Observations on Life

Choosing the Best Streaming Service for Big10 College Football

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	~~$69.99~~ $76.99	$72.99	~~$70~~ $54.80	~~$74.99~~ $85.98	$87.53

Prices are accurate as of September 2023

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	~~$69.99~~ $76.99	$72.99	~~$70~~ $54.80	~~$74.99~~ $85.98	$87.53

Prices are accurate as of September 2023

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.

12 Things Every First-Time Homebuyer Needs to Know

I have told a few people that I was going to get around to posting this eventually. Today just worked out to be a good day for it!

I suppose if I had to give a list of ten things a first-time home buyer should look for, it would be:

1. Don’t overbuy/Set a budget and stick to it – Right now is an amazing time to buy you can get a good deal on a nice place… but there is also a lot of crap to sort through because of what people do to their house when they get foreclosed on. You may be tempted to go a little higher to get something, but just be patient and you’ll find something in your price range. We looked at something to the tune of about 50-60 different properties (between drive bys and walkthroughs). We could have paid a lot more than what we did, but I wanted to stay safe and get a house we could afford if I one of us had to go on unemployment… turns out that was one of the best decisions I ever made.

2. If you find something you like, move on it quickly – The going rumor right now is that this is a terrible housing market and nothing is selling. That is a bunch of crap. What the truth is that there is a ton of crap/outdated/run-down/needs tons of work houses out there that aren’t selling. All the nice ones, though, move extremely fast because they are good deals. If you find something you like that is in your budget, have your realtor move on it as soon as possible, or it will sell/go sale pending and you’ll lose the opportunity. This happened to us about 4 or 5 times inside of a few weeks. It was maddening! So before you even start looking, have a pre-approval, know how much you want to spend, and be ready to put down an offer if you are going to do a walkthrough.

3. Improvements/repairs on an existing house will cost more and take longer than you think – We had thought about buying a ‘fixer-upper’ since I like to do the work and know how to do it. Figured if we saved $30-$50k on a place because it needed work, we could put that difference back into the place and make it awesome. I’m so glad we didn’t do it. With our schedules and how things worked out financially, we still wouldn’t be moved into a ‘fixer-upper’. I have learned that everything needs to be multiplied by 2 or 3 to get an accurate estimate. If you think it will take 4 days to do something, plan for 8-12. If you think it will cost $1000 to do an upgrade or repair, plan for $2000 – $3000. For example, I planned on ripping up our bathroom floor, replacing the toilet and vanity, and reglazing the tub over a 4-5 day period. 2 weeks and a couple of days later, I was about 90% finished that that is where it has stayed because the budget was eaten up. You never know what you’ll run into… our subfloor was totally broken/rotten plus the plumbing needed work. Didn’t know that until I got into the project. So give yourself extra time and extra money… you’ll need it.

4. Find out what the walls are made of – We didn’t even think to look at this or ask about this. Turns out, our house has almost all plaster walls. Good for sound and look… TERRIBLE to repair, replace, and/or fix. If I knew this place had plaster walls when we were looking at it… I would have, at least, researched what it would take to repair/replace them. While I really like them for their sound deadening… it take about 3 times as long to fix them (and the previous owners weren’t very careful when they were moving out). Some people only like plaster, and I can see why… but when we gut the room that is the office… I’m putting drywall up… not plaster.

5. Just because it is a 3-prong plug doesn’t mean the electrical has been updated or proper grounding wires have been run – We knew this going in that the electrical box had been updated but new grounded wires hadn’t been run to all the rooms. Its not a huge issue and it was something I thought I could remedy fairly easily as I’m handy and know a good electrician (thanks Chris!). I point it out, though, just to keep in mind.

6. Check to see if there is insulation in the exterior walls – I know this sounds completely crazy… but (I didn’t know this before we bought the house) insulation in the walls of a house didn’t really become common place until the mid to late 1950’s. Our house was built in 1946 and it actually has zero insulation in any wall in the entire house. Having the walls as plaster helps out, but all exterior walls are very cold to the touch in the winter and, according to Consumers Energy, a little over 50% of your heat loss in a house comes from uninsulated walls, floors, and ceilings. Our last gas bill almost gave me a heart attack. We can have the walls filled with insulation, but it will cost something like $1.75 per square foot of exterior wall.

7. Finished basements are nice as long as the ceiling isn’t drywalled – Our basement is finished and looks really nice. My biggest concern when we were going to purchase the house was how I was going to run cables and wires for networking and such… but figured it would be something easily compensated for with a little work. Turns out… that drywall ceiling is pretty much the ‘bane of my existence’ in this house. I can’t update anything… no networking cables, no new electrical… nothing. Basically the floor joists run perpendicular to the direction I need to go… so to run a cable across the house from the electric box… I would have to cut 8 holes in the drywall and drill 10 holes through floor joists. Pain in my butt! When we redo the basement this summer or fall… I’m pulling down the ceiling and putting in acoustic panels.

8. Watch out for the incompetent ‘weekend warrior’ for a previous owner – I have probably said the statement, “What the heck were they thinking?!?” (sometimes substituting ‘heck’ for a myriad of other terms) approximately 100-150 times since moving into our house. The previous owners, I think, believed that they were fantastic do-it-yourselfers… they sucked. If you find something in the house that is half way done or just ‘good enough’ there will be many other things in the house that are the same way. In the house we bought, it was nothing major and our realtor pointed a lot of them out… but some of the houses we looked at were totally ridiculous.

9. Meet the neighbors before you buy, they know everything – I thought my dad was crazy when we would go look at a house because he would head right outside and go knock on one or both of the next neighbor’s doors. Funny thing, though, they knew everything about the house, what had been done to it, its history (sewer backups, roofing problems, etc.) and we got a lot of good information about what to expect from hearing about the previous owners. Plus you learn if the neighbors might be kinda crazy. The best house in the world can be ruined by the worst neighbors in the world.

10. Get a home warranty – This is usually a pretty standard thing that sellers will toss in to help ‘sweeten the deal’. If they don’t though, ask for one or purchase it yourself. It is usually for a very small premium, but it can save you a ton in the long run. After we moved into our house, the fridge literally quit about a month later. Instead of paying for the full repair, we paid the $100 deductible, saved about $120, and I didn’t have to do the work! If, after the weather gets warm, I hit the A/C and it doesn’t want to work… $100 and it either gets repaired or replaced. Totally worth it. Most sellers will add a home warranty if you ask for it.

11. Check the sewer line – If you are moving into an older house in an older neighborhood. Check to see if the sewer line from the house has been upgraded or repaired. My wife and I are currently dealing with this problem as a section of the line was totally destroyed by roots. The previous homeowner never had a big problem with it, of course, but now we are looking at the possibility of having to dig up our backyard and pay about $2500 to cover the repair/replacement. This repair is not covered by the home warranty as it falls into the grey area of not being part of the house and not part of what the city maintains. Would we have still bought the house if we knew about the problem? Probably, but the purchase price would have gone down.

What to look for? Well there are a few things you can do. The first is figure out where the sewer main comes into your house and take a look at the backyard. If the yard sinks in the area right over where the sewer main runs, it could mean that the main has been compromised and is starting to cave in… or it could mean the previous homeowner is really bad at landscaping. Another thing to note is the location of any large trees on the property close to the sewer main. Roots are the killer of most older sewer drains and can grow, in some cases, up to 25′ long and bore right through the pipe! If there are trees close to the main, there is probably a good chance that some of those roots are in the pipes or at least close to them. Really, though, the only good way to find out the condition of the sewer line is to have an inspector run a camera through it. This would probably cost you anywhere from $200 – $350 to have it done… but the piece of mind is well worth it!

12. Be patient and don’t be afraid to play hardball – Buying a house takes a lot of time. From first search to closing date it was like a full time job for me for about 4.5 months. There is a lot you can do speed up the process like having all of your financial records and work information for the last 2-3 years available, etc. But there are some things, like the mortgage companies closing process, that you can’t speed up at all (ours took about 3 weeks). Also, don’t be afraid to play hardball with the sellers. This is a bad housing market for people needing/trying to sell their house. I felt bad for the people we bought our house from as they were already taking a $32,000 loss on it going with their asking price. In the end, because our realtor played a little hardball with them, they came down an additional $9,000 (total loss on the house of $41,000) and we got a home warranty, all appliances (including a basically new washer and dryer that they were going to take), and they moved out quicker. Its kinda like buying a house is how you need to deal with your job… in the end, all you need to look out for is number 1. You don’t know the sellers situation and even though you may feel like you’re taking advantage of them or their situation, they may face something like foreclosure if you didn’t buy.

So there you have it… the beginning 12 things that first-time homebuyers need to look for when starting their hunt. I hope this helps out a few people as you begin the quest for your first home! Feel free to comment and ad to this list!