Des Moines Register
09-11-07
Big Game creates buzz for Versus TV network
By ANDREW LOGUE
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
Ames, Ia. - On Sept. 17, 1977, a signature voice welcomed millions of television
viewers to a new chapter in the football feud between Iowa and Iowa State.
"We hope you're comfortable wherever you are," Chris Schenkel told an ABC
audience before kickoff. "When the ball is touched in the field of play, the clock
will start, resuming a rivalry long overdue."
The iconic Schenkel teamed with color commentator Ara Parseghian, as the
Hawkeyes and Cyclones revived a series that remained dormant for 43 seasons.
In the following three decades, networks such as ESPN and FOX brought "The
Big Game" to a national stage, while the words of Al Michaels, Mike Tirico and
others added texture to the telecasts.
On Saturday, the Versus network will inherit that legacy when Iowa visits Jack
Trice Stadium for the 31st annual meeting.
"You can only imagine how excited we are to be televising the game," said Marc
Fein, senior vice-president of programming. "It's such a great game, with the
history and tradition."
Versus, meanwhile, is trying to find its niche.
Formerly known as the Outdoor Life Network (OLN), Versus began carrying
college football last fall. It will feature a 19-game schedule this season, including
five from the Big 12 Conference.
Cyclone receiver Todd Blythe knew little about Versus before attending the Big
12 meetings in July.
"I had to do a one-on-one interview with them," Blythe said. "That was the first
time I've heard of them."
Versus executives are working to increase awareness. The network's Web page,
www.versus.com, features a box where people can type in a zip code and find
the cable channel in their area.
"It's an evolution," Fein said. "It's a process that's going to take time. We think
we've made great strides already."
Fein estimates that Versus reaches 74 million homes nationwide. About 400,000
are expected to watch Iowa and Iowa State.
"We're still working to continue establishing an identity," Fein said. "And this
game certainly helps that process a lot."
The proliferation of cable sports channels has given the Hawkeyes and Cyclones
increased exposure.
Several games in the late 1970s and early '80s were shown only on a tape-delay
basis.
Saturday will mark the sixth time in 10 years, the intrastate showdown will air live
on a national network.
"I love being on TV," Blythe said. "But at the same time, it makes the game go so
slow, because of the TV timeouts and things like that."
ABC showed the '77 game to a regional audience. During introductions, players
jogged to the camera and paused while Schenkel announced their names and
positions.
"That was the first television game that I was ever on," said Tom Rusk, a former
Hawkeye linebacker. "And then to have Chris Schenkel and Ara Parseghian
come in, it wasn't like they were treating us as a second-rate game.
"They were giving the rivalry the respect that it deserved."
Parseghian, a former Notre Dame coach, compared the atmosphere at Kinnick
Stadium to a national championship contest.
"It's going to be an emotional game." Parseghian predicted.
Schenkel suggested during the first half that a traveling trophy be created and
awarded to the winner each year, but added, "I can't think of a title for one."
Saturday's winner will claim the Cy-Hawk Trophy.
"(Television) made the build up so much more exciting, and very intense," said
Rusk, who was named the game's outstanding defensive player. "It was quite a
deal."
As the Hawkeyes were closing in on a 12-10 victory, Schenkel mentioned
upcoming programs featuring Roberto Duran and Mario Andretti.
The Versus network - with announcers Ron Thulin and Kelly Stouffer - will gain a
Cy-Hawk following this weekend.
"The nice thing about college football is it's so big, people find it," Fein said.
"They're hungry for it."
Watch the Big Game
Saturday's game will air on Versus. To locate the channel, log on to versus.com.
On the page, you'll find a box to type in your zip code. The site will tell you the
channel in your area.
IN DES MOINES: Dish Network (151), DirecTV (603), Mediacom (55)
How many people will be at the Big Game?
Here's a breakdown from the Cyclones athletic department:
Season tickets: 36,557
Corporate tents: 2,050
Band members: 605
ISU recruits: 410
Student athletes: 250
Family sections: 500
Little Cyclone Club: 2,266
Prep coaches: 300
Complimentary: 1,013
Opponent: 4,000
Single game trades: 847
Working personnel: 798
The total is 49,596.
Capacity for Jack Trice Stadium, pictured, is 45,000 seats, plus 10,000 hillside.