The Big Ten (Eleven)

For a blog that is supposedly about the nexus of politics and sports, I can think of nothing better to share with you than the news that at 2pm Central time, the Big Ten Network will be airing the results of the first "Big Ten Battleground Poll." Obviously every one of the eight states that are home to the Big Ten Schools are 'battleground' states with the exception of Illinois (although a recent poll indicated that the race there is tightening also).

According to the network release:

Poll results will be reported during a television program titled Big Ten Battleground: Campaign 2008 that will air on the Big Ten Network on Sept. 18, at 3 p.m. CDT. Faculty experts with first hand knowledge of the dynamics of the race in their respective states will appear on the show to analyze the results. Video from the program will be available on this Web site following the show.

I am fascinated that they might be using the Big Ten Network for something other than sports. While I don't expect them to be showing The Nobel Conference anytime soon, I think that the network's desire to branch out into other fields is worth watching.

P.S. To Left Wing Jumper and others who do not get the Big Ten Network, ignore this post, and return to whining about how you haven't gotten to see any of Northwestern's undefeated season.

[UPDATE: Illinois, Obama 53, McCain 37; Indiana, McCain 47, Obama 43; Iowa, McCain 45, Obama 45; Michigan, Obama 48, McCain 44; Minnesota, Obama 47, McCain 45; Ohio, Obama 46, McCain 45; Pennsylvania, Obama 45, McCain 45; Wisconsin, Obama 45, McCain 44]