Complex sentence: The game was the first to be broadcast on the then-new Big Ten Network, and began with a strong first half for Appalachian State, who held a 28--17 lead at the end of the half.
Split into simpler sentences: The game was also the first to be broadcast on the then-new Big Ten Network. It began with a strong first half for Appalachian State, who held a 28--17 lead at the end of the half.