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ESPN's Pat McAfee shoots at the Big Noon kickoff before the football between Ohio State and Penn State

Posted on by Kennedy
ESPN's Pat McAfee shoots at the Big Noon kickoff before the football between Ohio State and Penn State

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Discontent was loud among Nittany Lion fans over Saturday's noon kickoff between No. 4 Ohio State and No. 3 Penn State.

ESPN's College GameDay analyst Pat McAfee wasted no time bringing this conversation on air.

During the opening segment of College GameDay live from State College, McAfee attended Fox's Big Noon Kickoff, whose pregame show was taking place nearby.

“This is a city that has suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder because of these games in the past, but this year it feels different,” McAfee said to cheer on the crowd. “This year, this game – they are cheering now. We'll see how this goes. This game does not take place at night. It’s a big lunch start.”

The crowd around the College GameDay set began to boo.

“Kind of a mixed reaction,” McAfee said. “I don’t think there are any people on their set. That’s on them, not us.”

Earlier this week, Penn State University sophomore Ben Rosenbaum wrote an opinion piece for Onward State urging students to “boycott Big Noon Kickoff.”

“FOX has enjoyed bringing out the fun of tailgating and the atmosphere that Beaver Stadium offers by testing us with several noon games already,” Rosenbaum wrote. “And now, in the biggest game of the year, it’s happening again. Unacceptable.”

In a draft between Fox, CBS and NBC for games this season, Fox had a chance to select Penn State vs. Ohio State with the fifth overall pick, according to a report from The Athletic.

The Big Noon Kickoff featured some of the conference's top games this season, leading to a noon kickoff headlined by broadcast team Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt and Jenny Taft.

Penn State has now been part of the main game three times this season – on August 31st at West Virginia, on October 5th against UCLA and against Ohio State.

Saturday also marks the third time this season the Buckeyes will play in Fox's midday slot. OSU will make at least one additional appearance for its Nov. 30 game against Michigan.

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