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TRANSCRIPT – NBC SPORTS BIG TEN FOOTBALL MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL

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Wednesday, August 23, 2023

THE MODERATOR: Joining us is Todd Blackledge, a Penn State alum and studio analyst; Matt Cassel from USC; Joshua Perry, Ohio State; and Michael Robinson, Penn State. As a reminder, Todd is paired on our Big Ten Saturday Night game team with play-by-play.

TODD BLACKLEDGE: We’re excited about the start of another college football season. I’ve been doing this a long time. I’ve been doing it many years and I can’t recall being more excited about a season kicking off than this one. To be part of what NBC Sports is doing, their first-ever partnership with a college conference, and what the Big Ten has going for it in the years to come is very exciting.

To be in on the ground floor of that and to be their lead game analyst, along with Noah and Kathryn, to open it up, I couldn’t have scripted it any better than to be in my old alma mater in Happy Valley, for a game we used to play every year, Penn State and West Virginia. It’s going to be exciting to be a part of. I think the conference is in a great place.

They had nine teams out of 14 teams that had winning records last year. I think a lot of teams have improved. There’s new coaches, new players, new quarterbacks, and I think it’s going to be a heck of a year to watch.

MATT CASSEL: Like Todd said, I’m excited for college football. I’m excited to be back in the college football experience, so to speak. And also to add to that is just being part of NBC and this prestigious network and to have this opportunity to bring coverage on big Saturday night and also with Peacock with the B1G College Countdown, couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of this team, the collection of talent that we have, and at the same time each and every week be on site and give that college football atmosphere and bring it to life for the fans and the community and give great analysis.

The Big Ten itself, what it has going for it this year, as Todd also mentioned, we start off with West Virginia at Penn State. It will be my first time in Happy Valley. I’m excited about that. But in addition to that we’ve got a collection of an unbelievable slate of games to bring to you this year.

And also the future of the Big Ten and what that means with my alma mater, USC, UCLA, and now Oregon and Washington coming into it. It has a bright future ahead of it. I couldn’t be more thrilled about this opportunity to be with NBC this year and be covering the Big Ten.

JOSHUA PERRY: I reiterate most of what everybody said already. It’s an exciting time to be on NBC, and specifically covering the Big Ten and Notre Dame. A guy who grew up in the Midwest, so I couldn’t be any happier to be part of the coverage here.

One of the things that I hope we all bring to you is just a celebration of college football. And I know a lot of people talk about the changing landscape, and we’ve mentioned a little bit of that and different things going on in the game.

But ultimately, when we get to Saturdays, I think it is time to celebrate what the young men out there are doing and all the coaches and all the time they put in and ultimately the pride and the tradition that comes along with this conference specifically.

I’m looking forward to our coverage again on site. It’s going to be really exciting. But this is a great opportunity for us to really showcase what this conference is.

MICHAEL ROBINSON: I want to second what everybody has already said on the call and thank NBC for the opportunity to be on the pregame show. We can’t wait for that opportunity.

Obviously the first week is at my alma mater, Penn State, myself and Todd Blackledge’s alma mater, Penn State. Hopefully the two Penn Staters on the crew, hopefully we can give them some luck and we get past Joshua and those guys at Ohio State, but I digress.

Definitely excited to be a part of this team. Honestly, I’m a former Big Ten Player of the Year. I covered the National Football League. I handle youth football here in the state of Virginia. So football is my life. To be part of this Big Ten opportunity is just everything for me.

I want to thank NBC for the opportunity. I can’t wait to get going. And like Joshua said, it’s a celebration of what these young men bring to the football field, as the Big Ten Conference is the best conference in all of football, in my opinion. Can’t wait to get started.

Q: We’ve known that there’s Big Ten fans from coast to coast. But now and into the future, starting this year, you guys are making it a national conference. How exciting is that for you in knowing that you’re going to have a fan base that’s always been coast to coast, but you’re actually going to be able to see them up close and personal?

TODD BLACKLEDGE: I’ll answer that quickly. When I made the move from ESPN to the Big Ten, I was thrilled just where the conference was, the fact that we had two teams in the College Football Playoff a year ago. I knew USC and UCLA were coming in, and that was exciting.

And with the addition, as Matt was saying, Oregon and Washington, you have four marquee programs joining the Big Ten.

As a football fan, I hate to see what’s happening with the Pac-12, but as somebody that’s now working and representing the Big Ten, I think it’s going to be a fantastic conference to cover.

As far as game matchups, you have multiple, more possible outstanding game matchups for us on Saturday nights.

MATT CASSEL: I’ll piggyback off of what Todd said. I grew up on the West Coast. I went to USC. I was part of the Pac-12. To see them dissolve, it was kind of shocking at the time.

But at the same time, where USC and UCLA, where Washington and Oregon landed in this conference of the Big Ten, and now with the expansion, it was one of those things growing up that everybody didn’t always give a lot of love to those West Coast teams being in the Pac-12, playing a little later in the day.

But I think the notoriety of these schools, the brand names and the different matchups that it’s going to create in the Big Ten is going to be exciting, not just for the Big Ten but the entire country and go coast to coast.

JOSHUA PERRY: Growing up in the Midwest, the Rose Bowl was the pinnacle for me. I understand that dynamic is certainly changing now, but to get those matchups as regular-season matchups in conference is really going to lean into the tradition for people.

We’ll get really great marquee matchups. But the year I won the championship in Ohio State in ’14 we played Oregon. So much intrigue. It’s a team that Ohio State hadn’t historically faced a ton.

And I think even that desire to see those two brands on the football field was a part of the buildup, even though it was a championship game. I think people really desired to see that.

So the opportunity to, I think, satisfy that aspect of it from different fan bases and also just to really be coast to coast nationwide is a wonderful opportunity.

MICHAEL ROBINSON: Totally agree, Joshua. I remember being a player at Penn State, in the Big Ten, and after a certain time of the day your interest in college football kind of goes away because you know the Big Ten schedule is kind of over.

But to know that the national intrigue will last into the evening, it will be conversations going on Sunday morning about what happened the night before because of UCLA, USC, Oregon and Washington being a part of the conference. It’s just phenomenal.

I spent a part of my week on the West Coast covering the National Football League, and now that’s also Big Ten country for real. And that’s definitely something to be excited about.

Q: Having been to and covered that West Virginia-Penn State rivalry over the past, you’ve got to be excited for that one to be the first one out of the gate?

TODD BLACKLEDGE: I really am. Again, with the changes in college football, unfortunately some of the things that go away are rivalries and games that — you were used to being a part of.

When I was at Penn State we finished the year against Pittsburgh every year. It was a great rivalry. We played West Virginia every year.

And the years I was at West Virginia, there was a little more added intrigue to that matchup because Don Nehlen was the head coach at West Virginia. And he’s from Canton, Ohio. And he and my dad went to college forever. I knew Don when I was growing up.

And Jeff Hostetler and I were battling it out for the starting quarterback at Penn State. We came in in the same recruiting class, and he ended up traveling to West Virginia. So we played against each other for the last couple of years in that rivalry.

And so I think it’s great. I think West Virginia will have a good amount of fans there. I think they’ll be well represented and it will be kind of fun to see that game taking place again.

Q: Michael and Todd, Penn State-centric, presumably we’ll see Drew Allar make his first career start. Obviously you guys know this place and the expectation that come with playing this position the most. What are the challenges of being the starting quarterback and what advice would you give to Penn State’s QB1?

MICHAEL ROBINSON: We just talked about that yesterday.

TODD BLACKLEDGE: We absolutely did. Mike is on his way to sit down with Drew. And we talked about it on the phone yesterday.

First of all, the age that he is living in and playing in now is way different than it probably was when Michael played and definitely different from when I played, in terms of social media and just the fan connection to the programs and the depth charts and everything and the recruiting.

That’s all so blown out and in front of everybody. And so the expectations on him are through the roof. And by all accounts, he seems like he’s got the right temperament. He’s got the right personality. He wants to be great. He wants to be coached. He’s got humility. And he’s got talent. He’s got major talent.

But this is what Mike and I were talking about yesterday, it’s still a big step up from where he was last year to where he will be if he’s the starter on September 2nd in front of all of those people in a night game against a quality opponent like West Virginia.

It’s managing those expectations. And I think the good thing for them, the great thing for him is Penn State, better than they have in the last several years, has a proven ability to run the football.

Their offensive line is better than they’ve been, and they’ve got some quality running backs. And that can be very, very helpful breaking a young quarterback in.

And so he does not have to go out there and sling it around 40 times for them to be in a position to win. And he doesn’t have to make every critical play on third down.

So I think just him playing within himself and leaning on what they can do well right now will help him grow. And he’s going to learn and grow and he’s got the talent to be a great player, but I don’t think that’s going to happen overnight. It’s just not something that — I don’t care how many stars you have in front of your name, from the recruiting analyst — you still have to play and grow and learn as a starting quarterback. I think he’ll do well.

MICHAEL ROBINSON: Todd, you hit it on the head. Yesterday, 110, 112,000 people with a bunch of expectations along with a large alumni base and everything that goes along with being the starting quarterback at Penn State.

And to Todd’s point, yes, the run game is going to be his best friend as well as big-time defense. Now the defense has to show up like it showed up last year.

But he’s going to be in big-time situations having to make big-time throws. I do think the fact that a lot of people are saying, from an arm-talent standpoint, he’s probably the best or one of the best that has ever come out of the school. And that’s a tremendous amount of pressure.

From what I’ve seen from the kid, being around the program in the offseason a little bit, lifting weights there and just seeing him around the team, he’s a leader. He’s doing a great job of handling practice, handling the workouts and handling everything that comes off the field with being a leader. And that’s going to serve him well.

Lean on that run game, a quality run game and a quality offensive line along with a tough-nosed defense will help him out. Now it’s about making the right decisions in the moment. And from all reports he’s been making the right decisions in practice.

But, again, come, what, September 2nd, it’s a whole new ball game. I just can’t wait to see him. Like I said, I’m about to go up there and talk to him, but I can’t wait to see him in game, in person making those decisions because those decisions are going to determine the success of this team this year.

Q: Todd, which Big Ten stadium are you looking forward to calling games from? And for Matt, what are you hearing about the feeling that your alma mater, USC, final year in the Pac-12 and the Big Ten move coming next year. There’s a new AD. So much change happening with that university over the next 24 months.

TODD BLACKLEDGE: I’ll answer the one about the stadium. I love to going to Penn State to do a game. I’ve really not done many games there. I’ve been to just about every Big Ten stadium to do a game during the course of my career.

One place I haven’t been for a few years, I’m looking forward to going back to is Madison, Wisconsin, especially at night. It’s already a really lively environment up there, a great college campus and sports town. And, so, I’m looking forward to hopefully calling a game at night up in Madison.

MICHAEL ROBINSON: You want to hear that?

MATT CASSEL: Fired up to hear that right now. In terms of USC, it’s Lincoln Riley going into his second year. Had a great first season when he debuted last fall, but they fell short of going to the college football players.

And it came down to really the defensive side of the ball. They obviously have Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. He’s uniquely special in what he can do at the quarterback position. And I think they have a lot of firepower on the offensive side of the ball.

They went out and tried to address the defensive issues on the defensive side of the ball with a handful of transfers, the Georgia defensive lineman, Bear Alexander, got the guy from Oklahoma State, the linebacker Mason Cobb.

If they can boost that defense to play more complementary football in terms of offense and defense together I think they’ll be in a good position.

I know their goal this year is to try to get into the College Football Playoffs. I think anything less than that will feel like it was a little bit of a let-down because even after a successful first year, their vision is to go to that College Football Playoff. And Lincoln Riley hopefully has positioned his team to go do so, because I think they’ve got the talent and quarterback. And now it’s just making sure the defense can be bolstered and get some stops for them.

In terms of moving to the Big Ten, I know that USC is excited about the move. And just talking to people around that university, talking to some of the coaches, I think that there’s an excitement in the air. There’s excitement about these different matchups that you might see down the road — a USC-Ohio State, a USC-Penn State.

And you talk to Josh, as Josh introduced it earlier, those usually only happen when we went to the Rose Bowl. And I was privileged enough to play in the Rose Bowl. We played Michigan when I was at USC in the Rose Bowl. And these are matchups that have so much history behind them. And now you’re going to get to see them in a regular season, especially next year, when they do come to the Big Ten, that there won’t be just two separate divisions of the east and west, rather just one complete conference, which I think will make unique matchups for college football and for the college football fans.

Q: Todd, if I’m not mistaken, you were on the broadcast last year for the Michigan-Michigan State game. Obviously got overshadowed by what happened after the game. I’m curious what you remember about that night, if you sensed anything might have been brewing during the game. And just in general what you think needs to happen for that rivalry to keep the intensity without a repeat of what happened last year?

TODD BLACKLEDGE: I mean, I don’t really know — I didn’t have any sense that there was anything brewing, other than the fact it was a very intense in-state rivalry to begin with. That’s been the case for a long time.

I do think, in last year’s game, that Michigan State had beaten them the year before. Kenneth Walker had a huge game and they beat Michigan. Even though Michigan made it to the College Football Playoff, that was the game they lost in the regular season.

So there was a lot at stake, I think, that Michigan felt. And they were clearly the better team last year and took care of business. They handled Michigan State particularly in the second half.

So I think, if anything, there was just maybe a build-up of frustration on the Michigan State side because in the second half they really couldn’t do much against Michigan on either side of the ball. They were just outmatched.

As far as what can be done, I don’t know. I heard or read there were some plans for doing something different in the tunnel situation there in Ann Arbor. But cooler heads have to prevail in some form or fashion. If that means more security, if that means having a different protocol, how teams go in and come out of the locker room, whatever it is.

But the game’s too good. The rivalry is too important. It’s too special to have it marred by something that’s unnecessary, and that’s kind of the way — unfortunately, that’s what people remember about that game last year.

Q: Joshua and Michael, what are you guys most looking forward to, to being able to be an analyst for some games on top of your studio roles throughout the year?

JOSHUA PERRY: I think the most exciting thing for me about being on games is truly kind of feeling like you’re a part of the game. I’m glad our pregame show is on campus because that’s where the best energy comes from. I think it creates for great shows.

But when you’re up there in the booth, you really feel it. You feel the situations of the game. You really feel the momentum swings and the turns. And, so, for me it’s just an adrenaline rush there.

And, again, it’s about the celebration of the game. I’m not too far removed from my playing days, so I understand how important it is for the players and coaches get highlighted properly.

I love being able to teach a little bit from the booth as well, but just the energy that comes from being up there, I don’t think you can replace it.

MICHAEL ROBINSON: Joshua, that was good, dog. That’s my answer, too. You know what I’m saying? But I’m playing, but for real, though.

I enjoy calling games. That’s something I want to do more of is call games. I love the energy of game day. I love the player entering the arena. I love the fan experience. I love the fact that we’re on the pregame show to feel that energy of being on site.

But honestly, I’m a football junkie. I’m a football nerd. To be able to call games and see the innovation of offense, see the innovation of defense — one of the big things that Joshua and I have been talking about, especially with this Notre Dame -Navy game is the triple option and being able to defend it and quarterback reads and things, just being able to really dig into the nuts and bolts of football and being able to find unique ways to teach it to the viewer and entertain the viewer at the same time, while also making them ask questions, too.

That’s what I try to do when I call games. It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do. And the opportunity that NBC has given us to do that is just tremendous. So, yeah, it’s an awesome opportunity.

Q: Wanted to ask about Michigan specifically and kind of how you see them stacking up against some of the other teams that are ranked in the top this year, specifically in the South. And specifically when comparing to what Michigan was two years ago when they took the field with Georgia, how much do you feel that gap has maybe closed, if at all, in terms of what Michigan has now, how they’ve retained guys and the experience that they have?

TODD BLACKLEDGE: I think Michigan is an incredibly talented team. I think quite possibly this is Jim (Harbaugh)’s most talented team that he’s had, and it’s just kind of amazing to think how far they’ve come since the 2020 season when they were not a very good football team and didn’t look like he was going to be still coaching there. It was not a good situation.

And then the last two years they have really turned the thing around. And I think coming into this year, with the guys they have coming back, with the way they’ve been able to refortify their offensive line again through the transfer portal, second year for the same defensive coordinator and system with a lot of talent on that side of the ball, I just think that they are well positioned to make a run at the whole thing.

Now, obviously they’ve got some tough teams on their side of the conference. Penn State is thinking this is their year. Ohio State has been beaten by them two years ago and certainly don’t want to allow that to become three.

But I think Michigan is capable of closing that gap and making a run at things. They’ve not fared well in the two years of being in the playoffs. Last year I did the game against TCU, and I don’t think anybody thought that TCU was going to win that game, except for people from Fort Worth. But they played a great ballgame and Michigan helped them.

They made some uncharacteristic mistakes. Couple of pick-sixes, a couple of other things they had not done all year. And they put themselves in a tough spot. And TCU capitalized and beat them.

The one thing I love about Michigan, in addition to the fact that they get Blake Corum back, who I think is one of the best players in all of college football, is they’ve got an experienced quarterback now in J.J. McCarthy, and he got better each time out last year. Even in that TCU game after throwing two pick-sixes, came back and played like a stud the whole game and gave them a chance to win in the end.

You look at Georgia. They’re breaking in a new quarterback. Ohio State is breaking in a new quarterback. Alabama is breaking in a new quarterback.

In some cases they haven’t even announced who that guy is going to be yet. The fact that Michigan has that guy set, I think, is a huge advantage for the Wolverines going into this year.

JOSHUA PERRY: I just wanted to touch on the quarterback specifically, too. Todd, I think it’s a great point you bring up. Just nationally, looking at the quarterback turnover, I think builds an advantage for Michigan, but also looking within the conference.

You mentioned two of their biggest competitors have got new quarterbacks rolling out there. And Penn State probably in a better position than Ohio State just from experience even with the young quarterback. That’s huge.

But the rest of the team is extremely well constructed. We talk about running backs, talk about the offensive line. I think they have a stud tight end in Colston Loveland who really came on toward the end of the year last year.

Defensively probably a question maybe about edge rusher, but they can work through that throughout the year. I love the interior of their defensive line. Linebackers are going to be great. Secondary has a couple of studs back there, Rod Moore and Will Johnson.

And just the big question, when you talk nationally, is when you get into that situation where you need the shootout and you need to score the points and you need to do it quickly, how much has J.J. developed? And what wide receivers really emerge by the end of the year, I think is going to be the biggest question.

But we also understand that this is a team that likes to be gritty. I think they’re comfortable winning in games where they really have to grind it out and it’s close. And so maybe it never comes down to that. That would be my only question there.

But just from the veteran nature of this team, the coaching staff and how well constructed they are, I think they match up with all the big dogs nationally.

MICHAEL ROBINSON: I agree with you guys. And, again, I won’t be long on this one. I totally agree. I think Michigan definitely matches up.

J.J. McCarthy, from everything we’ve seen in the past couple of years and obviously through the offseason, the guy can play football. To me, Blake Corum is one of the top running backs in all of football.

To me, guys, it’s a mentality that Michigan likes to bring. It’s that exotic smash, the same thing that Jim did in the National Football League. And if they can keep that mentality through the college football, yes, they match up with everybody in the country, and they have a great chance of winning it all.

MATT CASSEL: If you want my two cents, I think they can compete with anybody. You look at their roster, they’re returning 13 of their 22 starters from last year. Again, we know about Blake Corum, we know about Donovan Edwards. Again, I think it comes down to J.J. McCarthy because at some point, especially with the College Football Playoffs, and you’re going up and you might have to throw it around the field, he’ll have to play — when his best is required he’s going to have to play at his best.

I think for J.J. McCarthy you’re going to want to see continuous growth. I talked to Jim Harbaugh while we were at the Big Ten media day, and he thinks this kid is a generational talent. And the strides he’s made from year one as a full starter last year to going into year two, he thinks it’s going to be a night-and-day difference just with his comfort level.

The guys around him, his overall confidence he has going into these games, I think, he could have an exceptional year.

Q: Todd, why is it that you chose to leave ESPN/ABC to come to NBC? What was the big draw that made you think that this move was best?

TODD BLACKLEDGE: Well, I was very happy where I was. I love the crew that I worked on. I had been on that same crew for 17 years. I had different play-by-play guys, but the same director, a lot of the same camera guys. I was very happy there and doing a playoff game every year.

But my contract was up, and when I had some discussions with NBC. First of all, I was very intrigued by what they were going to do and how they wanted to do it and what their plans were for this package. That was number one.

Number two, I felt very honored and very sought after by them. They made it very clear to me that they really wanted me to be the guy. And they felt like my experience and my credibility teamed with Noah, who is a young and up-and-coming star would be a great pairing. So they made me feel very wanted and very special for this particular package.

And then just the actual contract that they ended up offering me in terms of compensation and length, at this point in my career and my life, it was just too good for me to say no to.

And ever since I made the decision, not a day has gone by that I haven’t just felt so happy with the decision I made. All of my dealings with everybody that I’ve had dealings with at NBC, from the time I signed my contract to now — and we haven’t even done a game yet — has been just been outstanding.

And it’s just got a great feel to it. The company has a great family-type feel to it. I’m thrilled to be working with Noah and Kathryn and Matt Marvin and Chuck, our producer and director, and the people that are in the studio, the guys I’m on the call here with.

It’s going to be a blast. We’re going to have a lot of fun. And prime-time football games — I guess this is probably the last thing; it’s part of what attracted me to their package — when I was at CBS many years ago I loved it there too, doing SEC games. And I left CBS to go to ESPN for the simple reason of doing the prime-time Saturday night game, because to me college football in prime time just looks bigger, it feels bigger, it sounds bigger. And I love doing prime-time football games.

So to go now and start this new venture of doing Big Ten on Saturday night and prime time all over this conference, it’s going to be awesome for me.

Q: Joshua, will you be part of Big Ten Network still? What was your decision process in coming over to NBC?

JOSHUA PERRY: No, I won’t be a part of Big Ten Network any longer. And the decision-making process for me was pretty straightforward. Similarly to Todd, I was coming up on an expiring contract and obviously had read the tea leaves about where the TV packages were going.

For me, this was an opportunity to take the next step in my career and to be at a place with high-production value and high-quality people, and I really wanted to do that.

I’m fortunate. I’m 29 years old and had this opportunity to be on a big stage in prime time. I’m working with phenomenal people both on and off air. So it set up for me to take that next step.

Again, extremely fortunate. But work is just getting ready to begin and I couldn’t be more excited to get out there.

–NBC SPORTS–

*REMINDER* TODD BLACKLEDGE, JOSHUA PERRY, MICHAEL ROBINSON & MATT CASSEL ON NBC SPORTS’ BIG TEN FOOTBALL MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL – TOMORROW, AUGUST 23, AT 1:15 P.M. ET

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Dial 786-697-3501 to Participate; Passcode: NBC Sports

STAMFORD, Conn. – August 22, 2023 – NBC Sports’ Big Ten Football analysts, including B1G College Countdown’s Joshua Perry, Michael Robinson, and Matt Cassel, and Big Ten Saturday Night’s Todd Blackledge will preview the upcoming season on a media conference call tomorrow, August 23, at 1:15 p.m. ET.

Next Saturday, Sept. 2, NBC Sports debuts its coverage of the 2023 Big Ten Football season with reigning Big Ten champion Michigan hosting East Carolina at Noon ET exclusively on Peacock. Later that night, the premiere of B1G Saturday Night sees Penn State host West Virginia in primetime from famed Beaver Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. The B1G College Countdown studio show will begin at 7 p.m. ET and will also provide reports during East Carolina-Michigan.

Blackledge (Penn State), Perry (Ohio State), Robinson (Penn State), and Cassel (USC) all hail from renowned college football programs and boast a combined 28 playing seasons in the NFL. Blackledge and Perry will be making their NBC Sports debuts this season. Robinson joined NBC Sports in 2022 as analyst for the USFL, while Cassel spent four years as an NFL analyst for NBC Sports Boston.

Media interested in participating should call 786-697-3501; Passcode: NBC Sports

    • WHAT: NBC Sports 2023 Big Ten Football Media Conference Call
    • WHO: Todd Blackledge, Joshua Perry, Michael Robinson, Matt Cassel
    • WHEN: Tomorrow, August 23, at 1:15 p.m. ET
    • NUMBER: 786-697-3501
    • PASSCODE: NBC Sports

—NBC SPORTS—

TODD BLACKLEDGE, JOSHUA PERRY, MICHAEL ROBINSON & MATT CASSEL ON NBC SPORTS’ BIG TEN FOOTBALL MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL – WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, AT 1:15 P.M. ET

By

Dial 786-697-3501 to Participate; Passcode: NBC Sports

STAMFORD, Conn. – August 21, 2023 – NBC Sports’ Big Ten Football analysts, including B1G College Countdown’s Joshua Perry, Michael Robinson, and Matt Cassel, and Big Ten Saturday Night’s Todd Blackledge will preview the upcoming season on a media conference call this Wednesday, August 23, at 1:15 p.m. ET.

Next Saturday, Sept. 2, NBC Sports debuts its coverage of the 2023 Big Ten Football season with reigning Big Ten champion Michigan hosting East Carolina at Noon ET exclusively on Peacock. Later that night, the premiere of B1G Saturday Night sees Penn State host West Virginia in primetime from famed Beaver Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. The B1G College Countdown studio show will begin at 7 p.m. ET and will also provide reports during East Carolina-Michigan.

Blackledge (Penn State), Perry (Ohio State), Robinson (Penn State), and Cassel (USC) all hail from renowned college football programs and boast a combined 28 playing seasons in the NFL. Blackledge and Perry will be making their NBC Sports debuts this season. Robinson joined NBC Sports in 2022 as analyst for the USFL, while Cassel spent four years as an NFL analyst for NBC Sports Boston.

Media interested in participating should call 786-697-3501; Passcode: NBC Sports

    • WHAT: NBC Sports 2023 Big Ten Football Media Conference Call
    • WHO: Todd Blackledge, Joshua Perry, Michael Robinson, Matt Cassel
    • WHEN: Wednesday, August 23, at 1:15 p.m. ET
    • NUMBER: 786-697-3501
    • PASSCODE: NBC Sports

—NBC SPORTS—

PEACOCK’S EXCLUSIVE 2023 COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE INCLUDES SEVEN OF TOP 25 TEAMS IN ASSOCIATED PRESS PRESEASON POLL

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Michigan (No. 2), Ohio State (3), Penn State (7), Washington (10), Notre Dame (13), Wisconsin (19), and Iowa (25) Expected to Play in Games Streaming Exclusively on Peacock this Season

Peacock to Livestream 10 Exclusive College Football Games This Season: Nine Big Ten Games and One Notre Dame Game; Plus, No. 6 USC at No. 13 Notre Dame on NBC and Peacock in Primetime on Sat., Oct. 14

Season Begins in 10 Days: No. 13 Notre Dame Faces Navy in College Football Season Opener From Ireland on Saturday, Aug. 26, at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock

STAMFORD, Conn. – Aug. 16, 2023 – Seven teams ranked in the Associated Press preseason Top 25 poll are expected to be featured in games streaming exclusively on Peacock this season (pending Big Ten flexible scheduling after Week 3), highlighting NBC Sports’ record-setting college football schedule across the Big Ten and Notre Dame Football.

Teams ranked inside the AP’s season-opening Top 25 poll, which was released on Monday, Aug. 14, that are expected to play in games streaming exclusively on Peacock this season include:

    • 2 Michigan: Sept. 2 vs. East Carolina (Noon ET)
    • 3 Ohio State: To be confirmed*
    • 7 Penn State: Sept. 9 vs. Delaware (Noon ET)
    • 10 Washington: Sept. 16 at Michigan State (5 p.m. ET)
    • 13 Notre Dame: Sept. 16 vs. Central Michigan (2:30 p.m. ET)
    • 19 Wisconsin: To be confirmed*
    • 25 Iowa: To be confirmed*

Peacock will also simulstream all of NBC Sports’ college football games airing on the NBC broadcast network this season, including Big Ten Saturday Night – the first time ever that Big Ten Football will have a dedicated weekly primetime game on a national broadcast network – and Notre Dame Football home games.

On Saturday, Oct. 14, Peacock will simusltream NBC’s coverage of Notre Dame hosting No. 6 USC live at 7:30 p.m. ET in a renewal of the greatest intersectional college football rivalry.

In total this fall, NBC Sports will present 31 FBS college football games across NBC and Peacock, including primetime games on 13 consecutive weekends – both NBC Sports records.

NBC Sports kicks off coverage of the 2023 college football season in 10 days as Notre Dame travels to Dublin, Ireland, to play the Navy Midshipmen at Aviva Stadium Saturday, Aug. 26 at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.

On Saturday, Sept. 2, NBC Sports debuts its landmark Big Ten Football package with two of college football’s top programs – Penn State and Michigan – opening their 2023 seasons with home games.

NBC Sports’ FBS college football games announced to date:

Date Time (ET) Matchup Platform
Sat., Aug. 26 2:30 p.m. Navy vs. No. 13 Notre Dame (in Ireland) NBC, Peacock
Sat., Sept. 2 Noon East Carolina at No. 2 Michigan Peacock
Sat., Sept. 2 3:30 p.m. Tennessee State at No. 13 Notre Dame NBC, Peacock
Sat., Sept. 2 7:30 p.m. West Virginia at No. 7 Penn State NBC, Peacock
Sat., Sept. 9 Noon Delaware at No. 7 Penn State Peacock
Sat., Sept. 9 7:30 p.m. Charlotte at Maryland NBC, Peacock
Sat., Sept. 16 2:30 p.m. Central Michigan at No. 13 Notre Dame Peacock
Sat., Sept. 16 5 p.m. No. 10 Washington at Michigan State Peacock
Sat., Sept. 16 7:30 p.m. Syracuse at Purdue NBC, Peacock
Sat., Sept. 23 7:30 p.m. No. 3 Ohio State at Notre Dame NBC, Peacock
Sat., Oct. 14 7:30 p.m. No. 6 USC at No. 13 Notre Dame NBC, Peacock
Sat., Oct. 28 3:30 p.m. Pittsburgh at No. 13 Notre Dame NBC, Peacock
Sat., Nov. 11 7:30 p.m. Michigan State at No. 3 Ohio State NBC, Peacock
Sat., Nov. 18 3:30 p.m. Wake Forest at No. 13 Notre Dame NBC, Peacock
Fri., Nov. 24 7:30 p.m. No. 7 Penn State at Michigan State (Ford Field) NBC, Peacock

 

NBC Sports’ Big Ten Football package features Big Ten Saturday Night on NBC and Peacock – marking the first time ever that Big Ten Football will have a dedicated weekly primetime game on a national broadcast network. – and nine exclusive games on Peacock.

Peacock’s expansive programming offers the most live sports of any SVOD service in the United States, featuring live coverage including Sunday Night Football, Olympic Games, Premier League, Notre Dame Football, NASCAR, NTT IndyCar Series, Big Ten football (beginning in September), and much more.  Peacock also offers daily sports programming on the NBC Sports channel.

–NBC SPORTS–

FALL OUT BOY TO STAR IN B1G SATURDAY NIGHT SHOW OPEN, DEBUTING SEPT. 2 ON NBC AND PEACOCK

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“Here Comes Saturday Night” — Big Ten Football Players, Cheerleaders, Bands & Fans to be Highlighted

Fall Out Boy Headlines NBC Sports and Peacock Big Ten Football Promotional Campaign, Across Platforms of NBCUniversal

Penn State Hosts West Virginia in Debut of B1G Saturday Night, Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m. ET

NBCUniversal Celebrates Inaugural “B1G Day” Today

STAMFORD, Conn. – August 10, 2023 – Multi-platinum and GRAMMY award-nominated rock band Fall Out Boy will star in NBC Sports’ B1G Saturday Night show open this season, it was announced today.

The show open – with a chorus of “Here Comes Saturday Night” – will debut on Saturday, Sept. 2 ahead of the season-opening West Virginia-Penn State game (7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock), and will also feature football players, cheerleaders, bands and fans from Big Ten Conference schools.

In addition, Fall Out Boy headlines the NBC Sports and Peacock Big Ten Football promotional campaign, appearing across NBCUniversal platforms throughout the summer and fall.

“We are excited to have Fall Out Boy star in our show open to help us capture the passion and pageantry of Big Ten Football in primetime” said Tripp Dixon, NBC Sports creative director.

Fall Out Boy’s eighth studio album, So Much (For) Stardust, debuted as the No. 1 rock album upon its March 24 release and features the global smash single “Love From The Other Side”. The band just wrapped the North American leg of their highly-anticipated So Much For (Tour) Dust headline tour, which featured multiple sold out stops across stadiums and arenas. The tour will continue in Europe and the UK this fall.

B1G Saturday Night marks the first time ever that Big Ten Football will have a dedicated weekly primetime game on a national broadcast network. Peacock will also serve as the exclusive home for nine additional Big Ten Football games this season – beginning with Michigan hosting East Carolina, Sat. Sept. 2 at Noon ET.

– B1G SATURDAY NIGHT –

NBC SPORTS NAMES COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME ANNOUNCERS FOR 2023 SEASON ON NBC AND PEACOCK

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Notre Dame Football’s 2023 Season Kicks Off vs. Navy in Ireland on Sat., Aug. 26 on NBC and Peacock (2:30 p.m. ET), with Jac Collinsworth, Jason Garrett, Zora Stephenson and Terry McAulay on the Call

Mike Tirico, Chris Simms, Lewis Johnson and Terry McAulay Call NBC Sports’ Big Ten Football Debut Exclusively on Peacock — Michigan Hosts East Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 2 (Noon ET)

West Virginia at Penn State in Big Ten Saturday Night Opener, Sept. 2 on NBC and Peacock (7:30 p.m. ET) Featuring Noah Eagle, Todd Blackledge, Kathryn Tappen and Terry McAulay on the Call

Nicole Auerbach Joins NBC Sports as College Football Insider

NBC Sports to Present Record 31 FBS Games Across NBC and Peacock, Including 13 Consecutive Weekends of Primetime Games

STAMFORD, Conn. – Aug. 2, 2023 – This fall, NBC Sports will present 31 FBS college football games across NBC and Peacock, including primetime games on 13 consecutive weekends – both NBC Sports records.

NBC Sports’ college football game commentary teams feature a dynamic and experienced mix of play-callers, analysts, and sideline reporters. Following are NBC Sports’ college football announcers, with additional commentators to be added as the season progresses:

 

 

 

    • Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Chris Simms (analyst), Lewis Johnson (sidelines) – East Carolina vs. Michigan, as the Big Ten season kicks off one month from today, Sept. 2 on Peacock (Noon ET)

 

    • Brendan Burke (play-by-play), Paul Burmeister (play-by-play), Andrew Siciliano (play-by-play), Joshua Perry (analyst), Michael Robinson (analyst), Kyle Rudolph (analyst) Anthony Herron (analyst), and Caroline Pineda (sidelines) will call Big Ten Football games.

 

      • Burke serves as the lead play-by-play voice for Peacock’s MLB Sunday Leadoff package of exclusive Sunday morning MLB games. Beginning with NBC Sports in 2017, he served as a play-by-play voice of NHL and Premier Lacrosse League coverage, and called hockey at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and rowing and canoeing during the Tokyo Olympics.

 

      • Burmeister serves as a studio host and play-by-play commentator for NBC Sports across numerous properties, including the USFL, All-American Bowl, college basketball, and the Tour de France. Burmeister has worked five Olympics for NBC Sports, most recently during the 2022 Olympic Winter Games.

 

      • Siciliano, a host and play-by-play announcer for NFL Network, hosted NBC Sports’ Gold Zone coverage for two Olympic Games.

 

      • Rudolph, a 12-year NFL veteran and two-time Pro Bowl tight end, has served as an analyst on NBC Sports’ coverage of the USFL and the 2023 Notre Dame Blue-Gold game.

 

      • Herron, a former NFL defensive lineman, serves as an analyst on NBC Sports’ college football coverage including the All-American Bowl and Bayou Classic, and called games during the 2023 USFL season.

 

      • Pineda has reported from Notre Dame’s Blue-Gold game and Football Pro Day, as well as USFL games, NBC Sports’ Atlantic 10 basketball coverage, and the 2023 SiriusXM MLB All-Star Futures Game on Peacock.

 

    • Nicole Auerbach, who has covered college football and basketball at national media outlets since 2011, joins NBC Sports as lead college football insider. She will appear on B1G College Countdown and across college football programming on NBC Sports platforms, providing the latest from the players, coaches and schools that are making news each week. Auerbach will continue covering college football and basketball for The Athletic, in addition to her roles as a studio analyst for the Big Ten Network and a host for SiriusXM.

 

    • NBC Sports’ Sunday Night Football rules analyst Terry McAulay, a referee in 17 of his 20 NFL seasons as an on-field official, and Reggie Smith, who spent 14 years as a referee in the Big 12 (2009-2020) and Big Ten (2020-22) conferences, will serve as college football rules analysts.

 

“We have our gameplan for the most extensive college football season in NBC Sports history across NBC and Peacock,” said NBC Sports Executive Producer Sam Flood. “With our starting lineups now set, we are excited to kick off.”

NBC Sports’ FBS college football games announced to date:

Date Time (ET) Matchup Platform
Sat., Aug. 26 2:30 p.m. Navy vs. Notre Dame (in Ireland) NBC, Peacock
Sat., Sept. 2 Noon East Carolina at Michigan Peacock
Sat., Sept. 2 3:30 p.m. Tennessee State at Notre Dame NBC, Peacock
Sat., Sept. 2 7:30 p.m. West Virginia at Penn State NBC, Peacock
Sat., Sept. 9 Noon Delaware at Penn State Peacock
Sat., Sept. 9 7:30 p.m. Charlotte at Maryland NBC, Peacock
Sat., Sept. 16 2:30 p.m. Central Michigan at Notre Dame Peacock
Sat., Sept. 16 5:00 p.m. Washington at Michigan State Peacock
Sat., Sept. 16 7:30 p.m. Syracuse at Purdue NBC, Peacock
Sat., Sept. 23 7:30 p.m. Ohio State at Notre Dame NBC, Peacock
Sat., Oct. 14 7:30 p.m. USC at Notre Dame NBC, Peacock
Sat., Oct. 28 3:30 p.m. Pittsburgh at Notre Dame NBC, Peacock
Sat., Nov. 11 7:30 p.m. Michigan State at Ohio State NBC, Peacock
Sat., Nov. 18 3:30 p.m. Wake Forest at Notre Dame NBC, Peacock
Fri., Nov. 24 7:30 p.m. Penn State at Michigan State (Ford Field) NBC, Peacock

 

Peacock’s expansive programming offers the most live sports of any SVOD service in the United States, featuring live coverage including Sunday Night Football, Olympic Games, Premier League, Notre Dame Football, NASCAR, NTT IndyCar Series, Big Ten football (beginning in September), and much more.  Peacock also offers daily sports programming on the NBC Sports channel.

–NBC SPORTS–

MARIA TAYLOR, MATT CASSEL, JOSHUA PERRY, MICHAEL ROBINSON, AND AHMED FAREED TO ANCHOR NBC SPORTS’ BIG TEN STUDIO SHOW “B1G COLLEGE COUNTDOWN”

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Show to Originate from Site of NBC Sports’ Primetime Game Each Week to Capture Campus Atmosphere and Spectacle

Penn State Hosts West Virginia on Debut of B1G Saturday Night, Sept. 2, on NBC and Peacock; Coverage Begins with B1G College Countdown at 7 p.m. ET

STAMFORD, Conn. — July 20, 2023 – Host Maria Taylor, analysts Matt Cassel, Joshua Perry, and Michael Robinson, and co-host Ahmed Fareed will anchor B1G College Countdown, NBC Sports’ studio show for its inaugural season of B1G Saturday Night, NBC Sports announced today.

Each week, B1G College Countdown will capture college football’s unique gameday atmosphere by providing pre-game and halftime commentary from the site of that week’s primetime game – 11 Big Ten and two Notre Dame games. The show will also provide pre-game and halftime content for most of NBC Sports’ college football afternoon games throughout the season on NBC and Peacock. For Notre Dame games, the show will be called College Countdown.

Following is a look at the B1G College Countdown studio team:

  • Maria Taylor: Taylor is the host of Football Night in America, the most-watched studio show in sports, and several additional prestigious NBC Sports properties. Over an unprecedented 10-month period in 2021-22, Taylor hosted the primetime network broadcast of the NFL Draft, NBA Finals, Olympic Games in Tokyo, Super Bowl, and Olympic Winter Games in Beijing. She is the first female full-time host of Football Night and has extensive college football experience from her time at ESPN and the SEC Network. Taylor was a two-sport collegiate athlete, playing both basketball and volleyball at Georgia.

 

  • Matt Cassel: Cassel played quarterback in the NFL for 14 seasons, spending time with the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans, and Detroit Lions. A seventh-round pick out of USC in 2005, Cassel’s breakout season came in 2008, when he filled in for an injured Tom Brady and led the Patriots to an 11-5 record. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2010 after helping the Chiefs win the AFC West title. Collegiately, Cassel was a backup quarterback at USC and won two National Championships in 2003 and 2004.

 

  • Joshua Perry: Perry enjoyed a successful college career as a linebacker for Ohio State, helping the team win the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship in 2014. He spent two seasons in the NFL, playing for the San Diego Chargers and Indianapolis Colts before retiring due to injury. In broadcasting, Perry has been featured on the Big Ten Network and sports radio in Columbus, Ohio.

 

  • Michael Robinson: A Super Bowl-winning fullback and Big Ten alum, Robinson is an analyst for NBC Sports’ coverage of the USFL. A fourth-round NFL Draft choice out of Penn State in 2006, Robinson spent eight seasons in the NFL, playing four with the San Francisco 49ers (2006-2009) and four with the Seattle Seahawks (2010-2013), where he capped off his career by winning Super Bowl XLVIII. Robinson was named to the Pro Bowl in 2011. During his four-year career at quarterback for Penn State, he was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and led the Nittany Lions to the Big Ten Championship his senior year, finishing fifth in Heisman Trophy voting. Following his retirement in 2013, he has appeared as an analyst on NFL Network, including Good Morning Football: Weekend and NFL Total Access, and is now serving as the Seahawks preseason TV analyst.

 

  • Ahmed Fareed: Fareed currently serves as a host and reporter on a variety of sport events and properties across NBC Sports, including MLB Sunday Leadoff, horse racing, Premier League, and rugby. Fareed has served as a studio host for four Olympic assignments and the past two Paralympic Games. From 2013-18, Fareed was a host and reporter for NBC Sports Bay Area and NBC Sports California, where he won two Sports Emmy awards.

“The college football atmosphere is unlike anything in sports and that’s why we’re going to be on campus every week with B1G College Countdown,” said Sam Flood, Executive Producer, NBC Sports. “Matt, Joshua, and Michael hail from three of the most fabled programs and energized scenes in college football – USC, Ohio State and Penn State, respectfully. Ahmed grew up in Big Ten country and has a deep passion for the sport and its fans. As the host of the NFL’s show of record and a two-sport collegiate athlete, Maria is the perfect choice to lead this new Saturday night tradition. We can’t wait to kick things off on September 2 from Happy Valley.”

The show will be produced by Lindsay Schanzer and directed by Kaare Numme and Jared Sumner. Schanzer has won six Sports Emmy awards and is NBC Sports’ senior producer for horse racing, including the Kentucky Derby. She has also worked on Sunday Night Football, Football Night in America and Notre Dame Football. Numme has won 14 Sports Emmy awards and directs Football Night in America and the Kentucky Derby, among other major properties. He previously worked on Sunday Night Football and Notre Dame Football. Sumner currently works on Peacock’s MLB Sunday Leadoff and Golf Channel’s studio coverage. He has also worked on NBC Sports’ coverage of the Indianapolis 500, NASCAR, and Football Night in America.

In February, NBC Sports announced its lead B1G Ten Saturday Night college football announce team, featuring Todd Blackledge (analyst) and Noah Eagle (play-by-play) in the booth and Kathryn Tappen as sideline reporter.

In August 2022, NBCUniversal and the Big Ten Conference announced a landmark 7-year agreement for NBC and Peacock to become the exclusive home of B1G Ten Saturday Night football. Peacock will also serve as the exclusive home for eight additional Big Ten Football games each season. B1G Ten Saturday Night will mark the first time ever that Big Ten Football will have a dedicated weekly primetime game on a national broadcast network.

The premier of B1G Ten Saturday Night features Penn State hosting West Virginia from Beaver Stadium in University Park, Penn., on Saturday, Sept. 2, at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.

NBC Sports’ Big Ten Football and primetime games announced to date:

Date Time (ET)* Matchup Platform
Sat. Sept. 2 Noon East Carolina at Michigan Peacock
Sat., Sept. 2 7:30 p.m. West Virginia at Penn State NBC, Peacock
Sat., Sept. 9 Noon Delaware at Penn State Peacock
Sat., Sept. 9 7:30 p.m. Charlotte at Maryland NBC, Peacock
Sat., Sept. 16 5:00 p.m. Washington at Michigan State Peacock
Sat., Sept. 16 7:30 p.m. Syracuse at Purdue NBC, Peacock
Sat., Sept. 23 7:30 p.m. Ohio State at Notre Dame NBC, Peacock
Sat., Oct. 14 7:30 p.m. USC at Notre Dame NBC, Peacock
Sat., Nov. 11 7:30 p.m. Michigan State at Ohio State NBC, Peacock
Fri., Nov. 24 7:30 p.m. Penn State at Michigan State (Ford Field) NBC, Peacock

*The studio show for B1G Ten Saturday Night begins at 7 p.m. ET

NBC Sports’ remaining Big Ten Football games will be announced during the season, with each matchup typically revealed 12 days prior to the scheduled game date.

Peacock’s expansive programming offers the most live sports of any SVOD service in the United States, featuring live coverage including Sunday Night Football, Olympic Games, Premier League, Notre Dame Football, NASCAR, NTT IndyCar Series, Big Ten football (beginning in September), and much more. Peacock also offers daily sports programming on the NBC Sports channel.

–B1G COLLEGE COUNTDOWN–

PENN STATE HOSTS WEST VIRGINIA ON DEBUT OF BIG TEN SATURDAY NIGHT, SEPT. 2 ON NBC & PEACOCK, KICKING OFF NBC SPORTS’ LANDMARK BIG TEN PACKAGE

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Exclusive Peacock Schedule Kicks Off with Big Ten Champion Michigan Hosting East Carolina, Sat. Sept. 2 at Noon ET 

November Primetime Games Include CFP National Semifinalist Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan State

 NBC Sports’ 2023 Schedule Features Big Ten’s First Dedicated Weekly Broadcast Primetime Game & Nine Peacock-Exclusive Games 

NBC Sports’ Primetime Schedule this Fall also Includes Two of College Football’s Most-Anticipated Games — Ohio State at Notre Dame (Sept. 23) and USC at Notre Dame (Oct. 14)

 STAMFORD, Conn. – May 31, 2023 – NBC Sports debuts its landmark Big Ten Football package with two of college football’s top programs – Penn State and Michigan – opening their 2023 seasons with home games on Saturday, Sept. 2.

    • At Noon ET, exclusively on Peacock, the Big Ten champion Michigan Wolverines open “The Big House” against East Carolina.

    • At 7:30 p.m. ET, on NBC and Peacock, the Penn State Nittany Lions, Rose Bowl winners this past winter, host West Virginia at Beaver Stadium in the schools’ 50th meeting, but first since 1992. The Nittany Lions and Mountaineers played 31 times between 1960-92.

 

NBC Sports’ Big Ten Football package features Big Ten Saturday Night on NBC and Peacock – marking the first time ever that Big Ten Football will have a dedicated weekly primetime game on a national broadcast network. – and nine exclusive games on Peacock.

Additional NBC Sports’ Big Ten Football games announced today:

Sat., Sept. 16 at 5 p.m. ET, exclusively on Peacock — The Washington Huskies, who had the nation’s top passing offense in 2022 and finished #8 in the final AP and Coaches’ Polls, visit the Michigan State Spartans, who finished 11-2 in 2021 and ranked among the country’s top 10 teams.

Sat., Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m. ET, on NBC and Peacock – The Purdue Boilermakers, winners of the Big Ten West division last season, host the Syracuse Orange. The teams played a thriller last September at Syracuse, combining for four lead changes and 42 points in the fourth quarter of a three-point Orange victory.

Sat., Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. ET, on NBC and Peacock – The Ohio State Buckeyes, a College Football Playoff national semifinalist last season, host Michigan State.

Fri., Nov. 24 at 7:30 p.m. ET, on NBC and Peacock – Penn State visit Michigan State in a special Black Friday primetime matchup at Ford Field in Detroit.

In addition, NBC Sports’ fall primetime slate includes two of college football’s most-anticipated showdowns – Ohio State at Notre Dame (Sept. 23); and USC, the Pac-12’s first-place team in the 2022 regular season, at Notre Dame (Oct. 14) – on NBC and Peacock.

The remaining NBC Sports’ Big Ten Football games will be announced during the season, with each matchup typically announced 12 days prior to the scheduled game date.

NBC Sports’ Big Ten Football and primetime games announced to date:

Date Time (ET) Matchup Platform
Sat. Sept. 2 Noon East Carolina at Michigan Peacock
Sat., Sept. 2 7:30 p.m. West Virginia at Penn State NBC, Peacock
Sat., Sept. 9 Noon Delaware at Penn State Peacock
Sat., Sept. 9 7:30 p.m. Charlotte at Maryland NBC, Peacock
Sat., Sept. 16 5:00 p.m. Washington at Michigan State Peacock
Sat., Sept. 16 7:30 p.m. Syracuse at Purdue NBC, Peacock
Sat., Sept. 23 7:30 p.m. Ohio State at Notre Dame NBC, Peacock
Sat., Oct. 14 7:30 p.m. USC at Notre Dame NBC, Peacock
Sat., Nov. 11 7:30 p.m. Michigan State at Ohio State NBC, Peacock
Fri., Nov. 24 7:30 p.m. Penn State at Michigan State (Ford Field) NBC, Peacock

Peacock’s expansive programming offers the most live sports of any SVOD service in the United States, featuring live coverage including Sunday Night Football, Olympic Games, Premier League, Notre Dame Football, NASCAR, NTT IndyCar Series, Big Ten football (beginning in September), and much more.  Peacock also offers daily sports programming on the NBC Sports channel.

–NBC SPORTS–

TODD BLACKLEDGE, NOAH EAGLE & KATHRYN TAPPEN TO CALL NBC SPORTS’ NEW BIG TEN SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL PACKAGE

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NBC Sports’ Primetime Big Ten Football Begins Saturday, Sept. 2 on NBC & Peacock

Matt Marvin Named Coordinating Producer of Big Ten Saturday Night, Alongside Director Charlie Dammeyer

STAMFORD, Conn. – Feb. 2, 2023 – NBC Sports today announced its Big Ten Saturday Night college football announce team, featuring Todd Blackledge (analyst) and Noah Eagle (play-by-play) in the booth and Kathryn Tappen as sideline reporter.

Every weekend from Sept. 2 through Nov. 25, the trio will call a Big Ten Football game, which will be broadcast on NBC and simulstreamed on Peacock. Big Ten Saturday Night highlights an NBC Sports-record 33 college football games in Fall 2023.

Blackledge, who quarterbacked Penn State to the national championship in 1982, begins his 30th season as a network college football analyst after spending the 1994-2022 seasons in the booth for ABC, CBS and, most recently, ESPN. In addition to working one of college football’s biggest games each week, he has called a College Football Playoff semifinal in each of the past nine seasons – including TCU’s thrilling 51-45 victory over Michigan in the Fiesta Bowl in December – and served as ESPN Radio’s analyst for 11 of the last 12 college football championship games.

Eagle joins NBC Sports’ Big Ten Saturday Night booth after calling college football for FOX last season and CBS in 2021. Last December on NFL Network, he handled play-by-play for the largest comeback in NFL history (33 points) as the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Indianapolis Colts 39-36 in overtime. Eagle has also called an NFL game on Nickelodeon in each of the past three seasons, and is currently in his fourth season as the radio play-by-play voice of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Tappen, who joined NBC Sports in 2014, returns to the college football sidelines after eight seasons as sideline reporter for Notre Dame Football on NBC (2014-21) and hosting studio coverage last fall in South Bend. She has served as a host or reporter on many of the biggest events in sports, including the Olympics, Super Bowl, and Stanley Cup Playoffs and Final.

“We are excited to showcase Big Ten Saturday Night on the NBC Sports’ primetime marquee,” said NBC Sports Executive Producer Sam Flood. “When you hear Todd’s voice, you know it’s a big college football game. It has been that way for decades. Noah is one of the industry’s rising young play-by-play commentators, who has excelled calling numerous sports across multiple platforms for a wide range of audiences. We are thrilled to pair him in the booth with Todd. Kathryn has told the stories of so many memorable Notre Dame Football moments over the last decade in her on-field reporting and interviews. With their collective college football experience and great enthusiasm for the game, Todd, Noah and Kathryn join a production team that can’t wait to kick off the Big Ten season.”

Following is a look at NBC Sports’ Big Ten Saturday Night announce team:

Todd Blackledge (Analyst)

  • Begins 30th consecutive season as network college football game analyst this fall
  • Served as analyst for ESPN primetime college football for last 17 seasons (2006-22), following seven seasons at CBS (1999-2005), and five at ABC (1994-98). Called a College Football Playoff semifinal game on ESPN in each of past nine seasons (2014-22)
  • Began broadcast career as a sports-talk radio host in Ohio, while also providing analysis for Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, and Philadelphia Eagles preseason broadcasts
  • Selected seventh overall in the famed 1983 NFL Draft, and played seven NFL seasons (Kansas City 1983-87; Pittsburgh 1988-89)
  • Led Penn State to 1982 national championship in Sugar Bowl (named Most Outstanding Player), earning the Davey O’Brien Award (top QB) and finishing sixth in Heisman Trophy voting. Was 31-5 as three-year starter for the Nittany Lions (1980-82)

Noah Eagle (Play-by-Play)

  • Begins third season handling college football play-by-play, following assignments for FOX (2022) and CBS (2021)
  • Currently in fourth season as radio play-by-play voice of Los Angeles Clippers
  • Has called an NFL game on Nickelodeon for past three seasons, college basketball on FS1, NBA events for Turner/NBATV, and major events for Tennis Channel
  • Called historic comeback in Colts-Vikings game for NFL Network in Dec. 2022
  • Handled play-by-play for NBC Sports’ coverage of 3-on-3 basketball in Tokyo Olympics

Kathryn Tappen (Sideline Reporter)

  • Begins 10th consecutive season working on NBC Sports’ college football coverage
  • Served as sideline reporter for Notre Dame Football from 2014-21, and hosted studio coverage from South Bend in 2022
  • In 2022, hosted NBC Sports’ Peacock Sunday Night Football Final following Sunday Night Football games, and was lead interviewer for NBC Sports’ golf coverage across the PGA TOUR and major championships
  • Served in hosting and reporting roles for past five Olympic Games and last three NBC Super Bowls (Feb. 2022, Feb. 2018, Feb. 2015)
  • Served as host of NBC Sports’ NHL coverage, including Stanley Cup Playoffs, from 2014-21

NBC Sports today also announced that its Big Ten Saturday Night game coverage will be led by coordinating producer Matt Marvin and director Charlie Dammeyer.

A six-time Sports Emmy winner, Marvin joined NBC Sports in 2000 and has served as the lead producer of NASCAR on NBC, Notre Dame Football on NBC, and the NHL on NBC, and was the replay producer for Thursday Night Football last fall. In addition, he was part of production teams for 10 Olympic Games and five Super Bowls.

Dammeyer, who has won 12 Sports Emmy Awards since joining NBC Sports in 2005, most recently served as director of NASCAR on NBC, Notre Dame Football on NBC, and the NHL on NBC, and previously as an associate director on NBC’s Sunday Night Football. He has also been a part of production teams for 10 Olympic Games and three Super Bowls.

– BIG TEN SATURDAY NIGHT –