In anticipation of severe weather in the state of Oklahoma, two Saturday college football kickoff times have been altered. Oklahoma moved up the kickoff time for its game against Maine to Noon ET. Elsewhere in the state Oklahoma State and Arizona State will kickoff at 3:30 ET.
The Sooners and Black Bears were originally scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff, while the Cowboys and Sun Devils were slated to start at 7 p.m. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are in the forecast all weekend for the state of Oklahoma, and The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Norman, Oklahoma that runs from Saturday morning through Monday evening.
How to watch Oklahoma vs. Maine
Date: Saturday, Nov. 2 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
Location: Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium -- Norman, Oklahoma
Live stream: SEC Network+, ESPN+
How to watch Oklahoma State vs. Arizona State
Date: Saturday, Nov. 2 | Time: 3:30 p.m. 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.
"With Saturday's forecast calling for afternoon storms, we made the decision to move the game up for the safety of fans and participants," Castiglione wrote. "While it's difficult to know if we'll experience any game delays due to potential inclement weather, this move increases our chances of avoiding such stoppages. In addition, the earlier start will ideally allow our fans to enjoy the game and travel home safely before the storms intensify."
The Oklahoma vs. Maine game will air on ESPN+ and SEC Network+. The Arizona State vs. Maine contest will air on Fox in the states of Arizona and Oklahoma. FS2 and the Fox Sports App will broadcast the game in other markets.
The Sooners will try to snap a three-game losing skid with a win over the Black Bears this weekend. Oklahoma now sits at 4-4 on the season, and it needs to pick up wins in two of its final four games in order to reach bowl eligibility. With games remaining against Missouri, Alabama and LSU, the Sooners need not only a win over Maine, but a good showing to build momentum for a difficult stretch run.
The Cowboys are looking to avoid a sixth loss on what has been a disappointing season in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State came into the year as one of the favorites to win the Big 12, but are 0-5 in league play and 3-5 overall. Arizona State comes into the game at 5-2 overall with a 2-2 conference record. The Sun Devils would reach bowl eligibility with a victory.
