Ohio State fans are in an uproar about their team’s scheduling as six of the Buckeyes’ final games are set to kick off in the noon window. This decision has left many college football enthusiasts frustrated, especially as the season heats up and every game becomes critical.
The announcement that Ohio State will face Indiana in a top-five matchup on November 23 during the Big Noon Saturday slot has only intensified the outrage. With this game scheduled, the Buckeyes’ remaining three contests will also be played in the noon time slot, leaving fans with no night games to look forward to. This has raised eyebrows and sparked conversations across social media platforms.
Head coach Ryan Day has attempted to quell the fan backlash, stating, “Well, listen. I gotta deal with a lot of fan backlash for things other than the times of games, so I’m gonna leave that for other people to deal with. I got other things I got to deal with.” His comments reflect the challenges of managing expectations in a high-stakes environment like college football.
Day’s response to the scheduling complaints has not gone unnoticed. Some fans have taken to social media to express their discontent. One fan quipped, “Day complaining that fans are mad that he can’t beat Michigan,” while another added, “I’m more upset about six straight games with Ryan Day as head coach.” The criticism highlights the frustrations not only with the scheduling but also with the team’s performance under Day’s leadership.
Despite the criticism, Day maintained a professional demeanor, emphasizing that the team will play whenever and wherever they are scheduled. “Whenever they tell us to play, we’re gonna play. It doesn’t matter where it is — it could be on a baseball field, it could be 11 am, it could be at night. We’re gonna put the football down and go play. I’ll worry about the team,” he said. This attitude reflects a commitment to the game, regardless of external pressures.
While some fans were upset with Day’s comments, others appreciated his message. Supporters noted that he was likely not thrilled with the noon game schedule either but chose to let the fans voice their concerns. One fan remarked, “Translation… he’s not thrilled with it either but lets us do the talking on that lol,” indicating a sense of camaraderie among fans and the coaching staff.
Ohio State is currently enjoying a solid season with an 8-1 record, ranking No. 2 in the nation. However, the pressure is mounting as they prepare for their final three games against Northwestern, Indiana, and Michigan. Each matchup is crucial for the Buckeyes’ aspirations of reaching the Big Ten Championship game and potentially the College Football Playoff.
Indiana, in particular, poses a significant challenge. The Hoosiers are one of the few undefeated teams remaining in college football and could eliminate Ohio State from playoff contention with a victory. A win over Indiana would not only bolster Ohio State’s chances of advancing but also serve as a significant morale boost for the team and its fanbase.
As the Buckeyes navigate through this crucial stretch of the season, the scheduling controversy serves as a reminder of the passionate nature of college football fandom. Fans invest their emotions, time, and energy into supporting their teams, and when scheduling decisions impact their experience, it can lead to significant backlash.
The uproar over Ohio State’s noon game schedule is emblematic of a larger conversation about fan engagement and the business of college football. With television contracts and broadcast rights playing a pivotal role in scheduling, it’s essential to consider the impact on the fans who fill the stands and cheer from their living rooms.
In the end, Ohio State fans are left to grapple with their feelings about the noon games while hoping for a successful conclusion to the season. The Buckeyes are on a fast track to the playoffs, but they must first navigate the challenges posed by their remaining opponents. As they prepare for the upcoming games, the focus will remain on performance and the pursuit of victory, all while the scheduling debate continues to simmer in the background.
### College football top 25 rankings
Below are the top 25 rankings of college football’s best programs for Week 11:
- Oregon (9-0)
- Georgia (7-1)
- Ohio State (7-1)
- Miami (9-0)
- Texas (7-1)
- Penn State (7-1)
- Tennessee (7-1)
- Indiana (9-0)
- BYU (8-0)
- Notre Dame (7-1)
- Alabama (6-2)
- Boise State (7-1)
- SMU (8-1)
- LSU (6-2)
- Texas A&M (7-2)
- Ole Miss (7-2)
- Iowa State (7-1)
- Army (8-0)
- Clemson (6-2)
- Washington State (7-1)
- Colorado (6-2)
- Kansas State (7-2)
- Pittsburgh (7-1)
- Vanderbilt (6-3)
- Louisville (6-3)
As the season progresses, Ohio State will look to silence the critics and secure their place among the elite in college football. The stakes are high, and the fans are ready to rally behind their team, regardless of the kickoff time.
