ESPN had made the game part of its Labor Day lineup for the last five years, and going to the game or watching it on TV had been part of the Holiday weekend for a number of people in the state. Now the game's been moved and there's no spot for the game on TV, which is a crying shame considering that the level of play in this year's contest may very well be the highest it's ever been.

I'm well aware that Barnhart and company had every right to do this, but the "this is the best way for us to be competitive" argument doesn't hold much weight in my eyes considering that programs like Miami, Florida State, Colorado and Colorado State have all been in the same situation for years.  

The series had a good thing going with Labor Day Sunday and I think a lot of people are disappointed that it's going to be an every other year deal from here on.

(Note: There's no need for this to become a flame war, one thing I really like about ASoB are the civil and insightful conversations in the comments sections. Harmless and creative cheap shots are tolerated and encouraged, however.)

Spare me.  My point is this - it was within reason for Barnhart to change the game.  Why?  Because clearly, U of L has a better program right now.  No argument, simple fact of life.

Given this fact, why is it Barnhart's fault it wasn't picked up?  Just because of the change?  Please.  If U of L was such a big draw, and you certainly have made it clear you think they are, you would think a game against what is ostensibly their biggest in-state rival would deserve air time on the "U", if nothing else.

Apparently, ESPN agrees with my "ignorance".  Not that I'm proud of that, nor am I happy with it.  But what you, nor anyone else has explained is why changing the game date is the reason it wasn't picked up.  

My guess is you won't try, you'll just make snide remarks -- engaging in actual dialog instead of thumping your chest like a 12-year old might make you look like less of a "fan" and we wouldn't want that, now would we?

Texas at Central Florida, ESPN2, or Illinois at Syracuse, ESPNU, or Central Michigan at Purdue, ESPN2, or Boston College at Georgia Tech, ESPN2.

Heaven forfend.  There is just such a demand for those games out there.

Funny, you didn't mention those.  Looks to me like there's lots of room to add a rivalry game.

Barnhart changed the game date for program reasons.  No, I didn't like it.  Obviously, U of L fans don't either.  But Jurich evidently wasn't adamantly opposed, or it wouldn't have happened.

I am not interested in minimizing Louisville's viewership draw, I was simply pointing out, and still am, that there are several games on the date in question of far less national interest, regardless of what I think of Louisville's potential.  In spite of that, ESPN has offered no changes.  Sounds to me like ESPN is sticking it to both programs, basically dictating when the game must be played if we want their coverage.  Why Barnhart should get the blame for their reticence is beyond me.

What escapes me even further is why he gets accused of dissembling when he says he is trying to address the problem.  Why would he try to get a rivalry game taken off television?  Because he fears the outcome with our best team in a long while and a new coach at the helm of Louisville, which at least on paper presents us with the best opportunity we have had in a while?

In what universe does that make sense?