DaytonDailyNews.com

In recent football seasons, Big Ten Conference games not broadcast on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2 were syndicated on over-the-air local affiliates by ESPN Regional Television. Locally, that meant WKEF-TV (ABC) aired many Ohio State games that weren't chosen by other networks.

But when the Big Ten created the Big Ten Network, ESPN Regional lost the extra conference games that will now only air on the BTN. The network continued filling those open slots Thursday when it paired with the Mid-American Conference to announce that seven MAC football games will air on local affiliates, including WKEF, as part of ESPN Regional.

While ESPN Regional gains six weeks of mostly heartland football, the MAC finds nearly unprecedented Saturday afternoon coverage during a time when it seemed to be slipping more and more to weeknight time slots. Thursday's announcement continues the ripple effects of the Big Ten's somewhat controversial decision to create its own network to air games, coaches' shows and other material that launches Aug. 30.

Two games featuring MAC teams, including Miami University's rivalry update against the University of Cincinnati, will air at noon on Sept. 15. One game will follow each Saturday at noon from Sept. 22 to Oct. 20 in 34 television markets from Las Vegas to Fort Smith, Alaska, to Chicago.

Arnie Sgalio, senior director of programming for ESPN Regional Television, said the season's remaining weeks likely will be filled with Big East games on those over-the-air affiliates.

"We knew we would lose the Big Ten after last season, and we needed to fill our noon Eastern window," Sgalio said. "We'll see what happens this first year and gauge the interest."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7389 or knagel@DaytonDailyNews.com.