Why won't the B1G and TV partners cater to the White Out?

[mgkpsu]

The home team was favored in 8 of the games, so they have performed better than "expected". While the past 10 years (especially past two) haven't had as much "star" opponent, there were enough compelling big name teams to make it a TV draw.

Btw, one of the opponents that wasn't "ranked better than 13" was eventual the eventual MNC.

And they were only within a touchdown for 4 of the losses. And 4 of the wins were against the likes of crappy Illinois, Minnesota, Auburn, and Iowa teams. People on this thread keep parroting the "The atmosphere is worth a touchdown" schtick, and isn't home field advantage supposed to be another 3 points? A bunch of grown men are literally whining over not getting to play dress up in their finest whites for a season- can't make that shit up!

Like I said: Overrated!

 

[Obliviax]

And they were only within a touchdown for 4 of the losses. And 4 of the wins were against the likes of crappy Illinois, Minnesota, Auburn, and Iowa teams. People on this thread keep parroting the "The atmosphere is worth a touchdown" schtick, and isn't home field advantage supposed to be another 3 points? A bunch of grown men are literally whining over not getting to play dress up in their finest whites for a season- can't make that shit up!

Like I said: Overrated!

well, I totally disagree for several reasons. But let me first say that I do agree that fan participation is very low in terms of determining the outcome for a specific, single game.

Where I disagree with that the fan experience is incredible and unique in sports with 107,000 dressed in white (OK, maybe 105,000 dressed in white). I sat next to four guys from NYC who were not PSU fans but take a bucket list sports event once a year and were thrilled with PSU's whiteout. They've been to several Olympics, Wimbledon finals, the Masters and NCAA basketball championships. They felt that they all had their own thing but PSU's whiteout was just as good or better (Game against UM with four overtimes). I also have several national friends who often ask me about it when they learn I am a PSU fan.

That leads me to the second point. Sports is about exposure and brand. With PSU's awful brand exiting the JS incident, it casts PSU in a very positive light (with the students leading the way). While teams like GA, AL and LSU have several Natties, PSU gets similar coverage largely due to the whiteout (since we haven't beaten the biggies in quite some time).

The third point is recruiting. The whiteout is a huge recruiting opportunity as many recruits cite watching the whiteout game as a contributing reason why they chose PSU.

Lastly, money. It casts the entire region in a positive light and continues to feed the "fan experience" for white-out and non-white-out games.

I happened to meet the brother of a guy who is an NFL GM. His other brother is a scouting coordinator for another NFL team. I met him at the first Dallas Stars/Edmonton game. The first thing he asked me was if I'd ever been to a whiteout. The second thing he asked is how he could get tickets.

My point is that PSU must preserve this game as a national exposure game using primetime TV. I think this is an unfortunate year as the B1G has struggled with the post-expansion merger. We get two away games and a bye in October as a result (I think October is the best time of year for a PSU game with it being crisp, fall leaves, not too hot and not too cold). B1G has to do better and PSU has to lead that charge.

 

[The Spin Meister]

well, I totally disagree for several reasons. But let me first say that I do agree that fan participation is very low in terms of determining the outcome for a specific, single game.

Where I disagree with that the fan experience is incredible and unique in sports with 107,000 dressed in white (OK, maybe 105,000 dressed in white). I sat next to four guys from NYC who were not PSU fans but take a bucket list sports event once a year and were thrilled with PSU's whiteout. They've been to several Olympics, Wimbledon finals, the Masters and NCAA basketball championships. They felt that they all had their own thing but PSU's whiteout was just as good or better (Game against UM with four overtimes). I also have several national friends who often ask me about it when they learn I am a PSU fan.

That leads me to the second point. Sports is about exposure and brand. With PSU's awful brand exiting the JS incident, it casts PSU in a very positive light (with the students leading the way). While teams like GA, AL and LSU have several Natties, PSU gets similar coverage largely due to the whiteout (since we haven't beaten the biggies in quite some time).

The third point is recruiting. The whiteout is a huge recruiting opportunity as many recruits cite watching the whiteout game as a contributing reason why they chose PSU.

Lastly, money. It casts the entire region in a positive light and continues to feed the "fan experience" for white-out and non-white-out games.

I happened to meet the brother of a guy who is an NFL GM. His other brother is a scouting coordinator for another NFL team. I met him at the first Dallas Stars/Edmonton game. The first thing he asked me was if I'd ever been to a whiteout. The second thing he asked is how he could get tickets.

My point is that PSU must preserve this game as a national exposure game using primetime TV. I think this is an unfortunate year as the B1G has struggled with the post-expansion merger. We get two away games and a bye in October as a result (I think October is the best time of year for a PSU game with it being crisp, fall leaves, not too hot and not too cold). B1G has to do better and PSU has to lead that charge.

All excellent points. And all reasons why the B2G hates it and will work to destroy it. Or at least, minimize it.

It helps Penn State in many ways. That cannot stand.

 

[LandoComando]

I bet we could easily pull off a White Out versus OSU this year. People would find a way to don their white even if very cold. For Ohio State we could pull that off. Of course if we played Illinois in November then a White Out would not work.

Yes, the White Out is new relative to old traditional rivalry games like the Big2 game. But it is a spectacle. You cannot deny that. It has elevated beyond a regular season college football game.

My frustration that is shared by others on this thread is we simply cannot make our biggest/toughest home game every year be the White Out. Why is that? It should not be that difficult. Can you imagine this season if when we played Ohio State we were undefeated and they were undefeated and #1 AND the game is a White Out??!! That would be epic! Unfortunately, because of TV and I guess some dumb unwritten rule or even a Penn State rule that prevents a White Out in Nov we don't get to have the White Out with our biggest game.

How much money is TV paying?
They should be dictating things. They love Michigan and Ohio State at noon. Just like Oklahoma/Texas is noon/11 local.
What you're asking for is that every year the Big Ten and FOX agree to put our best home opponent in October. And I think some want prime time in October. That's not a comparable request.
This is a horrible example of trying to claim preferential treatment for Michigan and Ohio State because the game is in the timeslot FOX wouldn't demand

 

[lazydave841]

What you're asking for is that every year the Big Ten and FOX agree to put our best home opponent in October. And I think some want prime time in October. That's not a comparable request.
This is a horrible example of trying to claim preferential treatment for Michigan and Ohio State because the game is in the timeslot FOX wouldn't demand

Sure it is. Fox has moved BNK to alternate times to accommodate other teams. PSU/Iowa '21 is one instance. Yes, Fox does great ratings at noon, but PSU vs OSU/Michigan/USC/Oregon is going to do great ratings regardless of the time slot. Put whatever Big 12 game they would be airing in the noon slot (and increase its overall ratings) and give us the evening or prime time spot, which will draw more eyes.

CBS has put its better SEC games on in primetime 2-3x a year. It's not unheard of. It just requires cooperation. Perhaps you disagree, but it just seems to me that the networks know "White Out draws regardless", hence they'd rather boost one of our Illinois type games with the primetime slot vs our marquee game which is going to draw regardless.

 

[doctornick]

CBS has put its better SEC games on in primetime 2-3x a year. It's not unheard of. It just requires cooperation. Perhaps you disagree, but it just seems to me that the networks know "White Out draws regardless", hence they'd rather boost one of our Illinois type games with the primetime slot vs our marquee game which is going to draw regardless.

That's not true at all. The CBS contract with the SEC featured 2 doubleheaders a year - one with a game at noon in addition to the regular 3:30 slot; the other with a game at 8PM in addition to 3:30. This was because CBS didn't get any games the first two weeks of the season so they got two "extra" games later in the year.

They didn't just shift a game to the evening on a whim. they had a designated Saturday where they carried an evening game in addition to one at 3:30 PM

 

[doctornick]

Sure it is. Fox has moved BNK to alternate times to accommodate other teams. PSU/Iowa '21 is one instance.

No, FOX simple carried more than one game that day. Maryland/Ohio State was carried in the noon timeslot and PSU/Iowa was carried at 4:00.

But that was under a previous TV contract anyway and FOX/Disney weren't locked into carrying the Big Ten into any particular window. The current TV deal which started in 2023 has exclusive windows for each broadcast partner (it is possible for the networks to trade windows, but they have priviledge with their slots).

 

[rrdd2021]

What am I missing? Penn State's Whiteout game in 2024 is against Illinois and not OSU? Why in the world would that happen? Like most CF fans, I'm going to watch CF games with top teams playing and just can't imaging Illinois being one of them.

Honestly, I - like many fans (other than PSU fans) - have very little interest in watching PSU vs Illinois. Now, PSU vs OSU, you better believe I'll be glued to the TV screen and that's what the B1G and TV networks are after

 

[saturdaysarebetter2]

And they were only within a touchdown for 4 of the losses. And 4 of the wins were against the likes of crappy Illinois, Minnesota, Auburn, and Iowa teams. People on this thread keep parroting the "The atmosphere is worth a touchdown" schtick, and isn't home field advantage supposed to be another 3 points? A bunch of grown men are literally whining over not getting to play dress up in their finest whites for a season- can't make that shit up!

Like I said: Overrated!

Urban Meyer said the White Out is worth 10 points. I'll take his opinion over yours.

 

[lazydave841]

FOX simple carried more than one game that day. Maryland/Ohio State was carried in the noon timeslot and PSU/Iowa was carried at 4:00.

The BNK show and crew was at the Iowa/PSU game.

Fox has regularly carried 2 and 3 games (depending on playoff baseball for the primetime slot) on Saturdays. I understand that they are pushing the noon slot with their biggest game because it tends to be less opposed.

 

[LandoComando]

Sure it is. Fox has moved BNK to alternate times to accommodate other teams. PSU/Iowa '21 is one instance. Yes, Fox does great ratings at noon, but PSU vs OSU/Michigan/USC/Oregon is going to do great ratings regardless of the time slot. Put whatever Big 12 game they would be airing in the noon slot (and increase its overall ratings) and give us the evening or prime time spot, which will draw more eyes.

CBS has put its better SEC games on in primetime 2-3x a year. It's not unheard of. It just requires cooperation. Perhaps you disagree, but it just seems to me that the networks know "White Out draws regardless", hence they'd rather boost one of our Illinois type games with the primetime slot vs our marquee game which is going to draw regardless.

I don't think the network cares about the whiteout or who we play. I also don't think the powers to be at Penn State care. It has zero impact on attendance. The view is still a selling point. If anything a White Out against Illinois followed by homes games against UCLA and Ohio State give us more solid recruiting opportunities.

 

[Mufasa94]

And they were only within a touchdown for 4 of the losses. And 4 of the wins were against the likes of crappy Illinois, Minnesota, Auburn, and Iowa teams.

Well TV decided the less stellar night games recently, and while Auburn ended up not as a good team, you can’t say the lead up to the game was not anticipated outside of just AU-PSU. It finished as the #2 game of the week ratings wise.

People on this thread keep parroting the "The atmosphere is worth a touchdown" schtick, and isn't home field advantage supposed to be another 3 points?

Based on the odds they’ve ended up with 3 more wins over that time than they were expected to have. I’m not going to estimate how many they may have won with a noon/3:30 start, nor how many points it may be worth.

Like I said: Overrated!

From ‘17 to ‘19 (when expections of PSU were back), there were big name matchups and the game pulled in the highest TV ratings for the respective week.

Does that qualify as overrated exclamation point?

 

[ryoder1]

This is not that difficult if the media networks and the B10 wanted it to happen. I am referring to the White Out game always being against Penn State's most difficult home opponent every year in prime time. That is the objective now go solve it. It is not impossible but people want to throw up this excuse and that excuse. It is like you give someone a challenging objective (but certainly achievable mind you) and all they do is come back with excuses on why they can't deliver.

And yeah, 3 certainties in life, death, taxes and that freaking Michigan Ohio State game played at noon EST every year. Funny how that never changes.

 

[LandoComando]

This is not that difficult if the media networks and the B10 wanted it to happen. I am referring to the White Out game always being against Penn State's most difficult home opponent every year in prime time. That is the objective now go solve it. It is not impossible but people want to throw up this excuse and that excuse. It is like you give someone a challenging objective (but certainly achievable mind you) and all they do is come back with excuses on why they can't deliver.

And yeah, 3 certainties in life, death, taxes and that freaking Michigan Ohio State game played at noon EST every year. Funny how that never changes.

Because that game is played when the media wants it to be played. They're not asking for changes or an entire schedule be build around giving us are toughest home game in October then getting the networks playing Billions to dictate the kick time.

I doubt this is something Penn State even cares about--it's just you and others looking for reasons to trash the Big Ten.

 

[ryoder1]

Because that game is played when the media wants it to be played. They're not asking for changes or an entire schedule be build around giving us are toughest home game in October then getting the networks playing Billions to dictate the kick time.

I doubt this is something Penn State even cares about--it's just you and others looking for reasons to trash the Big Ten.

Just excuses. And you should care about this if you are a Penn State fan. A White Out game starting at 8pm EST versus our toughest opponent with a raucous, rowdy student section and full house 107,000 all lathered up with pent up excitement ready to unleash that by screaming and cheering makes for a very favorable home field advantage for Penn State and very difficult environment for the opponent. We can beat Indiana. Minnesota, Illinois at home with nobody in attendance (except for 2021 vs Illinois when Franklin coached the worst game in Penn State football history). What we care about is getting an edge versus an Ohio State caliber opponent.

Why don't we just move all our home games to Heinz field or whatever it is called now? Who cares? There is no home field advantage. Just play the White Out there.

 

[doctornick]

I am so confused about what people are talking about in this thread. The starting times for our games are determined by the TV partners. Outside of the first 3 weeks of the season, non-Saturday games and very few others (chosen due to some networks have the top pick those weeks) the vast majority of games for the season do not have set times. Even the homecoming games largely did not have specific times, which is atypical compared to previous years where most got a specific time in advance.

With three TV network partners for the Big Ten - who are competitors and do not want to help each other out, but want to get the best/highest games for themselves - it would be tough for any game to be set in advance of the season so it isn't a surprise that we don't have any night games determined. So at this point, PSU can either hold off on assigning a specific game to be a Whiteout or they can pick a game and see what happens in terms of the kickoff time.

I guess I don't really get what people are expecting here. Why would the TV networks willingly give up a game to another network unless they aren't interested in it?

 

[LandoComando]

Just excuses. And you should care about this if you are a Penn State fan. A White Out game starting at 8pm EST versus our toughest opponent with a raucous, rowdy student section and full house 107,000 all lathered up with pent up excitement ready to unleash that by screaming and cheering makes for a very favorable home field advantage for Penn State and very difficult environment for the opponent. We can beat Indiana. Minnesota, Illinois at home with nobody in attendance (except for 2021 vs Illinois when Franklin coached the worst game in Penn State football history). What we care about is getting an edge versus an Ohio State caliber opponent.

Why don't we just move all our home games to Heinz field or whatever it is called now? Who cares? There is no home field advantage. Just play the White Out there.

If we can't have a great crowd for a noon game against Ohio State that's pathetic.

In what world do teams dictate their schedules? TV runs the show and they're paying billions. If they want Ohio State at Penn State at noon I'm fine with that. Again, Michigan-Ohio State fits what TV wants. Like Oklahoma-Texas. It's set every year not "let's see who Penn State plays at home and let's give Penn State the right to pick the date and time they play them." Come back to reality and comprehend the request is absurd.

This is the dumbest argument I've read on this board and that says a lot.

 

[doctornick]

What am I missing? Penn State's Whiteout game in 2024 is against Illinois and not OSU? Why in the world would that happen? Like most CF fans, I'm going to watch CF games with top teams playing and just can't imaging Illinois being one of them.

The Whiteout game has not been set. It could be Illinois - or it might not. I think people are making a massive leap based on a leaked projection of NBC games which is silly on multiple fronts:

(1) that schedule might not come to pass, a similar leak last year had most of the games on NBC but a few were on Peacock instead (so a different game on network NBC) and some not carried by NBC at all so it is very much subject to change. This year with CBS having a full slate of games and more teams/total games in the Big Ten, it is more likely to end up very different than what is projected

(2) It's not certain the Illinois game will be at night. It specifically was noted to be either a 3:30/4:00 or a 7:30 PM game but could be in either window.

(3) a Whiteout game doesn't have to be played at night. We have played them earlier than the 7:30/8:00 PM window before. It wouldn't be a shock to see a 3:30 PM (CBS broadcasted) game as the Whiteout and it will get dark before the end of that game especially if it is later in the season (e.g. Ohio State or Washington games).

 

[johnmpsu]

Face it. TV runs everything and if the Big has any say/input/pull at all it will be in support of Ohio State or Michigan. That's just the way it is. The rest of the league is just along for the ride and the money. The money is good so the rest of the league just isn't going to ever complain about anything. The new teams will learn that soon enough. Then they will put their heads down and say thanks for the MONEY.

 

[rrdd2021]

Face it. TV runs everything and if the Big has any say/input/pull at all it will be in support of Ohio State or Michigan. That's just the way it is. The rest of the league is just along for the ride and the money. The money is good so the rest of the league just isn't going to ever complain about anything. The new teams will learn that soon enough. Then they will put their heads down and say thanks for the MONEY.

And if we're going to be honest, the OSU - Michigan game always has the most TV viewers for any regular season game......2023 was no exception. I believe I read that it had over 19 million viewers with the next one (Alabama - Georgia) at 17 million.

Like it or not, the OSU-Michigan rivalry is #1 in CF - the numbers speak for themselves

 

[LandoComando]

And if we're going to be honest, the OSU - Michigan game always has the most TV viewers for any regular season game......2023 was no exception. I believe I read that it had over 19 million viewers with the next one (Alabama - Georgia) at 17 million.

Like it or not, the OSU-Michigan rivalry is #1 in CF - the numbers speak for themselves

Which is why it doesn't make sense when people complain about when their game is scheduled. That's a priority. Penn State-Ohio State will get great ratings if it's the White Out or not so it makes sense to put another game in primetime for the White Out. UCLA and Illinois are fine options due to our weak home schedule this year.

 

[ryoder1]

The Whiteout game has not been set. It could be Illinois - or it might not. I think people are making a massive leap based on a leaked projection of NBC games which is silly on multiple fronts:

(1) that schedule might not come to pass, a similar leak last year had most of the games on NBC but a few were on Peacock instead (so a different game on network NBC) and some not carried by NBC at all so it is very much subject to change. This year with CBS having a full slate of games and more teams/total games in the Big Ten, it is more likely to end up very different than what is projected

(2) It's not certain the Illinois game will be at night. It specifically was noted to be either a 3:30/4:00 or a 7:30 PM game but could be in either window.

(3) a Whiteout game doesn't have to be played at night. We have played them earlier than the 7:30/8:00 PM window before. It wouldn't be a shock to see a 3:30 PM (CBS broadcasted) game as the Whiteout and it will get dark before the end of that game especially if it is later in the season (e.g. Ohio State or Washington games).

This year is tough because we don"t have a great September or October home schedule. Bit that can be overcome (see below).

Nevertheless, here is my point and admittedly I am not well versed on all the details behind the media networks. I would think when they start determining start times for games that a night White Out game would be a coveted game for any of the networks when Penn State is playing either Ohio State, Michigan, Oregon or USC assuming those teams are at least top 20 or top 15. I get the fact that Fox screws a lot up with their Big Noon property but I don't know if they always would get first pick on a game like that. Isn't there a B10 night game on NBC every weekend? Wouldn't the White Out game be NBC's first pick vs a marquee opponent?

Back to this year. I still contend we could pull off a White Out vs OSU in prime time on November 2nd. It is not like it is Jan 2nd. People will make sure they have white on for a game like that. If that just doesn't work then go for OSU still as the White Out but have CBS carry it in their 3:30pm slot. Not as good as a prime time game but certainly better than a Noon kick and the second half would be played at night.

Yes, I realize the networks decide these things but they want ratings which translates to higher advertising revenue and a White Out vs a top flight opponent delivers eyeballs and ad revenue.

 

[nittanymoops]

This article from the Joel Klatt show featuring a Fox sports exec would seem to contain pertinent information, and potentially good news regarding the whiteout opponent. Apparently Fox traded out of the top pick for Nov. 2. It doesn't say who has the top pick. Considering the best two games are PSU-OSU and UM-Ducks, I think it likely one of those gets NBC primetime. Then it depends on who has the second pick. CBS would leap at either for 330. Fox would take PSU-OSU, and IMO I think it's doubtful any West Coast team would play at noon eastern, the same way no east coast team would play at noon Pacific time. Fox could also decide to use either matchup in their 4 pm window (I think, although maybe not since each partner was supposed to have an exclusive window IIRC). If they can trade picks, perhaps this can be done as well. I'll defer to doctor nick on this issue, who usually has the best info and most times a better feel for the broadcast angle.

And please stop feeding the trolls, even the supposed PSU fans.

Does the Penn State White Out Have to Be at Night?

Less than three months from the start of the 2024 college football season, one major scheduling plot point remains: When is the Penn State White Out?

www.si.com

 

[doctornick]

This article from the Joel Klatt show featuring a Fox sports exec would seem to contain pertinent information, and potentially good news regarding the whiteout opponent. Apparently Fox traded out of the top pick for Nov. 2. It doesn't say who has the top pick. Considering the best two games are PSU-OSU and UM-Ducks, I think it likely one of those gets NBC primetime. Then it depends on who has the second pick. CBS would leap at either for 330. Fox would take PSU-OSU, and IMO I think it's doubtful any West Coast team would play at noon eastern, the same way no east coast team would play at noon Pacific time. Fox could also decide to use either matchup in their 4 pm window (I think, although maybe not since each partner was supposed to have an exclusive window IIRC). If they can trade picks, perhaps this can be done as well. I'll defer to doctor nick on this issue, who usually has the best info and most times a better feel for the broadcast angle.

And please stop feeding the trolls, even the supposed PSU fans.

Does the Penn State White Out Have to Be at Night?

Less than three months from the start of the 2024 college football season, one major scheduling plot point remains: When is the Penn State White Out?

www.si.com

The SI article is wrong and they misinterpreted the Klatt interview - FOX traded the “third pick” in the pecking order in 2024 (they chose UM/tOSU and Texas/UM with the top 2 picks) and ended up getting extra picks a little later. But the guy specifically said that FOX did end up with the top pick for Nov 2. Now that doesn’t mean FOX is choosing tOSU/PSU that day - Oregon/UM is also a strong contender depending on how the season unfolds - but CBS or NBC do not have the ability to choose whatever game they want that day.

 

[ryoder1]

This article from the Joel Klatt show featuring a Fox sports exec would seem to contain pertinent information, and potentially good news regarding the whiteout opponent. Apparently Fox traded out of the top pick for Nov. 2. It doesn't say who has the top pick. Considering the best two games are PSU-OSU and UM-Ducks, I think it likely one of those gets NBC primetime. Then it depends on who has the second pick. CBS would leap at either for 330. Fox would take PSU-OSU, and IMO I think it's doubtful any West Coast team would play at noon eastern, the same way no east coast team would play at noon Pacific time. Fox could also decide to use either matchup in their 4 pm window (I think, although maybe not since each partner was supposed to have an exclusive window IIRC). If they can trade picks, perhaps this can be done as well. I'll defer to doctor nick on this issue, who usually has the best info and most times a better feel for the broadcast angle.

And please stop feeding the trolls, even the supposed PSU fans.

Does the Penn State White Out Have to Be at Night?

Less than three months from the start of the 2024 college football season, one major scheduling plot point remains: When is the Penn State White Out?

www.si.com

What does it mean they traded its pick for the 11/2 date? Earlier in the article it says Fox will most likely schedule the 11/2 OSU game their Big Noon game. So does Fox have the top pick for 11/2 or not?

 

[doctornick]

What does it mean they traded its pick for the 11/2 date? Earlier in the article it says Fox will most likely schedule the 11/2 OSU game their Big Noon game. So does Fox have the top pick for 11/2 or not?

FOX has the top pick in 11/2. It is talked about in the Joe Klatt interview:

Go to about 13:45

 

[ryoder1]

The SI article is wrong and they misinterpreted the Klatt interview - FOX traded the “third pick” in the pecking order in 2024 (they chose UM/tOSU and Texas/UM with the top 2 picks) and ended up getting extra picks a little later. But the guy specifically said that FOX did end up with the top pick for Nov 2. Now that doesn’t mean FOX is choosing tOSU/PSU that day - Oregon/UM is also a strong contender depending on how the season unfolds - but CBS or NBC do not have the ability to choose whatever game they want that day.

Okay, so is it possible Fox chooses Michigan and Oregon on 11/2 for Big Noon and then NBC gets us vs OSU in prime time? I think Fox is choosing our game unless we have a couple losses by then and UM and Oregon are undefeated.

 

[nittanymoops]

The SI article is wrong and they misinterpreted the Klatt interview - FOX traded the “third pick” in the pecking order in 2024 (they chose UM/tOSU and Texas/UM with the top 2 picks) and ended up getting extra picks a little later. But the guy specifically said that FOX did end up with the top pick for Nov 2. Now that doesn’t mean FOX is choosing tOSU/PSU that day - Oregon/UM is also a strong contender depending on how the season unfolds - but CBS or NBC do not have the ability to choose whatever game they want that day.

Thanks for spotting that part of the Klatt interview. SI is indeed wrong on that in its interpretation of the interview.

My questions:
1) Do you know of any rules/requests about East Coast teams not having to play early West Coast games or West Coast teams not having to play noon Eastern? I did see that Rutgres is playing an 11 pm (Eastern time) West Coast game on a Friday night, but, well, they're Rutgres after all.

2) Are the three partners trying to maintain exclusive B1G windows, where neither will compete and put B1G games up against another B1G game?

3) Since Mulvihill said Fox traded away their third pick, to me that implies that Bama-Wisky wasn't it. Which then implies that one of the other partners made a major pick at No. 3 but hasn't announced it yet. Does that seem odd? If you've acquired a big game, why wouldn't you announce it?

 

[mgkpsu]

The Whiteout game has not been set. It could be Illinois - or it might not. I think people are making a massive leap based on a leaked projection of NBC games which is silly on multiple fronts:

(1) that schedule might not come to pass, a similar leak last year had most of the games on NBC but a few were on Peacock instead (so a different game on network NBC) and some not carried by NBC at all so it is very much subject to change. This year with CBS having a full slate of games and more teams/total games in the Big Ten, it is more likely to end up very different than what is projected

(2) It's not certain the Illinois game will be at night. It specifically was noted to be either a 3:30/4:00 or a 7:30 PM game but could be in either window.

(3) a Whiteout game doesn't have to be played at night. We have played them earlier than the 7:30/8:00 PM window before. It wouldn't be a shock to see a 3:30 PM (CBS broadcasted) game as the Whiteout and it will get dark before the end of that game especially if it is later in the season (e.g. Ohio State or Washington games).

#3 is the biggest reason why some people are getting so riled up in this thread. They want a specific level of opponent AND they insist on a 7:30 kickoff, when a decent chunk of of the games have been played as early as noon. Frankly I am not sure that the current head coach does a great job of preparing the players to execute well after they have been stewing until the evening, and people need to move past 2016 eventually.

 

[ryoder1]

#3 is the biggest reason why some people are getting so riled up in this thread. They want a specific level of opponent AND they insist on a 7:30 kickoff, when a decent chunk of of the games have been played as early as noon. Frankly I am not sure that the current head coach does a great job of preparing the players to execute well after they have been stewing until the evening, and people need to move past 2016 eventually.

At this point get a decent opponent at least and give up on the time. So go for OSU at Noon. Rationale is we don't need a White Out to beat Illinois or UCLA but even a noon start White Out vs OSU gives us a slight advantage vs no White Out at all.

 

[doctornick]

Okay, so is it possible Fox chooses Michigan and Oregon on 11/2 for Big Noon and then NBC gets us vs OSU in prime time? I think Fox is choosing our game unless we have a couple losses by then and UM and Oregon are undefeated.

I’m guessing that the pick order that day is 1. FOX, 2. CBS and then 3. NBC based on the information floating around.

 

[doctornick]

At this point get a decent opponent at least and give up on the time. So go for OSU at Noon. Rationale is we don't need a White Out to beat Illinois or UCLA but even a noon start White Out vs OSU gives us a slight advantage vs no White Out at all.

My feeling is entirely pick the game you want to be the Whiteout and then just see where the cards fall in terms of time/TV. Sure it looks better at night but it’s not the end of the world if it ends up being played during the day.

 

[doctornick]

Thanks for spotting that part of the Klatt interview. SI is indeed wrong on that in its interpretation of the interview.

My questions:
1) Do you know of any rules/requests about East Coast teams not having to play early West Coast games or West Coast teams not having to play noon Eastern? I did see that Rutgres is playing an 11 pm (Eastern time) West Coast game on a Friday night, but, well, they're Rutgres after all.

2) Are the three partners trying to maintain exclusive B1G windows, where neither will compete and put B1G games up against another B1G game?

3) Since Mulvihill said Fox traded away their third pick, to me that implies that Bama-Wisky wasn't it. Which then implies that one of the other partners made a major pick at No. 3 but hasn't announced it yet. Does that seem odd? If you've acquired a big game, why wouldn't you announce it?

1. They have said west coast teams won’t host games at noon ET but can appear in them as the visiting team.

2. The TV partners will almost entirely keep their exclusive windows. There are a few exceptions like when NBC carries a Notre Dame game at night - they can either swap with another network that day or use a late night window. CBS already announced they are using 3:30 all year. FOX might be willing to swap with NBC. FOX also had some flexibility built into their options this year (and last) in the Big Ten deal as a result of their deal with the Big 12 which ends this season - they still will carry the Big 12 next year but it’s a new deal and they have a much lower number of games and flexibility.

3. Yes, the Bama-Wisc game weekend apparently was not the third pick. The theories I’ve seen is that FOX traded the 3rd pick to either CBS who chose to use it on Sept 21 (to get USC/Michigan; already announced) or to NBC to get Oct 5 (not announced but projected for them to get UM/Washington in a rematch of the championship).

 

[LandoComando]

This year is tough because we don"t have a great September or October home schedule. Bit that can be overcome (see below).

Nevertheless, here is my point and admittedly I am not well versed on all the details behind the media networks. I would think when they start determining start times for games that a night White Out game would be a coveted game for any of the networks when Penn State is playing either Ohio State, Michigan, Oregon or USC assuming those teams are at least top 20 or top 15. I get the fact that Fox screws a lot up with their Big Noon property but I don't know if they always would get first pick on a game like that. Isn't there a B10 night game on NBC every weekend? Wouldn't the White Out game be NBC's first pick vs a marquee opponent?

Back to this year. I still contend we could pull off a White Out vs OSU in prime time on November 2nd. It is not like it is Jan 2nd. People will make sure they have white on for a game like that. If that just doesn't work then go for OSU still as the White Out but have CBS carry it in their 3:30pm slot. Not as good as a prime time game but certainly better than a Noon kick and the second half would be played at night.

Yes, I realize the networks decide these things but they want ratings which translates to higher advertising revenue and a White Out vs a top flight opponent delivers eyeballs and ad revenue.

Penn State vs any of those teams you mentioned is going to get good ratings so why make it a White Out if you're the network?
FOX is in control and wants us at Noon as often as possible. As they should.
Now if the White Out is vs UCLA or Illinois it should help ratings for that game against a lesser team.

 

[The Spin Meister]

My feeling is entirely pick the game you want to be the Whiteout and then just see where the cards fall in terms of time/TV. Sure it looks better at night but it’s not the end of the world if it ends up being played during the day.

Absolutely the White Out should never start before 3:30 and far prefer 7:30/8:00. And it’s far more than just how it looks on tv.

First noon games are a nightmare. Massive traffic jams, every one rushing in at once, pregame atmosphere sucks. Tailgating nearly impossible even if you arrive Friday.

The WO is as much about recruiting as it is the game. Having a later kickoff allows recruits and their entire entourage to tour the massive complex of tailgating around the stadium. And for the WO there is a massive crowd that doesn’t have game tickets but will stay the whole game.

For recruits, family and friends this is a unique experience that outshines every other school. Something they will talk about for weeks, even years. Noon games destroy that.

It’s also far better for both the fans and the school . Great experience that helps connect them with the university and builds loyalty. And that loyalty pays off for the schools in many ways, including academics.

If the university doesn’t fight tooth and nail to maintain the brand that the White Out has become then they are stupider and weaker than I thought.

 

[olelion]

KSN SEGMENT ON WHITE OUT

See Link. Segment from a State College radio show. Typical talking points except about 3 minutes in one of the guys raises the question as to why the B1G doesn't give the White Out the respect it deserves as a one-of-a-kind unique event and shoehorn it into a primetime late Sept-early Oct timeslot vs. a top-shelf opponent. From a conference-wide marketing and branding standpoint, it makes total sense -- essentially have the conference treat the White Out with the same reverence they treat the "always last week of the season" OSU-Mich game. Yes, from an aesthetic standing, the Whiteout is just as eye-catching against Illinois as it would be for Oregon/Mich/OSU, but if there are no stakes to the game itself then it's not gonna keep fringe TV viewers with no rooting/gambling interest from changing the channel. Just feels like the league gives the White Out second-class status for reasons that escape me.

Simple. The "Whiteout" is a major distraction for the visiting team so......if Michigan and Ohio State don't want the distraction of the whiteout, kill the idea. (sorry, haven't read responses so this might be repetitive)

 

[JWB389]

I sat next to four guys from NYC who were not PSU fans but take a bucket list sports event once a year and were thrilled with PSU's whiteout. They've been to several Olympics, Wimbledon finals, the Masters and NCAA basketball championships. They felt that they all had their own thing but PSU's whiteout was just as good or better (Game against UM with four overtimes).

I concur. I work in company facilities all over the country. 100% of the college football fans I encounter ask about the whiteout. Have a sales rep that calls on me, an Arkansas alum, who took the trip as a bucket list item. I know a lot of OSU fans that have attended.

 

[Obliviax]

I concur. I work in company facilities all over the country. 100% of the college football fans I encounter ask about the whiteout. Have a sales rep that calls on me, an Arkansas alum, who took the trip as a bucket list item. I know a lot of OSU fans that have attended.

Agree. right now, if you bring up Penn State the image in most people's heads is a night white-out game. If there is one iconic image of PSU today, it is a white out. That kind of PR cannot be calculated in terms of the sports department as well as the university as a whole.

 

[LandoComando]

Agree. right now, if you bring up Penn State the image in most people's heads is a night white-out game. If there is one iconic image of PSU today, it is a white out. That kind of PR cannot be calculated in terms of the sports department as well as the university as a whole.

And the opponent doesn't alter any of that. Again, if anything it makes a home game other than Ohio State a better recruiting option.

 

[ryoder1]

Absolutely the White Out should never start before 3:30 and far prefer 7:30/8:00. And it’s far more than just how it looks on tv.

First noon games are a nightmare. Massive traffic jams, every one rushing in at once, pregame atmosphere sucks. Tailgating nearly impossible even if you arrive Friday.

The WO is as much about recruiting as it is the game. Having a later kickoff allows recruits and their entire entourage to tour the massive complex of tailgating around the stadium. And for the WO there is a massive crowd that doesn’t have game tickets but will stay the whole game.

For recruits, family and friends this is a unique experience that outshines every other school. Something they will talk about for weeks, even years. Noon games destroy that.

It’s also far better for both the fans and the school . Great experience that helps connect them with the university and builds loyalty. And that loyalty pays off for the schools in many ways, including academics.

If the university doesn’t fight tooth and nail to maintain the brand that the White Out has become then they are stupider and weaker than I thought.

I don't disagree with anything you are saying. But based on how I understand the way this all works in the modern college football world with these huge media contracts dictating everything Penn State only has control over the game they want to be a White Out but not the time nor the network broadcasting the game. That is the issue.

We could guarantee an evening Ehite Out game or even 3:30 game but it seems then we are stuck with an Illinois, a UCLA, a Minnesota, a Iowa you name the team not named Ohio State, Michigan, USC, Oregon or Washington.

I would rather sacrifice the time to keep the best opponent possible. A White Out just may be the slight edge we need to beat Ohio Stste even if played at Noon. Hopefully it could still be a recruiting showcase for us.