Last Football Game Today: Schedule & TV Info

by Jhon Lennon 45 views

Hey football fans! Getting ready to settle in for a full day of games? Or maybe you're just trying to catch the last bit of action? Either way, figuring out what time the last football game is today can be tricky. Between the NFL, college games, and even some high school matchups, there's a lot happening on any given Saturday or Sunday (and sometimes even Mondays and Thursdays!). Let's break down how to find that final game of the day and make sure you don't miss a single snap.

How to Find the Last Football Game Today

1. Check Major Sports Networks:

  • ESPN: ESPN is a go-to for sports scheduling. Their website and app will usually highlight the day’s games in chronological order. Look for the game listed with the latest start time. Also, keep an eye out for any late-night college football games, especially on the West Coast. They often have games starting as late as 10:30 PM Eastern Time.
  • CBS Sports: CBS Sports is another essential resource. Their website typically provides a comprehensive schedule of all nationally televised games. Ensure you filter by football to narrow down your search. Pay close attention to the time zones; a game listed at 7:00 PM Pacific Time is actually 10:00 PM Eastern Time!
  • Fox Sports: Fox Sports often carries a mix of NFL and college games. Their schedule is usually well-organized, allowing you to easily identify the latest starting game. Don’t forget to check for any regional broadcasts that might not be listed nationally but could still be the last game in your area.
  • NFL Network: For NFL enthusiasts, the NFL Network is a must-check. They often broadcast late afternoon or evening games, especially on Sundays and Thursdays. Their schedule is tailored specifically to NFL games, making it easier to find the last one.

2. Use Sports Apps and Websites:

  • ESPN App: The ESPN app is fantastic for real-time updates. You can set alerts for game start times and scores. It's particularly useful for catching any unexpected overtime situations that might delay the start of the next game.
  • TheScore: TheScore is another great app for following live scores and schedules. Its interface is user-friendly, making it easy to find the latest game of the day. Plus, it often includes details on TV channels and streaming options.
  • Team Websites: If you’re following a specific team, check their official website. They will always post their schedule in local time and often include TV listings. This is especially helpful for confirming any last-minute changes or local broadcasts.

3. Social Media:

  • Twitter: Follow major sports reporters, teams, and sports networks on Twitter. They often tweet out game schedules and any last-minute updates. Searching relevant hashtags like #NFL or #CollegeFootball can also surface information about game times.
  • Facebook: Like and follow your favorite teams and sports networks on Facebook. They regularly post game schedules and updates. Plus, you can engage with other fans to confirm game times and channel listings.

4. Local Listings:

  • Local TV Guide: Don't underestimate the value of your local TV guide. It will list all the games being broadcast in your area, making it easier to find the last one on TV. Most cable providers also have online TV guides that are easy to search.

Why Game Times Vary

Okay, so why is it so hard to just know when the last game is? Several factors influence the scheduling of football games:

  • Television Contracts: TV networks pay big bucks for the rights to broadcast games. They strategically schedule games to maximize viewership, which often means spreading them out throughout the day and evening.
  • Time Zones: Games are scheduled across multiple time zones, which can make it confusing to figure out the actual start time in your local area. Always double-check the time zone when looking at a schedule.
  • Flex Scheduling: The NFL, in particular, uses flex scheduling to ensure that the most competitive and exciting games are broadcast in prime time. This can lead to last-minute changes in game times, especially later in the season.
  • College Football Conferences: Different college conferences have different TV deals and scheduling priorities. This can result in a wide range of game times on Saturdays, making it harder to predict the last game of the day.

Common Kickoff Times to Watch For

To give you a general idea, here are some common kickoff times to watch out for, keeping in mind that these can vary:

  • NFL:
    • 1:00 PM ET (Early games)
    • 4:05 PM ET / 4:25 PM ET (Late afternoon games)
    • 8:20 PM ET (Sunday Night Football)
    • 8:15 PM ET (Monday Night Football)
  • College Football:
    • 12:00 PM ET (Early games)
    • 3:30 PM ET (Afternoon games)
    • 7:00 PM ET / 7:30 PM ET (Evening games)
    • 10:30 PM ET (Late night West Coast games)

Examples of Late Games

To illustrate how late games can be, here are a few examples:

  • Pac-12 After Dark: The Pac-12 Conference is known for its late-night games, often starting at 10:30 PM ET or later. These games are popular among West Coast fans but can be tough for those on the East Coast to stay up for.
  • Sunday Night Football Overtime: If a Sunday Night Football game goes into overtime, it can easily run past 11:30 PM ET. This can push back the start time of any subsequent games or events scheduled on the same network.
  • Thursday Night Football: Thursday Night Football games often start at 8:15 PM ET and can run until 11:00 PM ET or later. These games are a staple of the NFL schedule and are worth keeping an eye on.

What if a Game is Delayed?

Of course, even the best-laid plans can go awry. Weather delays, injuries, and other unexpected events can cause games to be delayed, which can affect the start time of subsequent games. Here's what to do if a game is delayed:

  • Stay Tuned to TV: The broadcast network will usually provide updates on the delay and the revised start time.
  • Check Social Media: Teams, leagues, and sports reporters will often tweet out updates on game delays.
  • Use Sports Apps: Sports apps like ESPN and TheScore will provide real-time updates on game delays and revised start times.

Tips for Planning Your Football Watching

Okay, guys, so how do you make sure you catch the last game without turning into a pumpkin? Here are some tips:

  • Plan Ahead: Check the schedule in advance and mark down the latest starting game. This will give you a clear target to aim for.
  • Set Alerts: Use sports apps to set alerts for game start times. This will help you stay on track, even if there are unexpected delays.
  • Record Games: If you're not able to watch the game live, record it so you can catch it later. Most DVRs allow you to set recordings for specific teams or leagues.
  • Be Flexible: Be prepared for last-minute changes in game times. Flex scheduling and unexpected delays can happen, so be ready to adjust your plans.

In Conclusion

Finding out what time the last football game is today requires a bit of detective work, but it's totally doable. By using the resources and tips outlined above, you can ensure you don't miss any of the action. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking to catch the final score, knowing the schedule is key. So grab your snacks, settle in, and enjoy the games!