Joel Klatt pushes back at critics of Big Noon time slot: 'Let's maybe get used to it'
Joel Klatt was in Happy Valley over the weekend for a major matchup between Ohio State and Penn State. That game delivered on the hype, and it was the latest installment of the game to be played at 12 pm ET, something that does not sit well with some fans.
In previous eras, a game of that magnitude would traditionally garner a primetime billing, save for specific rivalries that always kick off at a certain time. (Such as The Game between Michigan and Ohio State.) But, with FOX’s “Big Noon Kickoff” time slot traditionally landing the B1G’s best game, the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions are more often playing in that slot.
In his latest episode of “The Joel Klatt Show,” FOX’s lead broadcaster said he was thrilled to be back in Beaver Stadium with the atmosphere always electric. However, he acknowledged the fans that do not enjoy the early kick.
“I was certainly thrilled to be there. I know some of the Penn State fans don’t enjoy the kick at noon,” said Klatt.
A group of those fans made their voices heard on Saturday, delivering an “F— Big Noon” chant from the set of ESPN’s College GameDay. Ultimately, that’s not going to alter the plans of FOX, a key component of the B1G’s current media rights package.
“Listen, that’s the way the cookie crumbles, and that’s where we give you our premier broadcast. That’s where we’re at, at noon,” Klatt responded to the critics. “That’s what we’re going to do for the foreseeable future, so let’s maybe get used to it.”
The last time Penn State and Ohio State played a primetime matchup came in 2021, and that was a home game for the Buckeyes. Penn State’s last home game against the Buckeyes in primetime came in 2020, and that was during the COVID season with fans not in attendance.
The last Ohio State-Penn State game in Beaver Stadium with a packed crowd occurred in 2018.