Everyone seems to think the 2008 West Virginia University-Marshall football game is going to be nationally televised.
Everyone is wrong.
That includes Gov. Joe Manchin, who was visibly surprised when informed the game hasn't been scheduled for national television.
"Really?" said a puzzled Manchin. "I thought for sure it was."
Sorry, guv'nor.
The misconception apparently involves the rescheduling of this season's Marshall-WVU game. Originally, the Herd and Mountaineers were slated to play on Sept. 13 at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown.
But, then, WVU asked Marshall if the game could be moved, so the Mountaineers' home game against Auburn could be shifted to a Thursday night (Oct. 23) for ESPN.
Marshall agreed and the annual game between the arch-rivals was moved to Sept. 27.
The confusion about national television coverage seems to be based on that move. Since Marshall accommodated the Mountaineers, everyone apparently assumed MU-WVU also would get national television exposure as part of the agreement.
That isn't the case.
So, does that mean there's no chance of the Marshall-WVU game being nationally telecast? Probably. It depends on whether the Mountaineer officials will be more flexible than in 2006.
ESPN offered to nationally televise the initial game in this series if the Saturday contest was moved to Sunday. Manchin made it clear that he wanted it to happen. MU also agreed. But WVU refused, much to Manchin's displeasure.
I'm told the only real chance the '08 Marshall-WVU game has of being nationally televised is if it's moved from Saturday to Friday night (Sept. 26).
Don't be surprised if Manchin lobbies for that to happen.
"I will get involved," vowed Manchin.
Otherwise, the only hope for national television would be ESPNU. And let's be honest, is that really national television? I don't think so.
The problem with the 2008 Marshall-WVU contest is from a national perspective it's just not that good of a game.
Marshall is coming off three straight losing seasons and lost its marquee player, quarterback Bernard Morris. WVU lost high-profile head coach Rich Rodriguez, hired a controversial replacement in Bill Stewart and lost one of its two marquee players, running back Steve Slaton.
That doesn't translate into must-see TV.
But if the game were scheduled for Huntington, I'm told all those quality issues would be moot. That's because the storyline of the Mountaineers playing the Herd in Huntington is so overwhelming, it transcends any of the matchup's weaknesses.
Simply put, Marshall vs. WVU is a special game in Huntington, but not so special in Morgantown. And ESPN realizes it.
That doesn't mean the '08 Marshall-WVU game won't be televised. The most likely scenario is syndication, much like 2006.
The game will be produced by ESPN and aired as an ESPN Regional contest, including a state-wide network as well as exposure in different regions of the country. It also is expected to be offered on ESPN GamePlan, which means anyone in the country will be able to watch Marshall play WVU.
Unless Manchin can make something happen, that's the best bet.
Your move, Governor.
Chuck Landon is a sports columnist for The Herald-Dispatch. Call him at 526-2827. E-mail him at clandon@herald-dispatch.com.
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