ROBBED: Texas & Ohio State Football Fans are RIGHT to Hate Big Noon Kickoff | Here’s Why

College football is more than just a sport; it’s a tradition, a source of pride, and a community gathering that unites millions of fans every fall. For ardent supporters of programs like Texas and Ohio State, the game-day experience is sacrosanct, woven into their identities, and cherished across generations. However, in recent years, many fans of these storied programs have voiced their frustrations and even anger towards the Big Noon Kickoff show on Fox Sports—a pre-game broadcast that has, in their eyes, disrupted the sacred fabric of college football fandom. This essay explores why Texas and Ohio State fans are justified in their disdain, examining issues related to scheduling, broadcasting decisions, bias perceptions, and the broader impact on fan experience.

### The Rise of Big Noon Kickoff and Its Purpose

Launched in 2019, Big Noon Kickoff was designed as Fox Sports’ flagship college football pre-game show, aiming to capitalize on the sport’s growing popularity and to challenge ESPN’s long-dominant College GameDay. The show features analysis, interviews, fan segments, and a lively atmosphere intended to generate excitement for the noon (central time) kickoff window, which Fox aimed to make a prime viewing slot. The goal was to capture the attention of viewers early in the day, maximize advertising revenue, and elevate Fox’s presence in college football.

While the show initially received praise for its production quality and energetic hosts, its scheduling—particularly the choice to feature many high-profile games at noon—has sparked controversy, especially among fans of prominent programs like Texas and Ohio State. These fans argue that the scheduling and coverage decisions have, in effect, robbed them of traditional game-day experiences and have been biased in favor of certain teams or conferences.

### The Disruption of Tradition: The Early Kickoff Dilemma

One of the fundamental grievances among Texas and Ohio State fans is the disruption of the traditional college football Saturday experience. For decades, fans have cherished attending games in person, tailgating, and watching their teams in prime evening slots or at least times that allow for full-day festivities. The noon kickoff, often through television scheduling, has taken away from this experience.

**Texas Fans and the Longhorns’ Tradition**

Texas football, with its rich history and passionate alumni base, has long been associated with Saturday night games or afternoon matchups that build anticipation and allow fans to immerse themselves fully in the game-day environment. The introduction of early kickoff games, especially when Texas is involved, often means arriving at the stadium before sunrise, rushing through tailgates, and rushing to find a TV or streaming device to catch the game if they aren’t attending. This fragmentation diminishes the communal spirit of college football Saturdays, which historically have been days of celebration, camaraderie, and tradition.

**Ohio State Fans and the Buckeyes’ Saturday Routine**

Similarly, Ohio State’s fan base, known for its fervor and large in-person attendance, sees the early kickoff as a disruption to their cherished routine. Buckeyes fans often plan tailgates that extend into late morning and early afternoon, with the hope of experiencing the game in a lively stadium atmosphere. When games are scheduled at noon or earlier, it compresses the pre-game festivities and often results in a less engaging experience at the stadium, especially when fans have to scramble to watch the game on small screens or via streaming.

### Bias and Perception: Is Big Noon Kickoff Favoring Certain Teams?

A significant source of frustration stems from the perception that Big Noon Kickoff and Fox Sports in general favor certain teams or conferences, particularly those with lucrative television contracts or historic rivalries. This perception is fueled by several factors:

1. **Scheduling Bias Toward “Power” Programs**

Fox’s scheduling choices often seem to prioritize marquee matchups involving teams like Ohio State, Texas, Alabama, and Notre Dame. These games are frequently scheduled at noon, which fans argue diminishes their visibility and prestige compared to evening games. Critics contend that this scheduling strategy is designed to maximize viewership for Fox’s flagship show but at the expense of fans who prefer traditional primetime games.

2. **Limited Exposure for Other Programs**

Less prominent programs or teams from smaller conferences often get scheduled at less desirable times, such as late mornings or afternoons, reducing their exposure and impacting their national profile. This perceived imbalance fuels resentment among fans who feel their teams are being sidelined.

3. **Narrative Bias and Media Coverage**

Fans also perceive that Fox’s coverage and commentary sometimes lean toward narratives that favor certain teams, reinforcing biases and undermining the integrity of the broadcast. For example, when a team like Ohio State or Texas is featured prominently, it can be seen as a way to boost their national profile, whereas other programs are sidelined or given less attention.

### The Impact on Fan Experience and Engagement

Beyond scheduling and bias, fans argue that Big Noon Kickoff has negatively impacted their overall experience in several ways:

– **Reduced Game-Day Atmosphere:** Early games often lead to less enthusiastic stadiums, as fans arrive early and leave quickly after the game, knowing there’s little to no evening game to extend the celebration. The lack of prime-time games diminishes the grandeur of college football Saturdays.

– **Fragmented Viewing Experience:** For fans who attend games in person, the early kickoff can mean missing key parts of the game or struggling to follow the action if they’re not at the stadium. For those watching at home, the preference for evening games means missing out on the traditional Saturday night atmosphere.

– **Increased Commercialization:** The focus on maximizing advertising revenue and viewership sometimes comes at the expense of tradition, with fans feeling that the sport’s integrity and cultural significance are being sacrificed for ratings and profits.

### Specific Cases: Texas and Ohio State

**Texas**

The University of Texas, with its passionate fan base and storied football history, has often been at the center of scheduling controversies. As Texas transitioned to the SEC, their games have attracted national attention, yet their early kickoff appearances on Fox have sometimes overshadowed the traditional Texas game-day experience. Fans see this as a sign that the network is more interested in promoting certain teams or conferences rather than respecting the traditions of the Longhorns’ fan base.

**Ohio State**

The Ohio State Buckeyes are arguably college football’s most popular program, with a massive fan base and high expectations. Their games are frequently scheduled at noon, which Buckeye fans argue diminishes the spectacle and excitement that comes with primetime games. Moreover, Ohio State’s historical rivalry with Michigan, often played in late November, sometimes conflicts with earlier scheduled games or broadcast priorities, further fueling dissatisfaction.

### The Broader Cultural and Economic Implications

The controversies surrounding Big Noon Kickoff are not just about scheduling; they reflect broader tensions within college football regarding commercialization, television rights, and the preservation of tradition. The lucrative television contracts that underpin the sport have shifted power toward broadcasters, often at the expense of traditional fan experiences.

**Economic Factors**

Fox’s desire to maximize ad revenue by scheduling games at times that guarantee high viewership influences their programming decisions. The early kickoff slots are attractive for advertisers because they can reach viewers during the midday hours. However, this economic rationale conflicts with the desires of many fans, leading to a clash between profit motives and tradition.

**Cultural Preservation**

College football is deeply rooted in regional identities, traditions, and community bonds. When scheduling choices prioritize ratings over these cultural elements, fans feel alienated and marginalized. The sense that the sport is becoming increasingly corporate and disconnected from its roots fuels resentment, especially among passionate fan bases like Texas and Ohio State.

### Possible Solutions and Moving Forward

While some fans’ frustrations are rooted in tradition, there are potential avenues to address these issues:

1. **Flexible Scheduling**

Implementing more flexible scheduling that balances early and prime-time games could help preserve traditional game-day experiences while accommodating broadcasting needs.

2. **Inclusive Coverage**

Ensuring that a wider range of programs and conferences receive equitable exposure and favorable time slots would help mitigate perceptions of bias.

3. **Fan Engagement**

Broadcast networks and athletic conferences can involve fans and student-athletes in scheduling decisions, acknowledging the importance of tradition and community.

4. **Preserving the Saturday Night Atmosphere**

Prioritizing primetime games involving major programs like Ohio State and Texas during the evening hours would help restore the grandeur of college football Saturdays.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, Texas and Ohio State football fans are justified in their disdain for Big Noon Kickoff due to the disruption of tradition, perceived bias favoring certain teams and conferences, and the negative impact on their overall game-day experience. While television rights and ratings are vital for the sport’s financial sustainability, these should not come at the expense of the cultural, social, and emotional elements that make college football special. Balancing commercial interests with respect for tradition is crucial for preserving the integrity of the sport and ensuring that fans feel valued and connected. Until such balance is achieved, the frustrations of Texas and Ohio State supporters will persist, rooted in a genuine desire to uphold the game’s storied history and community spirit.