Kickoff time for Nebraska vs. Michigan is exactly what no one wanted

On Thursday, the Nebraksa football team discovered the date and kickoff times for several games this fall. Among them were some Big Ten opponents like Minnesota, which didn’t make people all that happy.

Husker fans didn’t like the idea that they would have to take on the Golden Gophers on a Friday night, mainly because it meant they had a short week to prepare for the game coming off a game against the Maryland Terrapins. However, another game on the schedule has fans on both sides more than a little unhappy.

Afternoon kickoff for Nebraska vs Michigan triggers fan outrage over Big Ten TV priorities

The Nebraska football game against the Michigan Wolverines is slated for September 20, and that’s all well and good. However, the fact that it has a 2:30 p.m. start time has more than a few people up in arms.

The time seems odd considering it’s a conference game between two of the most storied programs in college football. More than that, both programs were good but not great, and both are expected to take a big step forward in 2025. 

The game's time slot, in the middle of the afternoon instead of at night, has confounded fans who think all of those factors make it perfect for a prime-time matchup. This is especially appalling when considering the other games in the B1G Time slot on CBS Sports. 

There are four games in this slot for next season, and Nebraksa and Michigan are easily the best of the four. The others are Oregon against an Oklahoma State team coming off its worst season in over a decade, Penn State against Nevada in what should be a blowout, and USC vs. Purdue in what should also be a blowout.

Does CBS think the Nebraska football vs Michigan Wolverines will be as one-sided as the other afternoon games? Is it possible they think that game will be the only one in this slot worth watching? Either way, Husker and Wolverines fans are not thrilled at a midday kickoff time.