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Conference Chatter: Tensions rise in TV talks

By Iliana Limón
Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Negotiations between Cox Cable, the cable provider for San Diego State and UNLV markets, and CSTV are heating up.

CSTV is trying to add the Mountain, its new regional network that covers Mountain West Conference athletics, to the Cox channel lineup.

Cox argued CSTV was demanding six times fair market value to add the Mountain to its channel lineup.

Mountain West Conference commissioner Craig Thompson fired back, arguing CSTV's price for adding the Mountain was well below fair market price.

Thompson said Tuesday San Diego State officials commissioned an independent report that found CSTV is charging a favorable price for the Mountain.

Thompson also said Cox put an offer on the table to add the Mountain about 10 days ago. CSTV agreed to it, and Cox rescinded the offer during the weekend.

"I'm just trying to get hopeful that we'll get back to where we were 10 days ago - that Cox will put its offer back on the table and we'll accept it again," Thompson said.

He said satellite companies in negotiations with CSTV are considering picking up the Mountain regionally instead of adding it to a national channel lineup.

Colorado State (4-1, 1-0) at Air Force (2-2, 2-0): Perfection is about to end.

The Falcons and Rams are putting their spotless Mountain West Conference records on the line when the two in-state rivals clash.

It's a sweet turnaround for the Falcons, who were Mountain West doormats last season with a 3-5 record.

"It is a very important conference game this early in the season," Air Force coach Fisher DeBerry said.

Both teams face the added hurdle of reduced preparation time for the Thursday-night game. Most teams accept the weekday matchup in exchange for the national television spotlight, but the game was bumped from CSTV to the Mountain and won't be seen in bigger markets.

Utah (4-2, 2-0) at Wyoming (2-4, 1-1): The Utes join Air Force and Colorado State in seeking to stay undefeated in conference play.

BYU is the only other undefeated conference team with a 2-0 record, but the Cougars have a bye this week.

"I still believe for anybody in this league to go undefeated is a tall order," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said.

The Utes' strong offense will be tested when they head to Wyoming.

The Cowboys rank No. 1 nationally in passing defense, allowing 106.2 yards per game. The Utes counter with the best pass protection in the country. Utah has not allowed a sack in all six of its games this season. The Utes are the only Division I-A football team that has not allowed a sack this year.