The cord-cutter’s guide to (legally) watching college football

Are you a budget-conscious college football enthusiast or a tech-savvy Millennial? If you’ve joined the growing trend of cord-cutting, you might be wondering how to keep up with the college football season without shelling out for expensive cable or satellite subscriptions. Fear not, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide on how to watch almost every college football game via digital and streaming platforms.

Let’s kick off with ESPN Networks. While a standalone streaming service for ESPN’s live sports content remains a wishful thinking, you can still catch most of ESPN’s live games without a traditional cable subscription. Thanks to platforms like Sling TV and PlayStation Vue, you can enjoy a buffet of live networks for a monthly fee, without the hassle of contracts or additional fees. Think of it as Netflix, but for live sports.

PlayStation Vue’s Elite Slim package, priced at a consistent $45 per month across the U.S., offers a range of ESPN channels. However, it’s the access to the WatchESPN app with a Vue login that’s the real game-changer. This means you can watch Longhorn Network content via WatchESPN, even though it’s not available as a standalone network on Vue.

On the other hand, Sling TV’s $20 Orange plan includes ESPN and ESPN2. For an extra $5, the Sling Sports Package adds ESPNews, ESPNU, SEC Network, and ESPN Goal Line to your roster. Plus, Sling also grants you access to the WatchESPN service, which is typically only available with a traditional cable or satellite subscription.

Next up, we have Fox Sports. Both Vue and Sling include FS1 and FS2 in their packages and allow users to log into Fox Sports GO, Fox’s “watch anywhere” app and streaming service. However, the availability of Fox College Sports Networks and certain Fox regional networks depends on your location and the platform you choose.

For fans of the Big Ten Network, PS Vue is your go-to platform. It includes the BTNa alternate broadcasts and allows you to log into the BTN2Go app on mobile providers and set-top boxes like Roku. Unfortunately, Sling does not carry the Big Ten Network.

As for the Pac-12 Networks, Sling announced on September 8 that all six regional channels (Los Angeles, Bay Area, Arizona, Washington, Mountain, and Oregon) would be available immediately on Sling as part of the Sling Orange Sports Extra $5 add-on package. PS Vue, however, does not carry Pac 12 Networks.

When it comes to broadcast networks, an HD antenna is your best bet for accessing games that air on The Big Four (ABC, NBC, Fox, and CBS). They’re affordable, easy to connect, and a far cry from the rabbit ears of old. An HD antenna will pick up any broadcast signals in your area, including the ABC primetime game, the SEC on CBS, or Notre Dame on NBC.

For more niche college football programming, platforms like NBCSNbeIN Sports, and Campus Insiders offer a range of games from smaller conferences and teams.

Choosing between Vue and Sling ultimately depends on your device and your preferred networks. Both are available on Roku, Android, and iOS. Sling is available on Apple TV, while Vue can be accessed via a PlayStation 3 or 4.

To ensure a smooth streaming experience, Sling recommends an internet connection of at least 5 Mbps for one HD-quality (1080p) stream, while Vue recommends a minimum of 10 Mbps.

So, what’s the damage to your wallet? PS Vue’s packages start at $30 a month, and Sling’s plans range from $20 to $30. Over a five-month season (September through January), that’s $150 or less. Compare that to the $60 or more per month you’d need to spend on DirecTV’s or Dish’s packages, which also come with 24-month contracts.

In conclusion, cord-cutting is not only a viable option for college football fans, but it can also be a more affordable and flexible one. So, gear up for the next season, and enjoy the game your way!

For NFL fans who’ve cut the cord, check out our guide on how to enjoy all the action of the NFL season without a traditional cable subscription. From the NFL’s official streaming service, NFL Game Pass, to over-the-air antennas and streaming services like Sling TV and PlayStation Vue, there are plenty of options to choose from. So, evaluate each option carefully and choose the one that best fits your NFL viewing needs.

Can I watch college football games live on ESPN without cable?

Yes, you can watch almost all of ESPN’s live games without a traditional cable subscription, thanks to streaming services like Sling TV and PlayStation Vue.

How can I watch Fox Sports without cable?

Vue and Sling both carry FS1 and FS2 in their packages, and both allow users to log into Fox Sports GO, Fox’s “watch anywhere” app and streaming service.

Can I watch Big Ten Football without cable?

Yes, the Big Ten Network is available on PS Vue, which includes the BTN alternate broadcasts. Vue also allows you to log into the BTN2Go app on mobile providers and set-top boxes like Roku.

How can I watch NFL games as a cord cutter?

There are several options for watching NFL games without cable, including the NFL Game Pass, over-the-air antennas, streaming services, NFL on mobile, and NFL Sunday Ticket.

What internet speed do I need for streaming football games?

To receive quality without constant buffering, Sling’s site recommends you have an internet connection of at least 5 Mbps to achieve one HD-quality (1080p) stream. Vue recommends a minimum of 10 Mbps. If you’re planning on streaming multiple games simultaneously or using the same connection for other purposes, a connection of at least 10 Mbps is wise.

 

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