ESPN host caught faking Big Ten schedule stats to boost SEC

An ESPN radio host and SEC Network anchor got caught with a major error after trying to claim the SEC plays a tougher schedule than the Big Ten. The mistake reveals what many Iowa football fans already suspect: the network's pro-SEC bias often comes at the expense of accuracy.

Peter Burns, a host on ESPN Radio and the SEC Network, posted on social media that nine SEC schools play at least five teams ranked in the preseason coaches poll. He then claimed that no Big Ten team plays five ranked opponents. Both statements are false.

Seven Big Ten teams face five or more ranked opponents

According to the same coaches poll Burns used, at least seven Big Ten teams will face five or more top-25 opponents this season. Ohio State leads the way with six ranked games, including matchups against Texas, Iowa, Indiana, USC, Oregon, and Michigan.

Michigan also plays six ranked teams: Oklahoma, Iowa, Penn State, Indiana, Oregon, and Ohio State. USC, Penn State, Washington, Oregon, and Notre Dame each face five ranked opponents. USC would have had six if Notre Dame had not backed out of their traditional rivalry game.

Iowa fans should take note: the Hawkeyes face a brutal schedule that includes Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, USC, and Washington. That is five ranked teams by the coaches poll's own measure.

ESPN's SEC bias is an open secret

It is no secret that ESPN has a financial interest in promoting the SEC. The network broadcasts most SEC games and operates the SEC Network. The more SEC teams rank highly, the more