Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke. Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Indiana-Ohio State showdown deserves better than its early kickoff

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Nov 11, 2024 7:00 PM ET

When Indiana plays Ohio State in two weeks, it will be the weekend's marquee game. So, why is it being treated like a matinee?

On Monday, Fox announced the Hoosiers and Buckeyes will play in the "Big Noon Kickoff" game in the noon ET window.

Ohio State fans were rightfully upset following the announcement, as it means the Buckeyes will play six consecutive noon ET games to end the regular season.

Fox "Big Noon Kickoff" color commentator Joel Klatt defended the decision by explaining Fox is locked into the noon ET timeslot because of the Big Ten media rights deal, which gives CBS the 3:30 p.m. ET window and NBC the primetime slot.

- Fox at Noon, CBS at 3:30, NBC at 7
- When each network gets to select a game for network AIR it must be shown in that networks exclusive window
- When we have the privilege to select one of the great match-ups of the week we showcase that game in our premium window
— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) November 11, 2024

Along with conference realignment, it's another consequence of the Big Ten's seven-year, $8B television rights deal with the three networks.

At least the SEC, which agreed to a 10-year, $3B media rights deal with ESPN, puts all of its best games in primetime on ABC, allowing fans to bask in festive atmospheres at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Neyland Stadium in Knoxville and Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on a weekly basis.

College football's charm comes in large part due to its pageantry, and the noon start times rob the game of its mystique, creating a sterilized product.

Instead of having an entire day to build anticipation for one of the biggest Big Ten games of the year, it will be over by the time the east coast is ready for its afternoon nap.

Indiana-Ohio State could have significant College Football Playoff ramifications, with the winner likely to earn a spot in the Big Ten Championship game and a chance to clinch a first-round bye in the playoffs.

With so much at stake, the Hoosiers and Buckeyes deserve better than being Week 13's opening act.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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