Oklahoma Football announces change in kickoff time vs. Maine due to severe weather

Oklahoma football announced Friday that the original kickoff time for Saturday’s game against Maine has been officially changed. Now kicking off their non-conference matchup against the Black Bears at 11 a.m. CT instead of the originally scheduled 1:30 p.m. time slot due to inclement weather.

“In light of inclement weather slated for Saturday, and out of an abundance of caution and with student-athlete and fan safety as our top priority, our football game vs. Maine is being moved to 11 a.m.,” Oklahoma football’s statement read.

According to the Sooners, models demonstrate a greater threat of severe weather beginning earlier in the afternoon. Not only potentially putting fans and players in danger, but also potentially complicating the potential ability to complete Saturday’s game. A decision that Oklahoma Vice President and Athletic Director Joe Castiglione also made a statement on.

“With Saturday’s forecast calling for afternoon storms, we made the decision to move the game up for the safety of fans and participants,” Castiglione said. “While it’s difficult to know if we’ll experience any game delays due to potential inclement weather, this move increases our chances of avoiding such stoppages. In addition, the earlier start will ideally allow our fans to enjoy the game and travel home safely before the storms intensify.”

Hopefully, Mother Nature can be on the Sooners’ side this Saturday as Oklahoma looks to break a three-game losing streak. Heavily favored against a Maine team from the FCS that stands between the Sooners and a 48-game winning streak against non-conference opponents unranked in the AP Poll.

Quarterback Jackson Arnold will make his second straight start on Saturday after being benched in favor of true freshman Michael Hawkins earlier in the season. Now taking the field earlier than expected this weekend in what should be a much-needed positive day on the field for the Sooners.