ESPN - Alabama not happy with start times - UPDATE - Gus takes shots at Alabama

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Alabama's administration isn't pleased that the Sept. 21 football game against Southern Mississippi will be played at 11 a.m. local time, when temperatures are routinely in excess of 90 degrees this time of year.

University President Stuart R. Bell and athletic director Greg Byrne issued a joint statement on the heels of last weekend's 3 p.m. kickoff against New Mexico State, when the heat index was upward of 105 degrees. Cooling stations were set up throughout Bryant-Denny Stadium, but in the second half many fans began clearing out, especially those in sections not shaded from the sun.

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"We are disappointed that our game against Southern Miss has been selected as a daytime kickoff at home," the statement from Bell and Byrne read. "We realize we've played more non-conference day games at home in September than any other SEC team since 2014. There have been a number of conversations with our conference office, and they also recognize the challenges these kick times present for our student-athletes and fans."

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Alabama has tried to entice students into staying longer by using a phone application that tracks location and rewards Tide Loyalty Points: 100 per game for attending a home football game and 250 per game for staying all four quarters. The points can be used toward priority access to student football tickets.

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"Our guys are excited to be back home for our second home game, playing a very solid Kent State team, 6 p.m. kick," the seventh-year head coach said, before digging in. "Personally, I wish it was at noon. We'd have more time to prepare for our next opponent."

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Then he was asked whether that six-hour difference is worth the challenges that come with playing in the noon heat of late September. Malzahn simply smiled.

"That's a good question," he said.

And his answer is?

"My answer is I wish we were playing at noon."

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It was an interesting quip from Malzahn about the rival Tide.

Well, it didn’t take long for someone to respond. Alabama columnist Cecil Hurt was a guest on the Paul Finebaum Show and had a message for Malzahn.

“For me, I think it’s a great idea. I think every Auburn game should start at noon. I think [Malzahn] does need an extra six hours of preparation,” Hurt said.

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