Conferences: The Mid-American and Big Ten Conferences will combine their instant-replay programs for the 2008 football season. The Big Ten will handle administration of the program, led by Big Ten Coordinator of Football Officials David Parry. Parry will be assisted by Carl Paganelli, coordinator of MAC football officials from 1997-2007. The MAC named Rich Fetchiet, an on-field official for more than 20 years, its coordinator of officials beginning in 2008 … The West Coast Conference agreed to a broadcast deal with ESPN, making the sports channel the exclusive national broadcast provider for the conference for the next three years. The agreement requires the network to televise a minimum of 10 conference events on ESPNU, seven conference regular-season men’s basketball games on ESPN, ESPN2 or ABC and a minimum of three conference tournament games on ESPN, ESPN2 or ABC. The network will have first selection of all men’s basketball game broadcasts.

Miscellaneous: Boston U. introduced a new logo to commemorate its 100th season of men’s basketball. The design features six stars – representing the Terriers’ six NCAA tournament appearances – and will be the marketing focal point for the celebration. At halftime of the season opener on November 14, the school will begin the season-long celebration by honoring the 50th anniversary of the 1958-59 team that reached the Elite Eight.