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    • Why is Texas-Oklahoma at 2:30 p.m. Explain the start of the Red River Rivalry
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    Why is Texas-Oklahoma at 2:30 p.m. Explain the start of the Red River Rivalry

    Madoc Meredith Posted on

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    The Red River rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma is one of the greatest rivalries in college football, and there is an argument to be made for it being the greatest rivalry in the sport.

    Of course, the tradition of the game, which is played at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, along with the long-standing success of both Blue Blood programs, plays a role in the fascination of the duel between the Longhorns and Sooners. No other game is held at the Texas State Fair, the most attended state fair in the United States.

    Required reading: Why Texas Football could decide against Oklahoma depends on Steve Sarkisian’s ability to react

    However, there is a big difference in this year’s game as both teams are now members of the SEC. The conference change also contributes to a change in the matchup’s historic kickoff time.

    The Red River Rivalry, which typically begins at 11 a.m. CT each year, is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. this season. The last time the game was played at 2:30 p.m. was in 2017. Only two of the previous 16 matches were played in the afternoon.

    The 11 a.m. kick-off is a new event, as the rivalry has only been played before noon six times between 1950 and 2007. For this reason, the 2024 Red River Rivalry will be played at 2:30 p.m.:

    Required reading: Why Texas coach Steve Sarkisian rates Red River Rivalry higher than Iron Bowl and others

    Why is Texas-Oklahoma played at 2:30 p.m.?

    The 2024 Red River Rivalry, which will be played at 2:30 p.m., is a direct result of both teams now being members of the SEC, as the game will be broadcast on “SEC on ABC,” giving the conference an exclusive in its first year TV contract has with ESPN.

    Before the SEC’s new deal with ESPN, ABC’s only national time slot was at 11 a.m. CT, which almost always went to the Red River Rivalry. However, due to the new SEC-ESPN broadcast rights, ESPN often uses 2:30 a.m. as its prime time slot.

    ESPN is sending its top crew to Dallas for Saturday’s matchup, with Chris Fowler handling play-by-play duties, along with Kirk Herbstreit as color analyst and Holly Rowe as sideline reporter.

    The Red River Rivalry has not been played at night since 1950, likely for security reasons since the Cotton Bowl is located in the middle of the Texas State Fair. The fair ends every Saturday at 10 p.m., which would probably be too early after the end of a night game.

    Texas-Oklahoma start time

    • Time: 2:30 p.m
    • Date: Saturday, October 12th
    • Location: Cotton Bowl (Dallas)

    The Red River Rivalry kicks off at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 12th at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

    What channel is Texas vs. Oklahoma on today?

    Texas-Oklahoma airs live on ABC. Streaming options are available through the ESPN app or Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

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    Madoc Meredith
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