USC's empty seats at the start of the college football season have sparked a discussion about scheduling issues in the sport. The author, reflecting on their own social media post, realizes that the sparse attendance at USC's opener against San Jose State was not just a one-off incident. The game was added to the schedule due to Lincoln Riley's departure from the Trojans' Thanksgiving weekend rivalry with Notre Dame, a move that likely contributed to the lack of fan interest.
The author argues that the blame lies with the schools themselves for scheduling unappealing matchups, especially when TV dictates kickoff times. With rising costs of attending games, fans are becoming more selective about their game-day experiences. The author suggests that the trend of canceling marquee home-and-home series and focusing on less competitive games will continue unless fans start showing up in larger numbers to these less-than-exciting matchups.
The piece also touches on the irony of the situation, where Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti advocates for a 24-team playoff to encourage schools to play more challenging games. However, the author believes that turning these games into glorified exhibitions, like USC's experience, is the best way to ensure fans stop showing up. The author concludes by questioning the future of college football scheduling and the role of fan engagement in shaping the sport's landscape.
