FOOTBALL

NBC set to use USA Network to work around Biden speech during Clemson-Notre Dame

Eric Hansen

South Bend Tribune

SOUTH BEND — Hours before Saturday night’s college football showdown between No. 4 Notre Dame and No. 1 Clemson at Notre Dame Stadium, NBC Sports was pressed into calling an audible.

Kickoff is still set for 7:35 p.m. EST.

But since President-elect Joe Biden will address the nation at approximately 8 p.m. EST, NBC opted to start the game on NBC, move it to USA Network at 8, then move it back to NBC at the conclusion of the network’s coverage of the speech.

NBC’s coverage of Clemson-ND begins with a two-part Countdown to Kickoff from 5:30-6 p.m on NBC and resumes at 7 p.m.

Pennants for Notre Dame and Clemson fly over the north end of Notre Dame Stadium, with the Basilica of the Sacred Heart steeple and the Golden Dome in the background, before the game Saturday between No. 4 ND and the No 1. Tigers.