TL;DR
To provide access to the Big10 Football games, this season’s winner will be Sling Orange + Blue + Sports Extra. It will provide a decent balance between channels available and cost—especially with the 5-month deal that Sling is currently running.
| CHANNELS | HULU LIVE | YOUTUBE TV | SLING | FUBOTV | SPECTRUM STREAMING |
| BIG10 NETWORK | X | X | X | X | X |
| FSN | X | X | X | X | X |
| ESPN 1, 2, & 3 | X | X | X | X | X |
| Bally Sports | X | X | |||
| CBS | X | X | X | X | |
| CBS Sports Network | X | X | X | X | |
| NBC | X | X | X | X | |
| FOX | X | X | X | X | |
| MONTHLY COST | $72.99 | $87.53 |
Annual Fall Ritual – Choosing a Streaming Service
Years ago, we “cut the cable” and shifted to only streaming services. Personally, I like the ability to turn on and off services depending on what shows are running that my wife and I are interested in. Given that we do not have cable, every September, I begin my fall ritual of choosing which streaming service will let me watch Big10 College Football (#GoBlue), Western Michigan Broncos football, and Detroit Red Wings Hockey.
Streaming services have revolutionized entertainment, from movies and TV shows to live sports events. As a dedicated fan of Big10 college football, finding the right streaming service to catch all the action can be tough—especially with them spreading the games out on more and more channels every season. With so many options available, each offering unique features and content, making the best choice can be overwhelming. In this guide, I’ll break down the key factors to consider when selecting a streaming service for Big10 college football, ensuring you never miss a touchdown.
The Rise of Streaming Services for Sports
The shift from cable TV to streaming services has transformed how sports fans engage with their favorite teams. No longer bound by geographical limitations, fans can tune into Big10 matchups regardless of their location. Streaming services have capitalized on this demand, providing dedicated sports packages that cater to the needs of fans. Of course, in my opinion, greed is beginning to take over as you’re now required to subscribe to many different services and get pretty creative to see all of the games.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Streaming Service
1. Streaming Quality and Reliability
When enjoying the excitement of Big10 football, a reliable and high-quality streaming experience is non-negotiable. Look for services that offer HD streaming and minimal buffering, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the action. My personal recommendation is to ensure your Internet streaming, at a bare minimum, is 15 Mbps.
2. Available Big10 Coverage
This may be obvious, but not all streaming services offer the same coverage of Big10 college football. Some platforms may have partnerships with specific networks, granting them exclusive rights to certain games. Research the service’s broadcasting rights to ensure they cover the teams and games you’re most interested in. I will only be covering services that will have the Big10 Network, all Michigan Wolverines games, ESPN 1-3, Fox Sports, and Bally Sports. While some Big10 games are on local channels, we have an HDTV antenna on the house for that.
3. Device Compatibility
Watch games on your terms by choosing a streaming service that supports a wide range of devices. Whether you prefer to watch on your smart TV, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, compatibility is key. This is something to look at in advance. I learned this the hard way. You should be pretty good with most services if you are running a Roku TV, Sony, or Samsung. If you have an LG like I do, though, many apps are not available within the TV’s OS. The only way to get them is through add-ons like Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Fire Sticks, or Roku devices.
4. User Interface and Experience
A user-friendly interface enhances your overall viewing experience. Easily navigate schedules, switch between games, and access additional content without the frustration of a clunky interface.
Exploring the Top Streaming Services for Big10 College Football
Let’s take a closer look at five popular streaming services and how they stack up when it comes to streaming Big10 College Football games. Again, the requirements here are Big10 Network, Fox Sports, and ESPN 1-3. If you are looking for other CFB divisions like the SEC, you will need to ensure coverage. The prices are current as of August 2023.
Hulu + Live TV, Disney+, and ESPN+ — $69.99/mo $76.99/mo
Hulu Live combines live TV with an extensive on-demand library, offering a versatile entertainment experience. Along with access to Big10 College Football games, you’ll also enjoy a wide range of popular TV shows and movies. Overall, the platform is easy to use and has a ton of options available. If you’re already a Disney+ subscriber, the cost could technically be lower as you would no longer be paying that subscription fee.
NOTE: As of October 12, 2023, Hulu will be raising their price for the Live bundle up to $76.00/mo for the ads version and $89.99/mo for the ad-free version.
Pros:
- Extensive on-demand content.
- Simultaneous streaming on multiple devices.
- Inclusion of Hulu’s streaming library.
- App is available on most devices.
- Access to local channels—ABC, NBC, CBS, etc.
Cons:
- Higher subscription cost compared to some competitors.
- Limited DVR storage in the base package.
- No Bally Sports
- If you’re on an older Disney+ plan, you could lose your grandfathered-in lower price after canceling/downgrading the service.
YouTube TV — $72.99/mo
Renowned for its smooth streaming quality and user-friendly interface, YouTube TV is a strong contender for streaming Big10 College Football. It provides a comprehensive selection of channels, including those broadcasting the games. Personally, I like the YouTube TV service and have used it in seasons past. The last few price increases have pushed it outside of being a contender.
Pros:
- Smooth streaming experience.
- Wide range of channels.
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage.
- Works on all devices.
Cons:
- Higher subscription cost.
- No Bally Sports
- Limited availability in certain regions.
Sling Orange + Blue + Sports Extra — $70/mo
Sling offers a unique approach with its customizable channel lineup. With packages like Sling Orange and Sling Blue, you can tailor your selection to include Big10 College Football games and even add extra sports channels. They, of course, are very smart in how they package everything to ensure you have to buy everything. For example, Big10 Network and Fox Sports are available in the Blue + Sports Extra options, but you need the Orange option to get ESPN.
Pros:
- Customizable channel packages.
- Option to add sports-specific packages.
- NHL Network is included with the Sports Extra add-on.
- Affordable pricing.
Cons:
- Limited availability of local channels.
- No Bally Sports
- ABC network access may vary by region.
FuboTV — $74.99/mo $85.98/mo
**Updated: Sept 8, 2023**
Fubo is a streaming service designed with sports enthusiasts in mind. It offers access to various sports channels, making it an attractive option for catching Big10 College Football games.
Pros:
- Emphasis on sports content.
- Access to the most sports channels–including BTN and Bally Sports.
- Cloud DVR functionality.
- Available on most devices.
Cons:
- Higher subscription cost.
- Some non-sports channels may be limited.
- Like Spectrum, FuboTV pulls a “bait-n-switch” on you by adding additional fees during checkout, increasing the overall cost. This is such a slimey action.
Spectrum Streaming — $87.53/mo
Spectrum Streaming provides a straightforward streaming experience without the need for cable. It offers access to select channels, including those airing Big10 College Football games. We use Spectrum for our Internet and mobile services, so I like the idea of adding the streaming TV service. That said, Spectrum absolutely lost me on a bait-n-switch pricing scheme. They advertise the service at $59.99/mo for 12 months, but once you sign up, they slap you with a $23.20/mo fee. Serious, Spectrum, do better/be better.
Pros:
- No long-term contracts.
- Bally Sports is available.
- Easy setup and streaming process.
- Access to popular cable channels.
Cons:
- Bait-n-switch pricing.
- Limited availability in certain areas.
- Channel lineup may not be as extensive as other services.
The Final Decision
Ultimately, the best streaming service for Big10 college football aligns with your preferences and priorities. Whether it’s coverage, cost, or user experience, weigh the factors that matter most to you.
For me, this season’s winner will be Sling Orange + Blue + Sports Extra. What made the final decision is that they are currently running a 5-month pay-in-advance special, which brings the subscription down to $54.80/mo for 5 months. This, combined with my HDTV antenna, will cover most of the Big10 football season and a few Red Wings games on channels other than Ballys. I know there is a risk that a game could be on CBS Sports Network, but I will cross my fingers that it doesn’t happen.
If I weren’t trying to save some money on this whole endeavor, my pick would be FuboTV to ensure I get to see as many Red Wings games as I wanted.
| CHANNELS | HULU LIVE | YOUTUBE TV | SLING | FUBOTV | SPECTRUM STREAMING |
| BIG10 NETWORK | X | X | X | X | X |
| FSN | X | X | X | X | X |
| ESPN 1, 2, & 3 | X | X | X | X | X |
| Bally Sports | X | X | |||
| CBS | X | X | X | X | |
| CBS Sports Network | X | X | X | X | |
| NBC | X | X | X | X | |
| FOX | X | X | X | X | |
| MONTHLY COST | $72.99 | $87.53 |
Conclusion
Choosing the right streaming service for Big10 college football doesn’t have to be daunting. By considering your viewing habits, preferred features, and budget, you can find a platform that brings you closer to the excitement of every game.
FAQs
Can I watch Big10 College Football for free using these streaming services?
While some streaming services offer free trials, access to premium sports content like Big10 College Football typically requires a subscription.
Are there any regional restrictions on streaming Big10 College Football games?
Due to broadcasting rights, certain games may be subject to regional blackouts. Ensure the service you choose covers your area.
Is a high-speed internet connection necessary for streaming college football?
A stable and high-speed internet connection is essential for a seamless streaming experience without buffering.
Can I record and re-watch Big10 College Football games using these streaming services?
Absolutely! Most streaming services provide DVR functionality, allowing you to record and revisit games conveniently.
Do these streaming services offer mobile apps for watching games on the go?
All the streaming services mentioned provide mobile apps, enabling you to enjoy Big10 College Football games on your smartphones and tablets.
What advantages do streaming services have over traditional cable for college football?
Streaming services often offer more flexibility regarding device compatibility, channel customization, and accessibility, making it easier to catch games wherever you are.
Can I switch streaming services mid-season?
Yes, you can switch streaming services at any time. However, be mindful of cancellation policies and potential blackout restrictions during the transition.