Four Gophers football games will be telecast on Big Ten Network

Star Tribune

Last update: July 3, 2008 - 12:07 AM

The Big Ten Network, which recently reached a deal to be added to Comcast cable systems, will air three of the Gophers' four nonconference football games this season and also carry Minnesota's regular-season finale versus Iowa.

The network will have the Gophers' opener against Northern Illinois at 6 p.m. on Aug. 30 as well as Minnesota's games against Montana State on Sept. 13 and Florida Atlantic on Sept. 20.

The Minnesota-Iowa matchup at 6 p.m. on Nov. 22 will be the Gophers' last game at the Metrodome before the team moves to the new TCF Bank Stadium in 2009.

The BTN also could be in the mix to carry other Big Ten games involving the Gophers. The network will be available on Comcast's expanded basic service beginning Aug. 15. Here is the schedule:

(Home games in bold)

Aug. 30 vs. Northern Illinois, 6 p.m. Big Ten Network

Sept. 6 at Bowling Green, 6:30 p.m. ESPNU

Sept. 13 vs. Montana State, 11 a.m. BTN

Sept. 20 vs. Florida Atlantic, 11 a.m. BTN

Sept. 27 at Ohio State, time TBA, TV TBA

Oct. 4 vs. Indiana, Time and TV TBA

Oct. 11 at Illinois, 11 a.m. ESPN, ESPN2 or BTN

Oct. 18 Open date

Oct. 25 at Purdue, 11 a.m. ESPN, ESPN2 or BTN

Nov. 1 vs. Northwestern (homecoming), 11 a.m. ESPN, ESPN2 or BTN

Nov. 8 vs. Michigan, Time and TV TBA

Nov. 15 at Wisconsin, TBA, TBA

Nov. 22 vs. Iowa, 6 p.m. BTN

U women get first trip abroad

The Gophers women's basketball team will make its first overseas trip ever next month, visiting Italy from Aug. 18-28. In those 10 days, the Gophers will play four games and travel to Rome, Florence, Venice and Lake Como.

"We started raising money [through donations] for it a year ago," Gophers coach Pam Borton said. "We wanted to do something this year because we think it will be a special team."

Players will report Aug. 11 for practices to prepare for the trip.

Wylie gets first 'W' as Saints win

Mitch Wylie and two relievers combined on a five-hit shutout in leading the St. Paul Saints to a 3-0 victory over the Sioux Falls Canaries at Midway Stadium on Wednesday.

Wylie pitched six innings, gave up five hits and struck out three as he earned his first victory of the season.

Pichi Balet highlighted the Saints' three-run fifth inning by singling in two runs.

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