Hurricane Joaquin Tampers with Michigan Football Schedule

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Michigan’s Saturday game against Maryland will now be played at noon instead of 8 p.m. because of the looming threat of Hurricane Joaquin.

The Big Ten Network still plans to broadcast the game, according to reports in the Detroit Free Press and other media.

“”The weather experts are still dealing with uncertain probabilities for the course of Hurricane Joaquin,” U-M interim athletic director Jim Hackett said in a statement. “Thus we remain vigilant on developments and will err on the side of safety for all participants and fans.”

Maryland Athletic Director Kevin Anderson said the decision was made to kick off as early as possible because of the unpredictable nature of the path of the hurricane, which was upgraded to a Category 4 storm Thursday.

“Our foremost priority is the safety and well-being of both teams, fans attending the game and staff,” Anderson said in a statement.

Though still predicted to be south of Maryland on Saturday night, “those participating, working and attending the game would not have to travel in the evening in potentially dangerous conditions.”

Two Big Ten games will now be broadcast on the BTN at noon: Michigan vs. Maryland and Minnesota vs. Northwestern. To find which game is on which channel in the area, go to btn.com/gamefinder. The change also moves the kickoff time for the Nebraska at Illinois game, now scheduled to start at 4:02 p.m. EDT, instead of 3:30 p.m.

Michigan has altered its travel plans because of Joaquin. The Wolverines had planned to take charter flights to Maryland at mid-day Friday, but will now leave earlier.

The BTN already cancelled its pregame coverage of the Big Ten opener for both teams.

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