FANS OUTRAGED! Is Big Noon Kickoff Good or Bad?

WVU Football Non-Conference Schedule Unveiled: Fans Disappointed with Kickoff Times

West Virginia University’s football schedule for the upcoming season has been revealed, stirring a mix of excitement and disappointment among Mountaineer faithful. With the announcement of kickoff times and TV schedules by the Big 12, fans are left pondering whether they’ve been dealt a fair hand or if they’ve been somewhat shortchanged in the spectacle department.

The anticipation for the season opener against Penn State was palpable, with hopes high for a primetime showdown to showcase the rivalry in all its glory. However, those hopes were dashed as it was disclosed that the game would kick off at noon. While the noon slot doesn’t necessarily diminish the game’s importance, it does leave some fans feeling a bit underwhelmed. After all, this clash against Penn State is expected to be Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff game of the week, promising national exposure for the Mountaineers. Yet, the timing still feels like a missed opportunity to unveil the much-anticipated “All Black” uniforms under the nighttime lights, a spectacle fans were eagerly awaiting.

Nevertheless, WVU’s opener against Penn State is just the beginning of a trio of non-conference matchups that will test the team’s mettle. Following the showdown with the Nittany Lions, the Mountaineers will face off against Albany at home, maintaining the evening kickoff tradition at 6 pm ET. But it’s the third game that truly stirs the emotions of Mountaineer faithful—the Backyard Brawl against Pitt.

The renewal of this historic rivalry is always a highlight of the season, and this year is no exception. With the game slated for a 3:30 pm ET kickoff, tensions are sure to be high as West Virginia heads up the interstate for what promises to be a fiercely contested battle. The memories of last season’s victory over Pitt still fresh, the Mountaineers are poised to continue their dominance in this storied matchup.

However, as the excitement builds for these pivotal games, there’s also a sense of apprehension. DraftKings’ early line favors Penn State by 12.5 points—a reminder of the challenge that lies ahead for WVU. But perhaps more concerning is the feeling among fans that the timing of these matchups doesn’t quite do justice to the magnitude of the occasion.

For many, the Backyard Brawl, in particular, is an event that deserves prime-time billing—a chance to showcase the passion and intensity of this fierce rivalry under the glare of the national spotlight. The decision to schedule it for the afternoon leaves some feeling as though they’ve been shortchanged, robbed of the opportunity to witness history unfold under the cover of darkness.

As the countdown to kickoff continues, Mountaineer fans are left grappling with conflicting emotions—excitement for the season ahead tempered by a lingering sense of disappointment. While the stage is set for some unforgettable matchups, there’s a nagging feeling that they could have been even more special under different circumstances.

In the end, the question remains: Did we get the matchups we deserved, or have we been left wanting more? Only time will tell as the season unfolds, but one thing is certain—the passion and dedication of Mountaineer Nation will be unwavering, regardless of the kickoff time. Stay Tuned to wvinsiders.com for more updates on this story as it unfolds.