In anticipation of severe weather in the state of Oklahoma, the start times of two college football games on Saturday have been changed. Oklahoma moved up the kickoff time for its game against Maine to Noon ET. Elsewhere in the state, Oklahoma State and Arizona State will kick off at 3:30 PM ET.
The Sooners and Black Bears were originally scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m., while the Cowboys and Sun Devils were scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the state of Oklahoma throughout the weekend, and the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Norman, Oklahoma, lasting from Saturday morning through Monday evening.
How Oklahoma vs. Maine to view
Date: Saturday November 2 | Time: 12:00 PM ET
Location: Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium – Norman, Oklahoma
Live stream: SEC Network+, ESPN+
How to watch Oklahoma State vs. Arizona State
Date: Saturday November 2 | Time: 3:30 PM ET
Location: T. Boone Pickens Stadium – Stillwater, Oklahoma
TV: Fox (in Arizona and Oklahoma) FS2 (in other markets) Live stream: Fox Sports App
Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione explained the decision in a statement released by the school.
“As Saturday’s forecast predicted afternoon storms, we have made the decision to move the game for the safety of fans and participants,” Castiglione wrote. “While it is difficult to know whether we will experience game delays due to possible bad weather, this move increases our chances of avoiding such disruptions. Furthermore, the earlier start will ideally allow our fans to enjoy the match and safely to travel home before the storms become more intense.”
The Oklahoma vs. Maine airs on ESPN+ and SEC Network+. The Oklahoma State vs. Arizona State airs on Fox in Arizona and Oklahoma. FS2 and the Fox Sports App will broadcast the game in other markets.
The Sooners will look to snap a three-game losing skid this weekend with a win over the Black Bears. Oklahoma is now 4-4 on the season, and it needs wins in two of its final four games to become bowl eligible. With games remaining against Missouri, Alabama and LSU, the Sooners need not only a win over Maine, but a good performance to build momentum ahead of a tough stretch.
The Cowboys want to avoid a sixth loss in a disappointing season in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State entered the year as one of the favorites to win the Big 12, but is 0-5 in the league and 3-5 overall. Arizona State comes into the game at 5-2 overall with a 2-2 conference record. The Sun Devils would be bowl eligible with a win.