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College football fans on the West Coast aren’t thrilled with the start time to a heavyweight matchup in Week 5. This week, the television slot for the USC-Colorado game was unveiled, providing PAC 12 viewers with an early rise.
The game will kick off at 12 PM ET, or 9 AM PT. That Saturday morning start has many fans peeved, particularly those in California.
Kickoff times & TV selections for week 5 🏈⤵️ pic.twitter.com/n6MXPIQXzB
— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) September 18, 2023
USC will more than likely be undefeated when they roll into Boulder, giving the Buffs a second straight test in PAC 12 play. Colorado opens the conference slate this weekend with a road trip to Oregon as they, too, look to keep their record unblemished.
The matchup should feature a pair of Top 25 opponents, no matter the results from Week 4, as all eyes will again be on Deion Sanders’ program.
Those eyes will need to be open early, though, as FOX set the USC-Colorado matchup for its earliest time slot.
Despite both programs being away from the East Coast, the network pegged the Trojans and Buffaloes for a noon ET meeting. That means a 10 AM kickoff in Colorado, and a 9 AM start for USC fans watching back at home in Los Angeles.
Many have been quick to post their reactions on social media. A number of fans are unhappy.
USC players waking up for their 9am PST kickoff at Colorado pic.twitter.com/QxIpidXtPQ https://t.co/vtGOCLoXQT
— Pregame Empire (@PregameEmpire) September 18, 2023
So we put the top two contending potential Heisman winners, one at nine in the morning on the West Coast and the other one at 10 PM at night on the East Coast. 🤦🏻♂️. Horrible
— Dennis (@purpledawgfan1) September 18, 2023
Those in California are not happy with seeing a 9 AM local time kickoff.
9am kickoffs locally should be banned. Shame on y’all
— Princetopher (@Prince_Swaray) September 18, 2023
@joelklatt why does Fox put massive games at 10AM or 11AM local? It’s branded as BigNoon but it’s still morning for most of the country.
— Andy Swain (@andyswain5) September 18, 2023
Colorado fans weren’t excited either.
Not another 10am I can’t do this again
— #19 Buff SZN (@BuffTom28) September 18, 2023
Hate 10 am games Booooooooo!
— Prime Time Buffalo (@FolsomPrimeTime) September 18, 2023
USC might want to get used to the early kicks as they move to the Big Ten next year.
This particular game should feature a pair of talented passers in Shedeur Sanders and reigning Heisman winner Caleb Williams, as well as two conference contenders. We’ll see if the early start time has an effect on their play.