Miami’s game against Pittsburgh on Saturday 24 October has been confirmed for a 5pm UK kick-off, and I suspect that will be welcome news to plenty of Canes fans on this side of the Atlantic.
After a season of late nights and early morning finishes, we finally have a game that fits neatly into a Saturday evening.
The ACC confirmed the noon Eastern kick-off on Monday, with the American broadcast set for either ABC or ESPN. A final network decision will follow this weekend’s games, while UK coverage has yet to be confirmed.
It might not seem like much to fans in Miami, but being able to watch the Hurricanes without staying awake until two or three in the morning makes quite a difference.
And this particular fixture has something else going for it.
A special occasion for the 2001 Hurricanes
Miami’s meeting with Pittsburgh will also celebrate the 25th anniversary of the 2001 national championship team.
For anyone who knows the history of The U, that side needs little introduction. Ed Reed, Sean Taylor, Clinton Portis and Andre Johnson were just some of the extraordinary players who helped make it one of college football’s greatest teams.
It’s a piece of Miami history that still draws people to the programme today.
Having the opportunity to watch those celebrations alongside a live game at a reasonable hour is something I’m particularly looking forward to.
There’s also a wider point here. For British fans, accessible kick-off times make it easier to introduce other people to college football. Asking someone to watch a game at 5pm is considerably easier than convincing them to stay up past midnight.
Hopefully, we get a few more of these as the season progresses.
Encouraging injury news before Florida State
Before we can enjoy the Pittsburgh game, Miami have a much bigger immediate challenge.
Florida State visit Hard Rock Stadium this Saturday, and Mario Cristobal’s Monday injury update brought some welcome news.
Marquise Lightfoot, Xavier Lucas, Ezekiel Marcelin Jr. and Damari Brown have reportedly returned to full health following the bye week.
That is particularly encouraging for a Miami defence that has already impressed through the opening five games. Getting experienced players back ahead of a rivalry game gives defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman more options.
The less positive news concerns starting right guard Max Buchanan, who remains sidelined for the immediate future. Cristobal has expressed hope that Buchanan could return later in the season, although no timetable has been confirmed.
For me, Buchanan’s absence is the more interesting concern heading into Saturday. Florida State might have struggled defensively against Louisville, but protecting Darian Mensah and maintaining continuity along the offensive line remain important.
Miami have the depth to cope with injuries, but that depth is now being tested.
Two very different Saturdays
Florida State at No. 3 Miami
Saturday 17 October
Midnight UK | 7pm ET
UK: DAZN | US: ESPN
Orange Out at Hard Rock Stadium
Pittsburgh at Miami
Saturday 24 October
5pm UK | Noon ET
US: ABC or ESPN (to be confirmed)
UK broadcaster: To be confirmed
2001 National Championship anniversary celebration
The Florida State game will require another late night, but it’s one few Canes fans will want to miss.
Pittsburgh, on the other hand, might actually allow us to watch Miami and still have something resembling a normal Saturday evening.
The Last Word from Across the Pond
The 5pm kick-off is a reminder that following college football from Britain comes with its own challenges, and sometimes the smallest scheduling change can make the biggest difference.
What excites me most isn’t simply getting an early night. It’s the opportunity for more people over here to experience Miami football without the usual barriers.
A game celebrating the 2001 national champions feels like a particularly good opportunity to introduce someone to The U.
If you’ve got a friend who’s curious about college football but has never fancied staying awake until 3am, Saturday 24 October might be the perfect time to invite them round.
