Don’t want to look this up in threads….game start times -
- Thread starter OhioLion
- Start date
There are contracts with the networks that determine such things, the schools more or less have no leverage assuming the game times abide by those contracts. I'd imagine schools and the conference can provide some input, but the networks would be under no obligation to listen once the contracts are in place.
The whiteout games in recent memory have been at night because they've largely been televised by ABC/ESPN, who tends to put their premier game of the week on Saturday night. I don't know the specifics, but the concept is that FOX and ABC alternate choosing the games they want the rights to, like a draft pick. I think OSU-UM gets picked first because every season this is viewed by the networks as the top game. In the past PSU-OSU would often go second to ABC. This year the rumor is that ABC took the OSU-ND game at #2, so PSU-OSU fell to #3 and back to FOX. The exact selection order isn't published but can be guessed at by looking at the games each network gets.
Recently FOX has been putting their premier game on at noon so it doesn't compete for ratings with ESPN/ABC's primetime game. I believe this decision has resulted in higher ratings for FOX so it's doubtful their approach to air big games at noon will change anytime soon.
The whiteout games in recent memory have been at night because they've largely been televised by ABC/ESPN, who tends to put their premier game of the week on Saturday night. I don't know the specifics, but the concept is that FOX and ABC alternate choosing the games they want the rights to, like a draft pick. I think OSU-UM gets picked first because every season this is viewed by the networks as the top game. In the past PSU-OSU would often go second to ABC. This year the rumor is that ABC took the OSU-ND game at #2, so PSU-OSU fell to #3 and back to FOX. The exact selection order isn't published but can be guessed at by looking at the games each network gets.
Recently FOX has been putting their premier game on at noon so it doesn't compete for ratings with ESPN/ABC's primetime game. I believe this decision has resulted in higher ratings for FOX so it's doubtful their approach to air big games at noon will change anytime soon.
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Actually, this is not entirely accurate. For example, PSU had to agree to move the Purdue game to a Thursday night game. Also, in most cases there are agreements in place not to impact homecoming activities with game times.
The players decide based on what’s best for their NIL. 
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You do realize that in two or three years your post will become a truism.The players decide based on what’s best for their NIL.
Bob,
You forget this classic?
You forget this classic?
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