Once again, Penn State vs. Ohio State will be played in prime-time; Could GameDay be coming?
It has become almost routine at this point, but Penn State and Ohio State will be slated for a primetime kickoff this October 22. The game was among those selected by ESPN to be aired in prime-time on either ABC, ESPN or ESPN2. ESPN made their picks official this morning with a press release. For now, Penn State’s home game against Ohio State, already slated for the annual whiteout, is the only prime-time game selected to date.
Big Ten prime games selected by ESPN: pic.twitter.com/VsDO9B1VaV
— Kevin McGuire (@KevinOnCFB) May 2, 2016
Penn State and Ohio State have kicked off in prime time each of the past four seasons. This will continue to be the case so long as Ohio State and/or Penn State are nationally relevant. The series has been an electric one at times, and both schools serve up a good atmosphere for a night game. And the whiteout is spectacular. ESPN will want to capitalize on something like that. Now, here’s one other thing to ask. Will ESPN bring College GameDay back to State College for the game?
ESPN hasn’t setup College GameDay at Penn State since a 2009 game against Iowa. Penn State has been the visiting team for two GameDay stops since then (both in 2010, at Alabama and at Ohio State). Taking a look at some potential options around the country on October 22 reveals a few things. Teams like Baylor, Clemson, Florida State, USC and Notre Dame are all off. Oregon plays Friday night. Alabama hosting Texas A&M could be tempting. So might LSU hosting Ole Miss. Michigan gets Illinois at home, which is not likely attractive enough despite the love for Lovie Smith. Penn State vs. Ohio State could potentially be the go-to destination for the popular pregame show.
ESPN traditionally gets the first pick of games for primetime slots. Big Ten Network will get to announce primetime games for Big Ten Network programming later. Other broadcasts to be picke d up by ESPN will be announced later as well.
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