Texas and Ohio State fanbases are enraged about kickoff time of the rematch
College football is a sport driven by passion, history, and tradition. From tailgates to packed stadiums, fans are often as much a part of the spectacle as the athletes themselves. So when the powers that be—the NCAA, television networks, and athletic departments—make decisions that seem to disregard the interests of the fanbases, the backlash can be fierce. One such decision that has set the stage for outrage is the scheduling of a rematch between two of college football’s premier programs: the University of Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
The scheduling of the rematch, whether it be in the context of a major bowl game or a season opener, is an issue that has triggered heated debates. But perhaps what has most fans up in arms is the timing of the game. The kickoff time for this highly anticipated game has sparked strong reactions from both the Texas and Ohio State fanbases, some of the most passionate and dedicated in the country. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this outrage, examine the factors influencing the scheduling of the game, and explore how fanbases from both teams are responding to the situation.
Before diving into the controversy over the game’s kickoff time, it’s important to recognize the significance of a Texas-Ohio State matchup. Both programs are blue-chip football programs with storied histories, national championships, and a long tradition of success. Texas, with its rich football culture, boasts an impressive collection of Big 12 titles, and its success on the national stage has led to a massive and loyal following. Ohio State, on the other hand, is one of the perennial powerhouses in the Big Ten, with multiple national titles and one of the largest fanbases in college football.
The rivalry between the two schools stretches beyond the field. The 2006 meeting between Texas and Ohio State is one of the most memorable games in recent college football history, as the two teams engaged in an epic showdown that saw Vince Young lead the Longhorns to a victory over the Buckeyes in front of a national television audience. Since then, any time these two programs meet, it becomes an instant classic in the making.
While much of the drama surrounding the upcoming rematch may stem from excitement over the game itself, the issue of kickoff time has stirred a hornet’s nest. For both Texas and Ohio State fans, this is not just a minor scheduling inconvenience—it’s a matter of principle.
A significant portion of the outcry from the fanbases centers on whether the game should be played in prime time or during the day. For college football fans, a prime time slot means more than just a later kickoff—it represents the game’s prestige and importance. Being chosen for a prime time slot signals that the game is expected to be a marquee matchup, worthy of national attention. For both Texas and Ohio State, this is no small matter.
In the case of Texas, the Longhorns have historically been one of the more high-profile teams in the nation. They are used to playing in primetime games where they have the nation’s attention, whether on a Saturday night or in a New Year’s Day bowl. The fanbase, which spans the state of Texas and far beyond, is used to the pomp and circumstance that comes with a prime time appearance. The idea that a game of this magnitude would be relegated to a midday slot feels like a slap in the face to many.
Ohio State, too, is accustomed to being in the national spotlight. As one of the most successful and recognizable football programs in the country, their games often dominate the primetime window, especially when they face off against other marquee programs. For Ohio State fans, the thought of their beloved team playing in a game that lacks the prime-time attention they feel it deserves is anathema to their perception of what their program represents.
For fans, the timing of the game has a direct impact on their ability to travel to the game and participate in the traditional pre-game festivities, particularly tailgating. The Texas and Ohio State fanbases are not only large but also very dedicated. Many fans will travel thousands of miles to watch their teams compete, and for them, the game is as much about the experience and pageantry as it is about the football itself.
Tailgating is an integral part of the college football experience, and it’s something that both Texas and Ohio State fans take very seriously. A late-night kickoff allows for a full day of tailgating, socializing, and celebrating. It’s a time-honored tradition that many fans have grown accustomed to, and a daytime kickoff can feel like it takes away from that experience. The fanbases argue that playing a game during the day, particularly in the early afternoon, cuts the tailgating window short and diminishes the overall experience of being at the game.
For fans traveling from out of state, a daytime kickoff poses even more of a challenge. With early morning flights and the pressures of arriving on time, these fans may feel like they are being denied the full experience of the game. This not only impacts the tailgating culture but also the chance for fans to soak in the atmosphere of the stadium and surrounding areas.
Another key factor driving the anger is the influence of television networks. In the modern era of college football, the scheduling of games is often determined by television contracts. Networks such as ESPN, ABC, and Fox have a major say in when games are played, as they aim to maximize viewership and advertising revenue.
Texas and Ohio State fans argue that these decisions are being made without any consideration for the traditions of college football and the preferences of the fanbase. They feel as though the network executives are prioritizing ratings and monetary considerations over the experience of the fans who make the sport what it is. There is a growing sense that the fan experience has been sacrificed in favor of profit, and fans are frustrated that their teams’ games are being moved to less ideal times just to accommodate television schedules.
The time of day at which a game kicks off also has implications for the weather. A daytime game, particularly in certain regions, could be played under sweltering heat, making it uncomfortable for fans and players alike. In contrast, an evening game typically offers cooler conditions, especially for teams like Texas, where the temperature can soar well into the 90s during the early afternoon hours. Ohio State fans, on the other hand, are no strangers to cold weather in the fall, but even they understand the challenge of sitting in potentially uncomfortable conditions for a long afternoon.
While the weather may not be the first thing on fans’ minds when they think about a game’s timing, it plays a significant role in shaping the overall experience. For fans accustomed to playing at night or during the evening, an early kickoff can be a jarring shift that alters the entire dynamic of the game day.
The backlash from the Texas and Ohio State fanbases has been swift and loud. Social media platforms have been inundated with posts criticizing the scheduling of the game and demanding that the kickoff time be changed. Hashtags like #PrimeTimeForTexas and #NightGameForOhioState have trended, with fans calling on the athletic departments, the NCAA, and the television networks to listen to their concerns.
Many fans have expressed their frustration through traditional channels as well. The official Texas and Ohio State fan clubs have released statements urging the athletic departments to take action and advocate for a change in the game’s timing. Fans have even begun organizing petitions to present to both universities, demanding that the powers-that-be reconsider the kickoff time.
In some extreme cases, fans have threatened to boycott the game or withhold support from their respective teams if the timing issue isn’t addressed. This sort of passionate protest speaks to the depth of loyalty that the Texas and Ohio State fanbases feel toward their teams—and their belief that these institutions should prioritize fan experience as much as they do on-field success.
