College GameDay Explores Big Ten Championship Coverage
Pat McAfee recently revealed that College GameDay contemplated hosting its coverage of the Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis. Despite discussions surrounding the matchup between No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Indiana, the decision ultimately favored the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta between Alabama and Georgia.
College GameDay Coverage Decision
During an episode of The Pat McAfee Show, the former Indianapolis Colts punter reflected on the possibility of bringing College GameDay to Indianapolis. McAfee remarked, “There was a chance — actually, there probably was never a chance that College GameDay would be here in Indianapolis for one versus two.” He noted that discussions took place but the likelihood of it happening was slim.
SEC Championship Takes Priority
The SEC Championship was always the more probable choice. McAfee pointed out that being part of the event in Atlanta would bring excitement, especially with Alabama and Georgia competing. Both teams are considered leading powers in college football.
- Date: SEC Championship Game
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Teams: Alabama vs. Georgia
Earlier in the season, College GameDay had already visited Athens for a matchup between Alabama and Georgia. Thus, returning to Atlanta was a logical choice for a rematch.
Competition and Scheduling Factors
Another important factor in the decision involved media competition. GameDay would have been making its third consecutive visit to a Big Ten site. Meanwhile, Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff had recently reported from Ann Arbor for Ohio State-Michigan and was heading to Indianapolis for the championship. ESPN wanted to avoid saturating the Big Ten with consecutive coverage, especially since they no longer hold media rights to the conference.
McAfee’s Intentions for the Championship Game
Despite the lack of GameDay coverage in Indianapolis, McAfee expressed his intention to attend the Big Ten Championship. However, his experience may not be optimal. He mentioned that he had to pay to set up at Lucas Oil Stadium and would have an obstructed view due to a large jib in front of his seats.
Mixed Reactions to GameDay’s Choices
Throughout the season, College GameDay’s selection of locations has faced criticism. The show returned to Oregon twice and opted for a matchup between Miami and Florida despite other notable games. Rece Davis, a key figure on the show, defended these choices, emphasizing that the goal is to cover the best stories available each week and maintain variety.
The decision-making process reflects the network’s conference loyalties, with SEC promoting a strong story in Atlanta, overshadowing the potential narratives at the Big Ten Championship.
