TV has taken control of college football to the point of capitulation by the schools and conferences. The relationship between college football and TV networks continues to find new extremes. For example, there will be more Friday night games as high school football gets devoured by the greed of conferences and TV executives. More TV networks and coverage create more money. However, it creates more College Football Betting problems, too. As college football continues its transition, it cedes more control of its product and culture to outside individuals. Individuals who don’t fully understand the game’s nuances.
2024 College Football Post Spring Football National Championship Futures
Consider the asinine obliviousness regarding the relationship between college football and the networks. There are several missed offshore betting opportunities in September. Matchups with a national appeal that should have been showcased in prime time. Instead, they are kicking off at noon Eastern and earlier in other time zones.
First, if you know anything about College Football Betting, no fan base likes a noon kickoff for home games. And in the central time zone, that kickoff time translates to 11 a.m., which is an absolute buzzkill for all concerned. Nothing kills the mood for a major NCAAF clash more than a kickoff in the early Saturday window. Of course, that is reflected on the TV screen.
Also, in September, the weather is still opportunistic for outdoor activities. In comparison, millions of NCAAF fanatics will be tuned into the action. But millions more will be out during the daytime hours. For those out all day, college football will be consumed in the prime-time evening slot. These fans deserve better than what they are going to get.
On the whole, the college football calendar, Week 1, is sacred. It takes place over Labor Day weekend and ends eight to nine months of anticipation from fans. This year, the Clemson Tigers and Georgia Bulldogs will clash at noon on ABC on Saturday, August 31. The matchup epitomizes two name-brand power programs with recent championship pedigree. Naturally, both are considered perennial contenders.
The matchup offers multiple storylines. Will Georgia and head coach Kirby Smart fill the void of Alabama GOAT Nick Saban’s retirement? In like manner, can Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney launch a comeback run to the College Football Playoff?
The Tigers and Bulldogs have all the makings of a game that should be played on Saturday night. Instead, while millions of Americans will be outside running errands, at the lake, or shuttling kids, Clemson and Georgia will kick off at noon Eastern time. Also, it is in the sterile, antiseptic NFL venue of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Considering today’s college football environment, perhaps it’s apropos. FOX Big Noon Kickoff is an unqualified success. Indeed, it has defied the expectations of many who thought the idea would flop. And the Saturday, September 7 matchup between Texas and Michigan has everything college football fans love. Two historic power brands, great uniforms, awesome fight songs, and bands. Additionally, the teams have recent playoff seasons, and Michigan Stadium, AKA “The Big House.”
Yes, Michigan and Texas will get a good rating on September 7. However, it would have done even better a night when everyone was home. The atmosphere at Michigan Stadium would have been electric for a night game. Instead, we get a noon kickoff with millions of people out in the warm weather and annoyed Michigan fans notoriously fickle about early kicks.