The passionate supporters of Penn State University are expressing their desire for a revision of the Big Ten‘s regular-season schedule, believing it’s crucial for the integrity of such a significant matchup.
Traditionally, the highly anticipated showdown between the No. 3-ranked Nittany Lions and their fierce rivals, the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes, would transform Beaver Stadium into a sea of white during a captivating night game. However, due to the scheduling of the Fox Sports program Big Noon Kickoff from Happy Valley, fans will instead experience an early kickoff at 12 p.m. ET, robbing them of the electrifying atmosphere of a prime-time game.
Unsurprisingly, Penn State fans are vocal about their dissatisfaction.
In a passionate appeal, sophomore Ben Rosenbaum articulated his frustration in a piece for Onward State, a student-run Penn State blog, proclaiming, “If one thing is clear it is this: This game should be a night game. Fox has enjoyed taking the fun out of tailgating and the atmosphere Beaver Stadium presents by testing us with several noon games already. And now, on the biggest game of the year, it happens yet again. Unacceptable.”
He further urged fellow students to boycott the Big Noon Kickoff by stating, “I am asking you, Penn State students, to please boycott Big Noon Kickoff. Do not show up. Imagine Urban Meyer hyping up the ‘crowd.’ Cue the crickets, folks. Chirp chirp.”
According to The Athletic, the matchup between Penn State and Ohio State was strategically chosen with the fifth pick by Fox Sports during its annual network draft of college football games alongside CBS and NBC, and the announcement for a noon kickoff was made earlier this month.
Saturday promises to be a bustling day at Penn State, as ESPN’s College Gameday prepares to broadcast live from Happy Valley. It remains to be seen whether College GameDay, commencing at 9 a.m. ET, will manage to draw a larger contingent of Nittany Lions fans compared to Big Noon Kickoff, which kicks off just one hour later.
**Interview with Ben Rosenbaum, Penn State Sophomore and Football Fan**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Ben. You’ve been quite vocal about the upcoming Penn State vs. Ohio State game being scheduled for 12 p.m. ET instead of a prime-time slot. Can you share your thoughts on why this change is so disappointing for you and other fans?
**Ben Rosenbaum:** Thanks for having me! It’s really frustrating because this matchup not only involves two top-ranked teams, but it’s also a tradition here at Beaver Stadium. The atmosphere during a night game is electric, with the sea of white and the excitement of the crowd really enhancing the experience. An early kickoff just doesn’t capture that same energy.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely. Many fans look forward to that unique night game ambiance. How do you think this change affects the integrity of such an important matchup in the Big Ten?
**Ben Rosenbaum:** I believe that scheduling a game like this for noon diminishes its significance. It’s not just about the game itself, but also about the experience—the tailgating, the tradition, and the excitement that builds throughout the day. Moving it to noon feels rushed; it takes away from the hype that both teams deserve.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned in your piece for Onward State that the decision impacts the fan experience. Can you elaborate on that?
**Ben Rosenbaum:** Sure! Fans invest so much time and energy into these games—planning, traveling, and getting ready for a big evening. A noon kickoff means a lot of that is lost. It affects how we gather, how we tailgate, and how we celebrate our team. Everyone looks forward to these major rivalries, and for a lot of us, it’s about being with friends and fellow fans, relishing the atmosphere.
**Interviewer:** Have you seen any movement within the community regarding revising the Big Ten schedule due to this situation?
**Ben Rosenbaum:** Yes, there has been a lot of discussion on social media and among the student body, pushing for change. We want to be heard by the Big Ten and the networks because it’s critical to preserve the tradition and integrity of college football. We believe that this game deserves a primetime spotlight, and we’re hoping our voices will influence future scheduling decisions.
**Interviewer:** That’s a strong stance. As a devoted Penn State fan, what would be your ideal solution for the game scheduling in the future?
**Ben Rosenbaum:** Ideally, I’d love to see a return to more night games for these major matchups. The networks and the Big Ten need to recognize the value of fan engagement and tradition over just filling airtime slots. It’s about creating an unforgettable college football environment, and night games are central to that.
**Interviewer:** Well said, Ben. Thank you for sharing your insights and passion for Penn State football. Let’s hope the powers that be take notice!
**Ben Rosenbaum:** Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts. We just want what’s best for the fans and the game!
