A contract dispute will keep DirecTV subscribers from viewing the Nebraska-Baylor game Oct. 31 on Versus.

DirecTV no longer carries Versus in its lineup. The satellite television company and TV network are negotiating a new contract after their previous three-year deal expired Aug. 31.

A DirecTV spokesman said Versus is demanding a rate increase that DirecTV is unwilling to pass on to its subscribers. Versus President Jamie Davis said that is not true, and that other issues are involved. The offer to DirecTV, Davis said, is the same it had been before Aug. 31, with no price increase.

“On behalf of those subscribers, I'm frustrated for them,'' he said.

Davis said Versus has a “fantastic slate'' this season, with many games involving Big 12 teams. This weekend, Versus will show a tripleheader with Oklahoma State at Baylor, Air Force at Utah and Texas Christian at Brigham Young.

He said his company has received more than 125,000 calls and e-mails from DirecTV subscribers asking to have Versus restored.

He suggests that NU fans who are DirecTV subscribers go to the Versus Web site where they will find a link on the home page that will help them find another local service that carries Versus by typing in their ZIP code. There is also a link that allows fans to contact DirecTV about not being able to see the game.

In Omaha, Cox Communications carries Versus on its digital tier (Channel 231 and Channel 748 in high definition).

DirecTV spokesman Darris Gringeri said his company had made an offer to Versus to show games such as NU-Baylor on an individual basis. But he said Versus, which is owned by Comcast, declined.

“Versus has to give us the permission to do that,'' he said, “so our hands are tied.''

Davis said such an offer was never made.

The good news, Davis said, is that the groups are still negotiating, although nothing will be resolved in time for Husker fans.

“I'm hopeful we can come to an amiable solution,'' he said.

Contact the writer:

444-1034, marjie.ducey@owh.com

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