -- until Al Michaels became available. Collinsworth, Tuesday, after being asked if he saw any chance in which he'd replace Madden in NBC's current deal: "I hope not."

I'm certainly a Collinsworth fan, but I don't know how I would feel about the guy actually doing play-by-play for a network. There are certainly worse options out there, but I think the current plan of succession is perfect for NBC. The only problem is that Michaels has already said he would retire when Madden does, so I'm not sure if that ultimately does mean a move to PbP for Collinsworth.

Whither John Madden (Open Mike)

I'm trying not to overload all of you with tons of Super Bowl stuff, and I'll be giving you a larger NBC post closer to Sunday, but I thought this was interesting. Eye On Sports Media compiled the numbers for NBC's production from number of cameras to miles of cable being used. Are are some of the more interesting stats....

450- More than 450 people will be part of the NBC production, technical, administrative and support crews

93- Microphones (including 12 on-field parabolic microphones)

52- High Definition Cameras (2 SD Cameras for Game Clock and Play Clock)

50- Miles of Camera and Microphone cable

45- Vehicles (control trucks, mobile units, office trailers, Horse Trailer)

24- Digital Video Replay Sources

22- Hard Cameras (including 2 Super Slo-Mo’s and three “X-Mo’s)

20- Hand-held Cameras (including two SteadyCams)

10- NEP Supershooter Trailers in the TV Compound

8- Digital Post-Production Facility (5 Avid Suites, 3 Final Cut Pro Suites)

5- Robotic Cameras (including two fixed on the Field Goal posts)

2- RF Hand-held cameras

1- “Cable-Cam” camera suspended above the playing field

1- Hard Camera for scenic views of Tampa Bay

And those 450 people are all going to be on the pregame show! I kid, I kid. Seriously though, that's a little nuts that all of that cable could cover 50 miles and that over 90 mics are used. Interesting stuff for sure.

NBC Sports' Super Bowl XLIII Coverage By The Numbers (Eye On Sports Media)

Is that not the best quote you've ever heard? Those were the organization's comments on the heels of NBC not allowing them to air an ad which features said pumpkin, and a woman making love to broccoli. You can't write this stuff. Via Metro....

Entitled "Studies Show Vegetarians Have Better Sex", the advert contains shots of a model licking a pumpkin, while another rubs asparagus over her lap.

PETA said: "PETA's ad - which features a bevy of beauties who are powerless to resist the temptation of veggie love - was deemed too hot for the Super Bowl.

"NBC rejected the video because of concerns over 'rubbing pelvic region with pumpkin' and a woman 'screwing herself with broccoli'. Apparently, NBC has something against girls who love their veggies.

NBC has yet to comment on the advert.

Well then! Let's take a look at this whole nonsense shall we?



Ummmmm.....yeah. I would have to side with NBC on this one. Not that veggies, women and Warrant songs don't turn me on, but there ARE kids watching this game. Good lord. I feel like I need to take a shower after that one.

X-rated veggie advert banned for being 'too hot' (Metro)

ESPN continues to plow ahead with the silly "Interactive Tuesday" shenanigans, and each Tuesday you can tell that it's a work in progress. Last night's edition was during the BC-MD (not a word about the game you commenters!) and during the second half, the "Leader" decided to put up this awesome poll! Via Mister Irrelevant....



I'm personally thinking that the Big East will get two teams in the tourney, the ACC one, the Rice Conference one and the Vasquez will be in the N.I.T. just like last year. It's just about intervention time, ESPN. Interactive Tuesday has worn out its welcome. Actually that's not true. It was never welcomed to begin with.

ESPN Interactive Tuesday and Maryland Terrapins Basketball Continue to Suck (Mister Irrelevant)

In the pantheon of terrible sideline reporter questions, this one by Jeanine Edwards during the Kentucky-Ole Miss game wasn't the worst per se, but it definitely got a reaction out of Wildcats' Coach, Billy Gillispie. Listen closely around the :18 mark....

Again, if a question like that is what sets Gillispie off, I don't know what that says about his demeanor, but that still doesn't mean the reaction wasn't hilarious. I love how he shrugs his shoulders after saying it's a dumb question. Also, good job by Edwards though to plow ahead with an even hackier sideline reporter question following the dig.

When all else fails, go to the well.

No Bad Questions, Just Bad Reporters… (Rush The Court)

Another interesting crossover happened during Media Day on the NFL Network. A panel including NFL News Breakers, Jay Glazer of FOX, Michael Silver of Yahoo and Adam Schefter of the NFL-N, discussed reporting on the league and "journalistic integrity". You can even catch a slight jab at the one NFL reporter missing from the round table....

The panel was obviously missing that one key participant that Glazer took said jab at, but that certainly could have been by design. Great discussion all around, and it's interesting that the two up-and-comers are actually friendly and respectful of each other. I don't really know what was going on with Silver's glasses, but great points from him on the Internet side of things as well.

Oh and speaking of Mort, is he even in Tampa today? I haven't seen him moseying around among the masses at all.

Hey, it's snowing outside and we're in the midst of Super Bowl week, so what better time to share some Baseball news and schedules with you? ESPN is planning on bringing you around 80 games in 2009 and FOX is planning it's normal set of two or three regional games each Saturday. Here's your first look....

ESPN Sunday Night Baseball:
Atlanta at Philadelphia (April 5th, ESPN2)
Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee (April 12th)
St. Louis at Chicago Cubs (April 19th)
New York Yankees at Boston (April 26th)
Chicago White Sox at Texas (May 3rd)
Tampa Bay at Boston (May 10th)
New York Mets at San Francisco (May 17th)
Milwaukee at Minnesota (May 24th)
Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago Cubs (May 31st)
St. Louis at Chicago Cubs (July 12th)
New York Mets at Atlanta (July 19th)

FOX Saturday Baseball:

April 11th
Boston @ LA Angels
Minnesota @ Chicago White Sox
Houston @ St. Louis

April 18th
Cleveland @ NY Yankees
St. Louis @ Chicago Cubs
LA Angels @ Minnesota

April 25th
NY Yankees @ Boston
Chicago Cubs @ St. Louis

May 2nd
NY Mets @ Philadelphia
Houston @ Atlanta
Cleveland @ Detroit

May 9th
Tampa Bay @ Boston
San Francisco @ LA Dodgers
Atlanta @ Philadelphia

May 16th
NY Mets @ San Francisco
Cleveland @ Tampa Bay
LA Angels @ Texas

May 23rd
Philadelphia @ NY Yankees
Houston @ Texas

May 30th
LA Dodgers @ Chicago Cubs
Atlanta @ Arizona
Minnesota @ Tampa Bay

June 6th
Philadelphia @ LA Dodgers
Cleveland @ Chicago White Sox
Minnesota @ Seattle

June 13th
NY Mets @ NY Yankees
St. Louis @ Cleveland
Chicago White Sox @ Milwaukee

June 20th
Tampa Bay @ New York Mets
LA Dodgers @ LA Angels
Milwaukee @ Detroit

June 27th
Boston @ Atlanta
LA Angels @ Arizona
Chicago Cubs @ Chicago White Sox

July 4th
New York Mets @ Philadelphia
Oakland @ Cleveland
Detroit @ Minnesota

July 11th
NY Yankees @ LA Angels
St. Louis @ Chicago Cubs

July 18th
NY Mets @ Atlanta
Houston @ LA Dodgers
Baltimore @ Chicago White Sox

July 25th
St. Louis @ Philadelphia
Minnesota @ LA Angels
Chicago White Sox @ Detroit

August 1st
Chicago White Sox @ NY Yankees
LA Dodgers @ Atlanta
Houston @ St Louis

August 8th
Boston @ NY Yankees
Texas @ LA Angels

August 15th
Philadelphia @ Atlanta
LA Dodgers @ Arizona
Cleveland @ Minnesota

August 22nd
NY Yankees @ Boston
Chicago Cubs @ LA Dodgers

August 29th
NY Mets @ Chicago Cubs
Houston @ Arizona
Tampa Bay @ Detroit

September 5th
Boston @ Chicago White Sox
San Francisco @ Milwaukee
Minnesota @ Cleveland

September 12th
NY Mets @ Philadelphia
Chicago White Sox @ LA Angels
Atlanta @ St. Louis

September 19th
Chicago Cubs @ St. Louis
San Francisco @ LA Dodgers
Detroit @ Minnesota

September 26th
TBD

October 3rd
TBD

Interesting collection of games, and taking a quick look through both the Cubs and Cardinals will be getting the lion's share of appearances on each network. Of course the ESPN schedule is only through July, and that could change, but prepare yourself for a good number of NL Central games this coming season. Here's the team breakdown....

Cubs- 12
Cardinals- 11
Mets, Dodgers, Twins, White Sox, Braves- 10
Angels, Phillies, Yankees, Red Sox- 9
Indians- 8
Astros, Tigers, Rays- 6
Giants, Brewers- 5
Rangers, Diamondbacks- 4
A's, Mariners, O's- 1
Blue Jays, Marlins, Padres, Nationals, Pirates, Reds, Rockies, Royals- 0

I was getting ready to praise Deion Sanders' interviews during Media Day, but that was until this exchange with Steelers' Safety Ryan Clark. After Ryan Clark called Deion out for saying on-air that his hit that seriously injured Ravens' RB Willis McGahee was illegal, Sanders had to explain what he actually said was that it was "a legal hit" and his Southern drawl is what confused Clark and his wife.

However it was how he described the hit that caught my attention. Take a listen in at the :35 mark....

"That was a great hit. You put McGahee in the ice cream truck!"- Deion Sanders

Now I know that Deion gets ultra-excited about great defensive plays, but to use the phrase "put him in the ice cream truck", when the player was down on the field for almost ten minutes, is just a tad over the top. Plus the fact that I have no idea what it means.

Other than that exchange, Deion was by far the best interviewer out there today, and put both Steve Mariucci and Marshall Faulk to shame.

As the rest of his NFL brethren descends on Tampa, Tiki Barber is stuck in freezing cold New York City and has the unfortunate assignment of having his crotch painted by the Blue Man Group, and some crazy kids. Here's the video via Best Week Ever....

Tiki Barber Has Crotch Painted By Children And Blue Man Group, Finally Regrets Retiring Probably (Best Week Ever)

I bet Chris Berman is wishing that the Super Bowl was back indoors in either Houston or Detroit, because his hair is all over the place at Media Day. For some reason, the NFL Network had the ESPN host on for a round table discussion about all things Super Bowl. It wasn't really that exciting (outside of watching his hair), and it was basically a rehashing of that odd ESPN press release, but I thought I'd still let you check it out....

Interesting that the NFL-N would bring on a host from a competing network, and not that bad of an interview. I'll try to keep my eye out for some more Media Day clips to send along, but so far it's been pretty boring. The Cards have already gone, and the Steelers are up in a few.

(Photo via KSK)

Mentioned last week that Coke was planning on recreating the Mean Joe Greene ad from the 70s with Troy Polamalu, and First Cuts has your first look at the spot and some behind the scenes footage. If you want to pretend to be surprised with the commercial, don't click below....

Looks pretty spot on, and I still think it's a great idea. Polamalu's dead pan deliver is even pretty Mean Joe'ish as well. It'll be interesting to see the final product on Sunday.

First Look At Polamalu Taking Mean Joe Greene's Place In Coke Zero Spot (First Cuts)

You may remember that ESPN is planning on dividing its operations with a new HQ out west in the near future. While those plans are still moving forward, Sports by Brooks uncovered a possible added bonus that could come with the new digs. That bonus is Pat O'Brien. Yes....the Pat O'Brien. The ex-CBS Basketball reporter/ex-Access Hollywood host/ex-Entertainment Tonight host/drunken and drugged voicemailer.

SbB got a hold of ESPN to comment on the possibility of the hire....

A source recently revealed that O’Brien may be under consideration for an on-air position at ESPN Radio. I have no more details than that. These sorts of things can sometimes be agent propaganda, but from what I gathered from my source, that isn’t the case here.

From a sports broadcast perspective, an O’Brien hire would make perfect sense for ESPN. But of course, based on numerous, ugly off-air indiscretions by the former “Insider” host, ESPN bringing him on would be a considerable risk to the network.

UPDATE: ESPN Media Relations Director Josh Krulewitz responds to SbB about the prospect of ESPN hiring O’Brien. “Our radio content is both national and local as we (ESPN) own five radio stations including one in Los Angeles. There have been no discussions about considering him (O’Brien) for a job.”

Speaking of Los Angeles, I’ve since heard that O’Brien may have specific interest in an on-air position with the aforementioned ESPN-owned L.A. radio station, KSPN-AM. I’m also hearing that an official at that station may have been contacted by an O’Brien representative about the prospect of O’Brien hosting a show on the station.

Obviously this is all speculation and rumor, but it could be time to get Pat O'Brien back into Sports. Everyone deserves a second chance, and as far as reporters go, O'Brien was one of the better ones in the 80s and 90s.

ESPN Ready To Take A Chance On Pat O’Brien? (Sports by Brooks)

Hey, who thinks ten people for a pregame show is too many? Certainly not NBC! The Peacock added yet ANOTHER analyst to their set for their five hour pregame show, putting their current total at eleven. The latest to join the ridiculous count is current Patriot, Rodney Harrison. Via NBC PR....

Rodney Harrison, who earned two Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots, will join NBC's Super Bowl XLIII Pregame Show it was announced today. In a 15-year-career, Harrison has made three Pro Bowl appearances and is the only player in NFL history with both 30 career sacks and 30 career interceptions.

NBC's Super Bowl XLIII Pregame Show kicks off at Noon ET and will be led by its "Football Night in America" studio team of Bob Costas (host), Cris Collinsworth (co-host), Keith Olbermann (co-host), Dan Patrick (co-host), Jerome Bettis (analyst), Tiki Barber (analyst) and Peter King (reporter). Tony Dungy, Mike Holmgren and Matt Millen were also recently announced as contributors.

In addition to his two Super Bowl rings, Harrison was part of perhaps the most famous play in Super Bowl history, attempting to defend David Tyree's miracle reception in last year's Super Bowl XLII. During NBC's pregame coverage, Harrison will discuss his role in Super Bowl lore as part of a feature on the Tyree catch.

At this point they're going to have to go over to Conan, and borrow some mics or something. I haven't even seen what they're planning, and I'm already aggravated by this nonsense. With that many people on board, all day Sunday is going to be a dizzy, convoluted, set of random pieces with no real semblance of order. It's just impossible for it not to be.

Hilarious moment following the Marquette-Notre Dame game last night, and amazingly it involved Digger Phelps again. While it's not his fault, maybe it's just time that they stop talking about Notre Dame when he's around. Watch closely during this discussion of the game for a very interesting stat that decides to show up seemingly out of the blue....

Hilarious. Those trades went down in what, July of last year? I don't know how someone could have possibly pulled such an old graphic, but I'd love to see more of this. Just try and throw random people off at times. During a Stephen A. Smith interview, you could put up the old reel of Nancy Kerrigan crying after being hit with the lead pipe. How about airing the tale of the tape for Mike Tyson and Buster Douglas, when NFL Live is discussing Bill Belichick?

The possibilities are really endless, and hilarious!

(Thanks to HK for the clip)

The MLB Network has been receiving great praise for its recent launch, and those individuals they've brought in, and tomorrow they will announce the edition of another big name to the network. Veteran First Baseman, Sean Casey, will be hanging up the spikes and will join the MLB-N tomorrow. Via MLB PR....

Red Sox first baseman Sean Casey is officially retiring, according to a report by WEEI.com in Boston.

The report said Casey, nicknamed "The Mayor" for his friendly personality, has signed on with the MLB Network for role that has not been defined yet.

Casey, 34, hit .322 in 199 at-bats for the Red Sox last season. He also played in Detroit, Pittsburgh and Cleveland, but spent eight of his 12 big league seasons with the Reds.

A three-time All-Star, Casey had a .302 career average with 130 homers and 735 RBIs.

The MLB Network launched on Jan. 1 in approximately 50 million homes, the largest network debut in cable history. Casey would join former Major Leaguers Harold Reynolds, Al Leiter, Barry Larkin, Joe Magrane, Mitch Williams and Dan Plesac to offer insight on the Network.

Yet another great hire for the channel, and one that should pay off right away considering the great relationships that Casey has with both players and various teams throughout the league.

As always, there are a ton of TBDs, but I like to at least get the schedule up on Monday, so you all can check out which games are coming up each week. I'll update as the week goes on, and feel free to email me with any updates. Here is your schedule and as always, thanks to the work that The 506 puts in on these.

Please also be referring to the new AP Top 25 that I'll be posting each week in lieu of a random photo.

Monday, January 26th

Marquette @ Notre Dame (ESPN, 7pm)- Sean McDonough, Bill Raftery, Jay Bilas
Prairie View A&M @ Arkansas-Pine Bluff (ESPNU, 7pm)- Doug Greengard, Larry Conley
USC-Upstate @ East Tennessee State (CSS, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on ESPN Full Court)
Oklahoma @ Oklahoma State (ESPN, 9pm)- Ron Franklin, Fran Fraschilla, Holly Rowe
North Carolina A&T @ South Carolina State (ESPNU, 9pm)- Sam Smith, Thomas Apke

Tuesday, January 27th

Kentucky @ Mississippi (ESPN, 7pm)- Brad Nessler, Jimmy Dykes, Jeannine Edwards
Miami @ North Carolina State (ESPNU, 7pm)- Beth Mowins, Drew Barry
Delaware @ George Mason (Comcast Network, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSS)
High Point @ Liberty (Liberty Channel, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on MASN)
Boston College @ Maryland (ESPN2, 7:30pm)- Mike Patrick, Len Elmore
Air Force @ Wyoming (MTN, 8pm)- TBD
Purdue @ Wisconsin (ESPN, 9pm)- Brent Musburger, Steve Lavin, Erin Andrews
Northeastern @ Virginia Commonwealth (ESPNU, 9pm)- John Castleberry, Joe Cantafio
Marshall @ Southern Mississippi (CSS, 9pm)- TBD
Texas @ Baylor (Big XII Network, 9pm)- TBD (Will Air on MASN, YES, ESPN Full Court)
Iowa State @ Colorado (FS Rocky Mountain, 9pm)- TBD (Will Air on ESPN Full Court)
Brigham Young @ Utah (MTN, 10pm)- TBD

Wednesday, January 28th

Michigan @ Ohio State (BTN, 6:30pm)- Tom Werme, Shon Morris, Mike Hall
Duke @ Wake Forest (ESPN, 7pm)- Mike Patrick, Dick Vitale
Pittsburgh @ Villanova (ESPNU, 7pm)- Dan McLaughlin, Mike Kelley
Memphis @ East Carolina (CSS, 7pm)- TBD
South Florida @ Louisville (Big East Network, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on WHAS, ESPN Full Court)
Syracuse @ Providence (Big East Network, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on ESPN Full Court)
St. John's @ West Virginia (Big East Network, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on SNY, ESPN Full Court)
Kansas @ Nebraska (ESPN2, 7:30pm)- Bob Wischusen, Doug Gottlieb
Maine @ Vermont (America East, 7:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on NESN, ESPN Full Court)
Charlotte @ Xavier (A-10 Network, 7:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Ohio, MASN)
Tulane @ Rice (CBS College Sports, 8pm)- TBD
Georgia @ Florida (Raycom, 8pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Florida, South, ESPN Full Court)
Louisiana State @ Tennessee (Raycom, 8pm)- TBD (Will Air on ESPN Full Court)
Indiana @ Northwestern (BTN, 8:30pm)- Wayne Larrivee, Steve Smith
Texas Tech @ Texas A&M (ESPNU, 9pm)- Doug Bell, Reid Gettys
Missouri @ Kansas State (Mizzou Sports, 9pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Kansas City, FS Midwest, ESPN Full Court)
Connecticut @ DePaul (Big East Network, 9pm)- TBD (Will Air on Altitude, MASN, SNY, WCTX, ESPN Full Court)
North Carolina @ Florida State (Raycom, 9pm)- TBD (Will Air on ESPN Full Court)
Colorado State @ New Mexico (MTN, 9:30pm)- TBD
Texas Christian @ San Diego State (CBS College Sports, 10pm)- TBD

Thursday, January 29th

Clemson @ Virginia Tech (ESPN, 7pm)- Brent Musburger, Bob Knight, Holly Rowe
Michigan State @ Iowa (ESPN2, 7pm)- Dave O'Brien, Bill Raftery
Saint Louis @ Dayton (CBS College Sports, 8pm)- TBD
Hawaii @ Louisiana Tech (ESPN Plus, 8pm)- TBD (Will Air on CST, ESPN Full Court)
Western Kentucky @ Arkansas State (WKYU, 8pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Atlantic)
Washington @ Arizona (FS Regional, 8pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Arizona, Northwest, FCS Pacific)
Alabama @ Arkansas (ESPN, 9pm)- Brad Nessler, Jimmy Dykes
Rutgers @ Seton Hall (ESPN2, 9pm)- John Saunders, Len Elmore
Tennessee State @ Morehead State (ESPNU, 9pm)- Dave Weekley, Mark Adams
Illinois @ Minnesota (BTN, 9pm)- TBD
South Alabama @ Denver (FS Rocky Mountain, 9pm)- TBD
Nevada @ Utah State (KAME, 9pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSN California, ESPN Full Court)
San Jose State @ New Mexico State (Aggie Vision, 9pm)- TBD (Will Air on ESPN Full Court)
Boise State @ Idaho (KTVB 24/7, 10pm)- TBD (Will Air on ESPN Full Court)
California @ UCLA (FSN, 10:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Arizona, Detroit, Florida, Midwest (JIP), Northwest, Ohio (JIP), Pittsburgh, Rocky Mountain (JIP), Southwest, West, SportSouth, CSN Bay Area+, Chicago, Mid-Atlantic, New England, Philadelphia, MSG+, FCS Atlantic)
Stanford @ USC (Prime Ticket, 10:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Pacific)
St. Mary's @ Gonzaga (ESPN2, 11pm)- Terry Gannon, Stephen Bardo
Cal State-Northridge @ UC-Santa Barbara (ESPNU, 11pm)- Steve Physioc, Miles Simon

Friday, January 30th

Valpariaso @ Butler (ESPNU, 7pm)- Jim Barbar, Jim Chones
East Tennessee State @ Jacksonville (CSS, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on ESPN Full Court)
Loyola (MD) @ Rider (ESPNU, 9pm)- Doug Sherman, Rob Kennedy

Saturday, January 31st

Notre Dame @ Pittsburgh (ESPN, Noon)- Dave Pasch, Len Elmore
Toledo @ Buffalo (ESPN2, Noon)- Scott Graham, Tim Welsh
Massachusetts @ Xavier (ESPNU, Noon)- Jim Barbar, Dave Kaplan
Virginia Commonwealth @ Hofstra (Comcast Network, Noon)- TBD (Will Air on CSN New England, MSG+)
Central Michigan @ Akron (MAC TV, Noon)- TBD (Will Air on FS Detroit+, Ohio)
West Virginia @ Louisville (Big East Network, Noon)- TBD (Will Air on MASN, SNY, WHAS, ESPN Full Court) Wake Forest @ Georgia Tech (Raycom, Noon)- TBD (Will Air on ESPN Full Court)
Michigan @ Purdue (CBS, 1pm)- TBD
Washington State @ Arizona (CBS, 1pm)- TBD
Houston @ Memphis (CBS College Sports, 1pm)- TBD
Northern Iowa @ Indiana State (Valley, 1pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Midwest, CSN Chicago) Mississippi @ Mississippi State (Raycom, 1pm)- TBD (Will Air on ESPN Full Court)
Oklahoma @ Iowa State (Big XII Network, 1:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on Altitude, YES, ESPN Full Court)
Oklahoma State @ Texas A&M (ESPN, 2pm)- Ron Franklin, Fran Fraschilla
Mississippi Valley State @ Jackson State (ESPN2, 2pm)- Eric Collins, Mark Adams
Boston @ Hartford (ESPNU, 2pm)- Eric Frede, Tim O'Toole
Drexel @ Towson (CSN Regional, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSN Mid-Atlantic, New England, Philadelphia)
Georgetown @ Marquette (Big East Network, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on MASN, MSG+, ESPN Full Court)
South Carolina @ Kentucky (Raycom, 3pm)- TBD (Will Air on ESPN Full Court)
Davidson @ Samford (SportSouth, 3pm)- TBD
New Orleans @ South Alabama (Sun Belt TV, 3pm)- Eric Richey, Wimp Sanderson (Will Air on CSS, CST)
North Carolina @ North Carolina State (ABC, 3:30pm)- Brad Nessler, Jimmy Dykes
Stanford @ UCLA (ABC, 3:30pm)- Terry Gannon, Steve Lavin
New Mexico @ Utah (MTN, 3:30pm)- TBD
Ohio State @ Indiana (ESPN2, 4pm)- Dave O'Brien, Bob Valvano
Colorado @ Kansas (ESPNU, 4pm)- Clay Matvick, Dickey Simpkins
Nevada-Las Vegas @ Air Force (Versus, 4pm)- TBD
Wagner @ Mount St. Mary's (NEC, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on MSG)
Providence @ Connecticut (Big East Network, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on MASN, SNY, WCTX, ESPN Full Court)
Kansas State @ Texas (Big XII Network, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on Altitude, YES, ESPN Full Court)
Arkansas @ Louisiana State (SEC TV, 5pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS South, SUN, ESPN Full Court)
Georgia Southern @ Chattanooga (SportSouth, 5pm)- TBD
Drake @ Wichita State (Valley, 5pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Midwest, CSN Chicago)
Georgia State @ William & Mary (CSS, 5pm)- TBD (Will Air on ESPN Full Court)
Washington @ Arizona State (FS Regional, 5:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Arizona, Northwest, Rocky Mountain, West, FCS Pacific)
San Diego @ Gonzaga (ESPN2, 6pm)- Bob Wischusen, Stephen Bardo
St. Peter's @ Iona (ESPNU, 6pm)- Doug Sherman, Rob Kennedy
Wyoming @ Brigham Young (MTN, 6pm)- TBD
Baylor @ Missouri (Big XII Network, 6pm)- TBD (Will Air on Altitude, ESPN Full Court)
Richmond @ Temple (CBS College Sports, 6:30pm)- TBD
Georgia @ Alabama (SEC TV, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS South, SUN, ESPN Full Court)
George Mason @ Old Dominion (CSN Mid-Atlantic, 7pm)- TBD
Alabama-Birmingham @ Marshall (CSS, 7pm)- TBD
Pennsylvania @ Dartmouth (Comcast Network, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSN New England)
UNC-Asheville @ Liberty (Liberty Channel, 7pm)- TBD (Will Air on MASN)
Oregon @ Oregon State (FS Northwest, 7:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Pacific)
DePaul @ Rutgers (ESPNU, 8pm)- Beth Mowins, John Celestand
Wisconsin @ Northwestern (BTN, 8pm)- TBD
Virginia Tech @ Boston College (Raycom, 8pm)- TBD (Will Air on ESPN Full Court)
Miami @ Maryland (Raycom, 8pm)- TBD (Will Air on ESPN Full Court)
Nebraska @ Texas Tech (Big XII Network, 8pm)- TBD (Will Air on Altitude, ESPN Full Court)
North Texas @ Western Kentucky (WKYU, 8pm)- TBD (Will Air on FCS Atlantic)
Florida @ Tennessee (ESPN, 9pm)- Dan Shulman, Dick Vitale, Erin Andrews
San Diego State @ Colorado State (MTN, 9pm)- TBD
Cal State-Northridge @ Cal-Poly (Prime Ticket, 9pm)- TBD
Charleston Southern @ Coastal Carolina (MASN, 9pm)- TBD
St. Mary's @ Portland (CSN Regional, 9pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSN California, Northwest)
Hawaii @ New Mexico State (Aggie Vision, 9pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Arizona)
California @ USC (FSN, 11:30pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Arizona, Detroit, Florida, Midwest, North, Northwest, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Prime Ticket, Rocky Mountain, South, Southwest, CSN California, Mid-Atlantic, New England, Philadelphia, MSG+, FCS Pacific)

Sunday, February 1st

Penn State @ Michigan State (BTN, Noon)- TBD
Cincinnati @ Villanova (Big East Network, Noon)- TBD (Will Air on MASN, SNY, FS Ohio, ESPN Full Court)
St. Joseph's @ Dayton (A-10 Network, Noon)- TBD (Will Air on CSN Philadelphia, WHIO)
South Florida @ St. John's (ESPNU, 2pm)- Steve Andress, Ron Perry
Iowa @ Illinois (BTN, 2pm)- TBD
Virginia @ Duke (FSN, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on FS Arizona, Detroit, Florida, Midwest, Northwest, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Rocky Mountain, South, Southwest, West, Wisconsin, CSN Bay Area, Chicago, Mid-Atlantic+, Philadelphia, MSG+, FCS Atlantic)
Loyola (MD) @ Fairfield (MAAC TV, 2pm)- TBD (Will Air on MASN, MSG, FCS Central)
Portland State @ Montana State (Altitude, 4pm)- TBD (Will Air on CSN Northwest, ESPN Full Court)