In a move that has college football fans doing a double take, ABC has pulled the plug on the Alabama-Florida State broadcast, shifting the game to ESPN2 to make room for the much-anticipated Ole Miss-LSU showdown. The decision, announced via ESPN's official X account, comes after multiple weather delays and the undeniable allure of Lane Kiffin facing his former team.
“🚨 PROGRAMMING ALERT 🚨 🏈 LSU-Ole Miss will begin on ABC at 7:30 ET as originally scheduled. 🏈 Florida State-Alabama will move to ESPN2. 🏈 New Mexico-Oklahoma will start on ESPNEWS and the ESPN App and shift back to ESPN2 once FSU-Bama has concluded,” the network posted.
Under normal circumstances, ABC would never dream of cutting away from an Alabama game unless it was a blowout. But these are not normal times. The combination of weather delays that halted the Alabama-FSU game and the intense narrative surrounding Ole Miss and LSU—a rivalry that has simmered since last November—made the decision a no-brainer for network execs.
Fans took to social media to express their understanding, with one writing, “LSU-Mississippi will be on ABC when it kicks. There’s no doubt about that. Alabama-Florida State likely moves to lower tier networks or ESPN+. Just the way it is. No reason to even contemplate.” Another echoed, “this was a no-brainer decision from ABC. No hesitation or debate.”
It’s a shame because the game itself has been a thriller, with three lead changes in the final 30 seconds of the first half alone. The Crimson Tide, who recently boosted confidence with a comeback win, are locked in a battle with the Seminoles that deserves a prime-time audience.
But ABC had little choice. The weather delays were a killer, and the network couldn't justify delaying a game that fans have been circling on their calendars for months. As one fan noted, “No reason to even contemplate.” The move also reflects the growing appeal of SEC matchups, especially ones with the personal stakes of Kiffin facing his old squad.
For those without ESPN2, this is a tough break. But for the lucky ones, the action continues on a different channel, and the drama remains just as intense. With the game still up in the air, fans will be glued to their screens, even if they had to switch remotes.
