I disagree Dave. The manipulative propaganda is real and it's a concerted effort throughout every segment of their staff. I'm not even trying to be a conspiracy theorist either, it's blatant and strictly business. I don't even blame them. The Big East won't sniff the ESPN family of networks for the next decade with the exception of the rare ESPNU game that involves a conference that is a partner of theirs that'll drive ratings.
Agree completely with Quan. Dana may be a very minor exception but the overall coverage and interest is definitely skewed.
Prime example, not from BE. The Florida State-ND controversial game. ACC is an ESPN conference. ND has games with NBC. Add in that FSU is Nike and ND is UA for further partnership issues.
Every outlet's description of the game explained that ND threw a touchdown pass that put them ahead seemingly for a win that was negated due to pass interference. At the very least, regardless of your biases, you have to mention all of the facts in that sentence.
ESPN's initial coverage in their article was this, before it became a national controversy and they had to address it with additional articles: "Notre Dame's final drive was derailed due to offensive interference." No comment on that they were at the 3, that Corey Robinson caught the pass for a TD that was obviously waived, nothing.
Days later, of course, ESPN edited their official game recap.
They are blatantly biased against non-ESPN schools and conferences, IMO....