Ron Franklin discusses new ESPN contract, new Big 12

"When the money came forward, I realized I couldn't do better initially with my freelance work than what they were going to pay me," Franklin said. "So I thought, 'No sense in cutting off your nose to spite your face' so I said, 'Let's give it a try for two years.'"

Franklin, 68, an Austin, Texas, resident, said he is excited that most of the assignments will be in Big 12 country. He's hoping that he and broadcast partner Ed Cunningham will be assigned to the Florida State-OU game at 2:30 p. m. Sept. 11 as new Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher makes his road debut.

"Against a formidable opponent as OU, that's a real test for the Seminoles," Franklin said.

Since Franklin will call 17 football games this season, his basketball assignments will be trimmed the most. In past season, he had done up to three basketball games a week and the travel had taken a toll on him.

"I hate to cut back on anything, particularly basketball, but I think that's the smart thing to do," he said.