The Ohio State football team did not get the luxury of playing Texas at night last season. For the season-opening game for both teams, the Buckeyes had to host the Longhorns at noon. Fans were furious that the game did not have a chance to be a night game.
Interestingly enough, the Buckeyes did not learn this fact until the Fall. Fans were hoping that it was going to be played under the lights at the Shoe, which would have helped the atmosphere. It would have helped with recruiting, as well. Instead, it was the first of many Big Noon Kickoffs.
FOX has ruined several chances of Buckeye games being played at night. They love to scoop up the most popular Big Ten team and put them at noon. Unlike last year, ESPN is allowing this year's version of Ohio State vs. Texas is to be played at night, and that shows what's wrong with FOX.
FOX needs to change its buisness model to help Ohio State and the rest of the Big Ten
When FOX won the lion's share of the Big Ten football games, they decided to put their best games at noon. In their mind, it was the perfect way to distinguish themselves from the other networks. It's hard to say that it didn't work, as they have some of the best viewership numbers every year.
Part of the reason that is is that they use Ohio State to play a lot of noon games. The Ohio State Buckeyes are one of the most powerful forces in college football. They draw eyeballs, even from fans who hate them. The Buckeyes are a national draw week in and week out.
Because of that, it's time the Buckeyes start flexing their muscles. They need to start forcing their way into more attractive kickoff times. Not only does it help the fans, but it also helps recruits. It will allow them to bring recruits on super-charged visits at home, which helps their chances of landing them.
The Ohio State football team needs to lobby for better kickoff times
Last year, fans were mad at Ross Bjork for not getting the Texas game played at home. That was a signal that fans want the athletic director to start throwing his weight around. He needs to start forcing NBC to take more of Ohio State's games, or tell FOX to put OSU games later.
Bjork has to figure out the best balance between keeping FOX happy and also keeping Ohio State fans happy. Happy Ohio State fans donate to NIL funds, which helps them land top recruits. FOX is a good television partner, but they would likely bend to whatever benefits the Buckeyes.
Nothing is likely to be changed, though. Bjork indicated last year that he was not willing to strong-arm FOX in any way, shape, or form. That means that fans are likely going to see a lot of premier Ohio State games taking place at noon, while the rest of the country gets primetime slots.
Ohio State will have to try to beat Texas on the road at night, which is less than ideal.
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