The Penn State Nittany Lions will host the Oregon Ducks in a huge Big Ten game on Saturday evening at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. The kickoff is set for 7:30 pm ET, but that only came after some contention.
Apparently the schedulers at FOX wanted the game to be televised at 12:00 pm ET to fit the network’s “Big Noon Kickoff” window. Penn State coach James Franklin opposed that and brought it up during a press conference on Wednesday. Penn State is holding a “White Out,” which means the fans will be asked to wear all white, which would create an intimidating home environment at night time.
“I know FOX tried to argue that a 12 o’clock White Out was the same as a 7 o’clock White Out. I think people would disagree with that,” Franklin said.
“It’s just turned into a special event,” Franklin said of the White Out.
One week away. The White Out awaits. pic.twitter.com/INVipw0ZF7
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) September 21, 2025
Penn State does seem to get an advantage from these charged-environment games. They have won six straight “White Out” games.
James Franklin tonight on the impact of a primetime White Out (with a subtle jab at Big Noon along the way):
— Basic Blues Nation (@BasicBlues) September 25, 2025
“I know FOX tried to argue that a 12 o’clock White Out was the same as a 7 o’clock White Out. I think people would disagree with that…It’s just turned into a special… pic.twitter.com/BrIHFM5hty
The Big Noon Kickoff window has been a sore subject for many schools, namely another program in the Big Ten. Count Franklin in that group. Of course, the TV revenue provided by FOX helps pay for the big salary of Franklin and other coaches. Are they willing to trade some of those millions for improved kickoff times? That’s a different question.
