I think ND has a unique situation because not many of their fans are really 'local' to a game day weekend. I wouldn't mind a night game because I'd have a hotel but I could see how it cramps someone's 'style' if they are used to meeting up for dinner after the game. I think the more localized your fan base, the more popular night games would be. Just my 2 cents anyway.
Like.I said, it gets less important later in the season it gets. This Saturday it's forecast to be 93 but we are off this weekend, and it looks like mid 80's later next week. I'm not sure about College Station.
No one likes to sit in a stadium with 100000 people at 3 o'clock in the afternoon with a heat index of 105. I have been there ....3 weeks ago.
I have a 2 1/2 hour drive both ways to games and I TOTALLY prefer night games. Not only for relief from the frickin' heat, but it also gives me time to get to town and meet up with friends to grab something to eat when not EVERYONE is rolling in at the same time. Earlier games compress the arrival times, and clog up the roads as well. Yeah, I get home late from a night game, but I don't mind that as much as roasting alive.
The two north endzone tickets I have for Saturday's game are now going for over 300.00 each. This Auburn-Fla game is generating some pretty good buzz. The 3:30 start time is my favorite because I also have a 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive each way at least and with a 3:30 start I can get there in plenty of time for a tailgate ( although not much in time for ESPN Gameday ). Also I can get home by 11 which isn't too late although it's a long day. It's pretty hot when you are in your seat at 3 pm but by halftime in the north endzone lower bowl you are in the shade....
Don.... approaching the LSU game last year I had the same sentiments as I do for this Auburn game. That the Tigers of LSU were uber talented and that our defense would have to outclaw and outscratch em plus Mullen would have to outcoach them for us to have a chance. And all that is about how I feel heading in to Saturday vs. these Tigers from Alabama. We are getting a couple of defensive stars back on Saturday which could be the X factor we need hopefully. The defense and our receivers need to be who they are and who they can be plus Trask needs to protect the football and we certainly have a shot to win.
Our kicker McPherson in his career is 68 of 68 on extra points and 23 of 26 in FGs plus he consistently kicks the ball to endzone on kickoffs. Not bad....
Teams like the Arizona schools have to play some night games or some games would be played in temps as high as 125...
Been on a golf trip and off the board... I know you guys aren't big fans of computer rankings (and that's fine...don't disagree) but was interested that Sagarin's computer has tOSU as #1. Hope I'm not tempting the woof gods by posting this.
If the Buckeyes handle MSU easily this weekend they will have to be in the conversation for who is #1.
i read somewhere this morning that MSU is playing with three offensive line players who are hurt. They have a great defense, but the offense has been struggling.