After a few months of writing these Hurry-Ups, one common gripe fans have among college football scheduling is sticking out: noon kickoffs.
Besides the obvious fan gameday experience reasons (less time to tailgate, etc.), there is a very real impact early gametimes have on recruiting. Ohio State’s recruiting footprint has expanded tremendously over the years, as the Buckeyes now recruit nationwide from the west to east coasts and into Texas, Florida and the Deep South.
But noon starts have made it difficult for non Midwest recruits to make it to Columbus to experience a gameday atmosphere. Various recruits and their families have told Eleven Warriors as much firsthand, and it certainly led to postponed visits from prospects that were supposed to attend the Oregon game.