ESPN has "revealed its various plans and platforms for 'supplementing' its coverage" of the Oregon-Ohio State CFP National Championship game with "more than a dozen alternate productions across its various multimedia platforms" beyond the traditional telecast, according to Chad Finn of the BOSTON GLOBE. The Film Room broadcast on ESPN2 is "among the most interesting options," as it was "a huge hit last year when unveiled during the national title game." Film Room "features a group of football personalities -- including ESPN analysts Chris Spielman and Tom Luginbill, Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen, Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi, and Nebraska coach Mike Riley -- breaking down plays from various angles and analyzing the game in real time." ESPN Voices, which will air on ESPNU, "sounds like a more casual viewing party" at which "a cross-section of network personalities from multiple sports casually discuss the game" from a viewing theater. They will include Jay Bilas, Aaron Boone, Julie Foudy, Barry Melrose, Mark Schlereth and Michael Wilbon. It "might be fun and it might be a disaster, but it’s interesting enough to check in on for confirmation one way or another" (BOSTON GLOBE, 1/9). In Miami, Barry Jackson notes ESPNEWS "is offering 'Off the Ball,' described as 'an inside look at the way former players and coaches -- and current ESPN analysts -- look at plays away from the ball.'" The net's Bob Wischusen "anchors" that broadcast and is "joined by" Kevin Carter, Matt Millen, Jason Sehorn, Matt Stinchcomb and Amani Toomer. Meanwhile, the Film Room presentation "was the highlight of ESPN’s championship game Megacast last January," as the coaches and commentators "were more conversational than during a traditional game broadcast." If last year "was any indication," the ESPN Voices option "is best in small doses, unless you really enjoy watching people watch television and listening to their conversations" (MIAMIHERALD.com, 1/9). An Auburn spokesperson said that football coach Gus Malzahn "is expected to appear on several ESPN programs Monday" (AL.com, 1/8).
NUMBERS GAME: On Long Island, Neil Best writes "given the momentum generated" by last week's CFP semifinal games, "an attractive matchup and the shiny newness of the format, it is a given that the finale will set a new cable record and a probability that it will surpass the biggest audience of the BCS era." The '06 Texas-USC Rose Bowl averaged 35.6 million viewers on ABC. Oregon-Ohio State "should beat that easily" if Monday's game "is close." ESPN "already is all over" the inaugural CFP National Championship game, "giving the event the sort of weeklong hype usually associated with pro football's biggest game" (NEWSDAY, 1/9). In New Orleans, Trey Iles notes last week's OSU-Alabama Allstate Sugar Bowl drew 28.3 million viewers, with the Oregon-Florida State Rose Bowl at 28.2 million. Iles: "Don't be surprised if the record is eclipsed by the championship game." Last week's numbers "are NFL-like," and there is "no question that college football is the nation's second-most popular sport, next to the NFL" (NOLA.com, 1/9).
FOWL SHOTS: On Long Island, Best writes ESPN's Chris Fowler "has received mixed reviews" in his first year as the net's top college football play-by-play announcer, "partly because of nostalgia for iconic voices such as Keith Jackson and Brent Musburger." Fowler: "There's going to be an adjustment period for viewers. You can't get caught up in it. You do the best you can" (NEWSDAY, 1/9).
