Scott Van Pelt Nearly Ended SportsCenter Tradition Before ESPN Protest
Scott Van Pelt, a well-known figure in sports broadcasting, has been delivering his popular college football picks on SportsCenter for years. Each Thursday night during the football season, he presents the “Winners” segment, where he typically offers five to seven game predictions against the spread. This tradition has become essential viewing for college football enthusiasts and bettors.
Change Almost Disrupted Tradition
Recently, however, Van Pelt nearly altered the structure of his segment. Instead of selecting the usual number of games, he contemplated betting everything on a single game worth six points. This unprecedented move would have marked a significant departure from the established format, sparking considerable excitement among viewers.
Stanford Steve, a longtime colleague of Van Pelt, shared insights into this behind-the-scenes decision-making. During a recent conversation, he revealed that discussions were underway to implement this radical change. The prospect was so thrilling that even ESPN insiders were intrigued by the thought of Van Pelt breaking from tradition.
Ultimately, Van Pelt chose to maintain the traditional format, sticking with five picks for that week. He upheld his principles, emphasizing accountability and the importance of sticking to the established rules of his segment. After all, he meticulously tracks his performance and owns his picks, which has endeared him to fans over the years.
Impressive Week 11 Performance
In his Week 11 segment, Van Pelt showcased his expertise, achieving a 5-1 record. His selections included:
- Missouri +6.5 against Texas A&M
- Penn State +14.5 against Indiana
- Iowa +6.5 against Oregon
- Wake Forest +6.5 against Virginia
- Colorado State +4.5 against UNLV
He also provided a bonus pick for Texas Tech, enhancing his performance further. Despite the mystery of the potential six-point mega-pick, fans continued to speculate about what game he had believed would be a guaranteed win.
The Future of Scott Van Pelt
As Scott Van Pelt continues to excel in his hosting duties, there is speculation about his future time slot. ESPN is reportedly considering moving him from his late-night position to a coveted 5 p.m. weekday slot. This change would position him strategically between key programs like “NFL Live” and “Pardon the Interruption.”
Burke Magnus, ESPN’s president of content, confirmed that Van Pelt is in the running for this lucrative time slot. While this decision could mean an earlier broadcast for the host, discussions within ESPN have just begun, leaving fans eager for updates.
As the college football season progresses, viewers will continue to look forward to Van Pelt’s insights and integrity in the beloved “Winners” segment. His commitment to tradition may safeguard the format, but it also leaves room for potential changes in the future.
