FanHouse

I sincerely hope you didn't have your heart set on sitting on the couch and watching the Wyoming-Syracuse football game on September 30.

In an apparent effort to alienate an entire sect of football fans, ESPN and the Big East Conference have decided to air Syracuse's aforementioned tilt against the Wyoming Cowboys on ESPN360. Unlike the multitude of other ESPN-branded products, ESPN360 does not appear on your television dial:

ESPN360 is a customized broadband service available on computers via a high-speed data connection. There is a streaming video component that offers fast transmission and high-quality video content. For more information on ESPN360, log on to www.ESPN360.com.

The real kicker here, though, is that ESPN360 is not a universal internet service. In order to enjoy the "broadcast," you must maintain an internet subscription to an entity that subscribes to the ESPN360 service. Of course, Time Warner Cable (through its "RoadRunner" service) in Syracuse does not maintain such a relationship.

Everything's coming up Orange!

Even if you get the ESPN360 service, however, there is no guarantee that you'll actually be able to see the contest. As one disgruntled Syracuse fan noted to Syracuse Post-Standard staff writer Donnie Webb following the Orange's defeat to Wake Forest, an internet broadcast suffers from some major issues:

Donnie: As bad as the game was last Saturday, let's not let ESPN360 off the hook either. I have Verizon DSL, which carries the live content on 360. When I logged on that afternoon, the Ohio State-NIU game was playing on 360 loud and clear. 6:30 rolls around, and the Syracuse-Wake Forest feed did not work. The only thing worse than not being able to see the game is to think you'll be able to watch it, and then have the rug pulled out from under you. Let's hope no more SU games are put on 360 this season.

Doug Fritts

Weehawken, NJ

Syracuse '97

To be honest, though, this may be just what the university is looking for. With a weak opponent visiting the Dome, the game inherently appeals to only the most diehard fans. Limiting the broadcast of such a contest essentially spikes ticket sales, as the only way to watch the game is by taking a Saturday trip up The Hill. As a result, I wouldn't be surprised if the Wyoming-Syracuse game draws a stronger crowd than Syracuse's game this week against Miami (OH).