ESPN has scheduled the November 7 matchup between BYU and Utah for a 10 a.m. local kickoff. This timing for the rivalry game, known as the "Holy War," has drawn sharp criticism because of the game's significant impact on the College Football Playoff (CFP) standings.
The 10 a.m. kickoff at Rice-Eccles Stadium
The decision to start the BYU and Utah game at 10 a.m. local time effectively forces fans to enter Rice-Eccles Stadium as early as 8 or 9 a.m. according to the report, this scheduling choice is viewed as "criminal" given the prestige of the rivalry and the high stakes involved for both programs.
Critics argue that a game of this magnitude deserved a primetime window to maximize the atmosphere and viewership. instead , the early start time places a significant burden on the traveling supporters and local fans who must navigate a stadium entrance during the early morning hours for a game with national implications.
How Alabama, LSU, and Georgia crowded out the Big 12
The scheduling conflict stems from a November 7 slate heavily weighted toward the Southeastern Conference (SEC). As reported by the source, ESPN filled its prime windows with matchups such as Texas vs. Missouri at 12 p.m. ET and Alabama vs. LSU at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC. The evening was further occupied by Kentucky vs. Tennessee at 6:15 p.m. ET and Georgia vs. Ole Miss at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Beyond ESPN, other major networks claimed the remaining high-profile slots. CBS is set to broadcast Oregon vs. Ohio State at 3:30 p.m. ET, while NBC will air Miami vs. Notre Dame at 7:30 p.m. eT. This saturation of the late-day schedule left the Big 12 showdown between the Cougars and the Utes as the "odd teams out," relegated to the earliest possible slot to make room for the SEC-heavy lineup.
The No. 2 BYU ranking and the CFP stakes
This scheduling decision is particularly jarring when considering the current trajectory of the programs. The report notes that the BYU Cougars entered their October 24 matchup against the UCF Knights at Acrisure Bounce House as the No. 2 team in the country, highlighting the program's current elite status and its viability as a national draw.
Historically, rivalry games with playoff implications are treated as marquee events. By placing a potential top-tier clash in a morning slot, ESPN appears to be prioritizing East Coast viewership patterns over the actual competitive weight of the Big 12. This reflects a broader trend where the SEC continues to receive preferential treatment in television windows, even when other conferences present equally compelling playoff narratives.
Will the Big 12 office in Texas challenge the slot?
While the report suggests that offiials within the Big 12 office in Texas are "likely fuming" over the decision, there has been no official statement from the conference regarding a request to move the game. It remains unclear if the Big 12 will formally protest the slot or if the network is open to shifting the game to a later window, such as the 9:30 p.m. or 10 p.m. ET slots used in previous Utah home games.
Furthermore , the soource does not provide a response from ESPN regarding why a late-night window—which would have followed the Miami vs. Notre Dame game—was not considered.. Whether the network feared a ratings drop-off for a late-night Western game or simply lacked the flexibility in its broadcast agreements remains an open question.
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