During football season, how often did ESPN broadcast a C-USA game on something other than WatchESPN? By aligning with CBS, then in theory CBS now has a lead-in game for their nationally broadcasted SEC game(s). Also, it could give CBS an excuse to broadcast college football games on Week 1 while it is wrapping up its golf coverage.

During basketball season, C-USA received hardly any coverage by ESPN until the conference tournament. If CBS is looking to really expand its Sports Network, then it is probably best to get in on the action on the "ground floor" before CBS's future plans come to fruition. The CBS Sports Network could end up giving C-USA the same amount of exposure as ESPN gives the ACC. It could also lead to more nationally broadcasted Saturday regular season games on CBS. Whether that increased exposure pays dividends for both parties remains to be seen.