Penn State Fans Upset Over Noon Kickoff for Ohio State Showdown
ICARO Media Group
### Penn State Fans Push Back Against Noon Kickoff for Ohio State Game
Penn State supporters are voicing strong dissatisfaction over the scheduling of the highly anticipated matchup between the No. 3-ranked Nittany Lions and the No. 4-ranked Ohio State. Traditionally, such a significant game would feature a night-time kickoff, particularly under Beaver Stadium's famous white-out conditions. Instead, this year's clash will commence at 12 p.m. ET to accommodate Fox Sports' Big Noon Kickoff show, much to the discontent of the fans.
Sophomore Ben Rosenbaum, writing for the student-run blog Onward State, encapsulated the collective frustration of the Penn State community. "If one thing is clear it is this: This game should be a night game," he penned. Rosenbaum criticized Fox for undermining the vibrant atmosphere that evening games at Beaver Stadium are known for, particularly lamenting the disruption of traditional tailgating festivities. He even called for a boycott of Big Noon Kickoff, encouraging fans to skip the event and leave Fox's Urban Meyer addressing a sparse crowd.
The situation stems from Fox's selection of the Penn State-Ohio State game with their fifth pick in the annual college football network draft involving CBS and NBC. The noon kickoff was announced earlier this month, dampening the spirits of many who had hoped for a prime-time spectacle.
Adding to the day's activities at Penn State is ESPN's College GameDay, which will also broadcast from Happy Valley. College GameDay starts at 9 a.m. ET, an hour before Big Noon Kickoff, and it remains to be seen which show will draw a larger crowd of Nittany Lions supporters.
The clash of scheduling preferences between fans and the television networks has made for a tense lead-up to what will undeniably be one of the biggest games of the college football season.