Report: New kickoff time being discussed for Sugar Bowl following postponement

A new kickoff time for Thursday’s Sugar Bowl matchup is being discussed, according to a report from Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger.

The expectation is that the game between Georgia and Notre Dame would be moved up to 4 p.m. ET instead of its previously anticipated 8:45 p.m. ET time slot. It was previously reported that the game would be postponed 24 hours in response to the “act of terror” that occured early Wednesday morning in New Orleans where a driver killed 10 people and injured over 30 more.

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ESPN’s Pete Thamel later confirmed that the game will in fact be held beginning at 4 p.m. ET.

The suspect, who was killed by police after exchanging gunfire, apparently had an ISIS flag with him at the time of the attack. That connection to the terrorist organization has led to an increase in caution with how authorities are addressing the attack. Multiple explosive devices were supposedly found in the truck that he used to commit the attack.

The FBI is now leading the investigation into the incident and treating it as an act of terrorism, according to CNN.

In response, there has been an abundance of caution moving forward at the Sugar Bowl and throughout the city of New Orleans itself. That included taking the time to sweep the Superdome, where the game is held, for possible explosive devices.

With officials taking all of the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of both teams, the workers in the stadium and fans in the stands, the standalone game being moved up to a higher time slot is cartainly a positive sign.

It’s unclear whether or not there will be an increased security and police presence in and outside of the stadium during the game, but it’s clear those in charge are choosing to check all of the safety boxes before resuming football activities.

With kickoff oficially set for 4 p.m. ET, the winner will meet Penn State in the Capital One Orange Bowl, which doubles as the College Football Playoff national semifinal. The Nittany Lions defeated Boise State 31-14 on Tuesday night to advance.

On3’s Nick Kosko contributed to this report.