This afternoon, the Big Ten Network did something we here in Boston do every October during the Major League Baseball Playoffs: Turn off the in-game commentary and put on some Depeche Mode and Morrissey.
For reasons that have not yet been explained, the Big Ten Network’s men’s college hoops game between Penn State and Illinois suddenly lost its play-by-play in the second half, and instead broadcast Depeche Mode’s “Get The Balance Right”. When the Mode’s 1983 synth-pop hit faded out, Morrissey’s “Every Day Is Like Sunday” started up. A few seconds later, a fuzzy signal came back on and commentary resumed over the Mozzer reminding us that every day is silent and gray.
As if Penn State fans needed a reminder.
People on Twitter noticed immediately, however, and started making requests. Someone wanted Billy Joel. Another, understanding the ’80s theme a bit better, asked for a-ha’s “Take On Me”.
The mixup, if you want to call it that, did make sense on two levels: Today is Sunday, after all, and with a record of 13-18, the University of Illinois Fighting Illini do need to get their shit together.
[h/t Deadspin, SB Nation, and @TomFornelli]
The key to this game will be getting the balance right. pic.twitter.com/g1s3vaTMk3
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) March 6, 2016