9AM...still can't wrap my head around the game day routine these guys will go through that morning.
sports.yahoo.com
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The 2020 Pac-12 football season will officially begin on Nov. 7, and it will do so much earlier than usual.
Earlier in the day that is.
Arizona Stateās trip to USC will be the conferenceās first game of the year, and it will kick off at 9 a.m. locally, allowing it to occupy Foxās āBig Noon Kickoffā slot.
The idea of morning kickoffs was explored ā and ultimately tabled ā by the conference last year. āPac-12 After Darkā has become a staple of every college football Saturday, but those late-night games can be a logistical nightmare for schools, especially with travel. In recent years, coaches have been vocal about how tough it can be on the players to be the visiting team for a game that starts later in the night. Games extending deep into the night can also be difficult for fans.
With that in mind, Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said last summer that the league had conversations with Fox about having some games at 9 a.m. PT to gain some visibility on the other side of the country. At the time, some coaches were OK with the idea while others opposed it, including Stanfordās David Shaw.
Ultimately, the idea was tabled for the 2019 season but the concept has lingered among conference and network executives with an eye to the 2020 season. Before the pandemic hit, the Pac-12 had a few marquee, early-season matchups against Big Ten opponents that were up for discussion. Instead, it will be two of the leading contenders for the Pac-12 South crown.
More at this jump:
Pac-12 football season to begin with 9 a.m. Arizona State vs. USC game
Pac-12 teams will each play seven-game schedules beginning the weekend of Nov. 7.
sports.yahoo.com
