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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.

CHANNELSHULU LIVEYOUTUBE TVSLINGFUBOTVSPECTRUM
STREAMING
BIG10 NETWORKXXXXX
FSNXXXXX
ESPN 1, 2, & 3XXXXX
Bally SportsXX
CBSXXXX
CBS Sports NetworkXXXX
NBCXXXX
FOXXXXX
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.

CHANNELSHULU LIVEYOUTUBE TVSLINGFUBOTVSPECTRUM
STREAMING
BIG10 NETWORKXXXXX
FSNXXXXX
ESPN 1, 2, & 3XXXXX
Bally SportsXX
CBSXXXX
CBS Sports NetworkXXXX
NBCXXXX
FOXXXXX
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.

Google Drive vs Dropbox | Battle of Privacy in the Cloud?

I don’t generally trust free Internet services. While I use things like Google services and a lot of social media, I always plan for those services to change or be gone. Online storage services like Dropbox, iCloud, and even YouSendIt bring the whole privacy issue to a new level as you are not just consciously posting items that your friends or the public may see but you are posting actual files. These files could be personal. They could be client files for your business. Do you know what your privacy rights are under these services? Google Drive came out today and you might be surprised what the terms of use are.

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Facebook’s Possible IPO Details | Infographic

For months now there have been rumors floating around that 2012 would be the year of the Facebook IPO (initial public offering). While many users and would-be investors are chomping at the bit for their chance to own part of one of the largest social networks on the planet, others (me included) are a little skeptical. This hesitation or “wait and see” attitude is caused in large by the disappointing IPOs for other companies like Pandora, Zynga, and Groupon in 2011.

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The Truth About Facebook and Grades

Facebook and social media have been called tools of “mass distraction”. It is a common assumption that things like social media and the Internet distract people and students from the work they need to do. But is that true? A new study is out that could make you think otherwise!

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Thank you, Steve Jobs, for the inspiration

Death is something that is somewhat a foreign concept to me. I have a fairly small family that isn’t really close to each other. Throughout my now 31 years of life when family members have died, I was never really affected because I frankly didn’t know them at all. Of all the funerals that I have been to in my life (a whole 6 or 7) only one was for a family member and I was too young to even process what was going on. The rest I have gone to in support a friend or my wife. Given this, I have a weird detachment from death and, depending on who you talk to, a very unconcerned or unemotional response to it. This is why I was really surprised today when I found myself genuinely sad when thinking about the death of Steve Jobs. Especially since I have never met or even seen him in person.

As I was trying to figure out why I ran through several possibilities. The biggest is that I am almost the quintessential Apple “fanboy”. I remember using Macintosh computers back in elementary and middle school. Typing my first class papers on them. I remember falling in love with Final Cut Pro back in April of 1999 and OS 9 later that year. I remember being super excited waiting for the UPS delivery guy when my first ever PowerMac was delivered in 2001 (a Quicksilver which still runs and is sitting on a shelf behind me). I remember being at NAB 2007 and dragging my co-workers to the Apple reveal of Final Cut Studio 2. I type this post using my iMac, Apple TrackPad, and wireless Apple keyboard. In a backpack next to me is my MacBook Pro and iPad. The network in my house is controlled by an Apple Airport and my wife is watching a video on her MacBook. There is not a day that doesn’t go by that I use an Apple device in some way, shape, or form. As I thought about it, though, this wasn’t the reason because while Steve Jobs gets the credit for Apple innovations, there are over 40,000 people that work for the company. There are many engineers, designers, and developers at Apple who are the true champions of these products. It was in this thought, though, where I realized why I was sad.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” ~ Steve Jobs

It is the job of a CEO to set the tone, direction, and vision for a company. It was Steve Jobs’ ideas, hopes, dreams, and vision that made Apple the company it was today. It was Steve Jobs’ dedication to outside-of-the-box thinking, consistent improvement, and the desire to change the world that allowed a corporate culture where amazing products were created. I am sad at the loss of Steve Jobs, not because I think of all the products his company made. I am sad at his death because someone that I looked up to as a visionary business leader, a dynamic speaker, and the type of passionate creative that I aspire to be is gone.

“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart. … Stay hungry. Stay foolish.” ~ Steve Jobs

Mr. Jobs, I never had a chance to meet you, but I hope if I had, I would have been able to say thank you. Not thank you for the products your company has made, but thank you for being an inspiration. From your messages, quotes, and presentations, I have learned a lot. I hope that one day I will have an opportunity to be a visionary leader as you were and that I will always be able to summon the courage to live by the same motto you did, “Stay hungry. Stay foolish.” Thank you, Steve Jobs, for the inspiration.

Apple logo with Steve Jobs

“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes … the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status quo. … You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things. … They push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” ~ Steve Jobs

Sprint & iPhone 4S Release = Missed Marketing Opportunity

In case you have been hiding under a rock, you most likely heard that Apple released the new iPhone 4S yesterday. To some it is a huge announcement, to others that were expecting the release of the iPhone 5 it was disappointing. To me, a long time Sprint and Mac customer, it was amazing news as for the first time the iPhone is now available on the network. The most shocking part about it, is that one of the biggest announcements for Sprint in 2011 but if you look at Sprint’s digital platforms, you’d never know it. Talk about a HUGE missed marketing opportunity.

As of about 36 hours after the media announcement, all that Sprint’s digital platforms had to offer were a couple of tweets from the @sprint account promising that information was coming soon.

@Sprint Twitter account

@Sprint Twitter account only promising news 36 hours after the media event

Sprint media site

Sprint news page without any iPhone information

Sprint homepage

Sprint homepage advertising a different phone 36 hours after the media announcement

As a Sprint customer for over 10 years (with a one year break while working outside the US) and a die-hard Mac “fanboy” since 1999, this was the announcement that I was waiting for. The second it was announced in the Apple media event, I was loading up Sprint.com…. nothing. Went back an hour later with “early upgrade” money burning a hole in my pocket… nothing. Checked today (over 24 hours later)… nothing. Now being that every computer and media device I own is made by Apple and I’m not ditching Sprint, chances are whenever they finally get around to releasing the info, I’ll eventually upgrade. But what about all the customers they’ll need to conquest to meet their contractual obligations with Apple? Chances are many of them already have iPhones and both Verizon and AT&T are already talking about the new phone and offering pre-orders. Sprint’s marketing team… big time #fail.

Verizon Homepage

Verizon Wireless' Homepage

Product development, Public Relations, Corporate Communications, and Marketing need to collaborate

I have worked for and with several large companies throughout my career and one thing that I find most often is that communicating internally across these four critical tiers is one of the most dysfunctional processes these companies have. In the end though, all marketing (especially digital) will only be successful when these areas are synced up. Imagine if Sprint’s digital marketing team had product pages and upgrade information ready to roll out the second Apple announced the partnership? Well I’d have my iPhone 4S pre-ordered and I’m sure there are a lot of other customers that would have done the same. In the end, there should have at least been some kind of messaging placed up digitally say in the event there were web technical issues. Twitter, while unreliable, is still up and so is Facebook and PR Newswire.

Sprint, I truly hope you find a way to generate some real excitement as, from what I understand, you’ve “bet the farm” on this deal and I’d really hate to see a rollout fluke like this bring the demise of my favorite wireless company.

SOLUTION: Built in Mac iSight not working with Facebook Video Call

As many of you probably heard yesterday, Facebook and Skype have paired up and now you can not only chat with friends on Facebook, you can also have video calls with them!

Eager to test it out, I downloaded the software/plugin via Chrome on my Mac and my wife did the same. When we tested it out, no dice. We both received an error saying the other didn’t have a webcam setup. This, of course was wrong as we both have built-in iSight cameras in our Mac computers. After tinkering with it for a bit, I found a solution that worked for us. So if you’re having problems with your built-in Mac iSight camera and Facebook video calling, try this out:

Update software and OS

The first thing you’ll need to do is update all your Mac software. This includes running Software Update to make sure the OS is updated as well as the browser that you’re using (Safari will update with the Apple Software Update tool). Second, head over to get.adobe.com/flashplayer to make sure you’re running the latest Flash Player. Once you’re done updating, I suggest you reboot or at least restart the browser.

Setup Permission

The next thing to do is set up Flash and Facebook permission to access your built-in iSight camera for the video call. To do this, go back out to your news feed or profile and click on Video like you were going to share a video with your friends and then click on Record Video.

Screenshot: Facebook video upload

Next you’ll need to give Flash permission to use your built-in iSight camera. If the options box shown below doesn’t show up automatically, right-click or CTRL click on the video window and select Settings.

Screenshot: Facebook video call Flash Player permissions

In the settings box, click on the second tab (Privacy), and select Allow, check Remember, and then click on Close.

At this point, your video might come alive. If not, try reloading Facebook or restarting your computer. Hopefully though, after setting the privacy settings, you should be good to go!

Enjoy chatting with friends and family with Facebook Video Calls!

Observations on Google+

Totally agree with Shel Holtz on a lot of his points. Don’t much see Google+ as a “Facebook Killer”… then again, it is still early. Biggest problem, I agree with is that there are over 750 million people using Facebook. I’m using Google+ because I work in the biz, but the idea of reestablishing social connections on another platform when I’ve already done it on Facebook (and manage connections with lists) is really tiresome and I don’t see casual users doing it…heck I don’t want to do it. Then again… it is stil early. So will it move beyond just a Internet Marketing/early adopter hang out? Time will tell.

PR and Communications Implications of Google+ (and Other Observations)

http://socialmediatoday.com/shelholtz/314121/pr-and-communications-implications-google-and-other-observations

 

Facebook Deals could be bigger than Groupon

It seems one of the fastest growing type of website on the Internet is a deal/coupon service. The biggest of these so far is Groupon but there is also Living Social, Homerun, and about 1,000 other variations. Heck even one newspaper here in Detroit is doing it.

In case you’re not familiar with Groupon and the like, they are basically websites that offer a super discounted service or product from a business local to the user for a limited time. Groupon is only one day, but other sites like Living Social, AppSumo, Zulily extended their offers for a week or more. For example, today’s deal on Groupon for Ann Arbor, MI is 62% off a round of golf for 2 with cart.

Groupon Daily Deal

Jumping on the bandwagon of this, probably after Groupon rejected Google’s purchase offer of $6-billion, is Facebook. In April, Facebook revealed Facebook Deals. Now it is running in a few testing markets (all you lucky people in CA) and setup as pretty much a Groupon clone.

Facebook Deals - San Diego

Now you might ask, if Groupon is so huge, how is Facebook going to compete? Well I honestly think they’ll hold their own and stand a chance of beating Groupon outright for a couple reasons. The biggest is that they are hitting users where they are. For Groupon, users must either navigate to the site daily or open the daily email from Groupon. With Facebook Deals, the deal is show in the user’s news feed. Before the end of the summer, Facebook will most likely roll over 700 million users worldwide. That is a lot of eyeballs to place on Facebook Deals content verse the 35 million Groupon users reported in January.

Facebook Deals News Feed

The second main reason I think Facebook Deals will beat Groupon is that sharing is automatic and very easy and obvious. For Groupon, there is a small sharing section on each deal. While it is there, it isn’t integral. Plus users will have to connect Groupon to their Facebook profile to enable sharing.

Groupon social sharing

Facebook Deals, on the other hand, has sharing front and center. In addition, depending on the user’s privacy settings, if they purchase a deal, it is automatically shared out to their friends to see.

Facebook Deals full post

As mentioned, Facebook Deals is currently only running in a few test areas in California, Texas, and Georgia. But I believe that if/when they roll it out, Groupon is going to have some serious competition for the top “local deal of the day” website.

How Businesses Can Succeed at Social Media: Provide Value

Social media, when you think about it, is inherently a selfish medium. Users post statuses talking about what they are doing that day. I find videos on YouTube that make me laugh, so I post them so my friends can see how obviously funny I am since I found the funny video. I write notes telling people my opinions. At the core, social media is me sharing things I personally find interesting and broadcasting information about me…since everyone wants to hear about that, right?

For people, we give grace and just assume that is how social media works. For businesses, though, we don’t extend the same courtesy. If a business is on Facebook and only talks about their brand or their products, people will hide them from feeds, unlike, or unfollow them. An ExactTarget study showed that 43% of people unliking a brand on Facebook was because of too much marketing messages.

ExactTarget Social Media Breakup - Facebook

Image courtesy of ExactTarget - ExactTarget.com/sff

Social media users are there to connect with friends and family, not a business. So if a business is invading into this personal world, how do they get users to connect and listen to them? Think back to what social media is… a selfish medium. If a business is to connect and engage with a user, they need to give them something. They need to provide value.

A few studies have been done over the past year in regards to this and all point to the fact that users primarily connect with businesses in social media to get something. ExactTarget, in their Social Break Up study, showed that 26% of users reporting liking a business page to take advantage of a one time offer and 24% reported unliking a page because it didn’t offer enough deals. In a social check-in study done by digital agency Beyond, they found across the surveyed early adopters and current non-using consumers that almost 50% of them would check-in to a business to receive a coupon or discount. On top of that, 99% of them do not view getting a badge or becoming the mayor (Foursquare) a good enough reason to check-in. Users want to get something and that something needs to be valuable.

Beyond: Check-in Data - The Reality Behind the Hype

Excerpt from the Beyond: Check-in Data Infographic

What does “providing value” mean to businesses in social media? In reality, that is something for each individual business to decide. Four of the main ways, in my opinion, are:

  • Entertainment – This includes great conversation, videos, audio, podcasts, etc
  • Sweepstakes and drawings – The trick is that these don’t have to be huge
  • Coupons and discounts – These should be a good discount not available anywhere else
  • Provide rewards for actions – Use a service like SCVNGR to give things to users for challenges completed all while promoting your brand

Does this mean that every car dealership out there needs to giveaway a free car to get fans and followers? It would help, but no they don’t. Do restaurants need to giveaway free lunches all the time? It would help, but no they don’t. Businesses simply need to take a look at what they do best and figure out ways to feature that while providing a hook to social media users. The car dealer might have a car wash, so have a drawing for free car washes for the summer. The restaurant may have a free dessert birthday club, so have them sign-up on Facebook.

In the end, it doesn’t need to be super complicated or even a high-cost investment, it just needs to be something to hook a user so they will allow the business to enter their personal, selfish, social media world.

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