The Auburn football team has rescheduled its upcoming game against Mississippi State due to travel complications stemming from a nationwide flight grounding.
The matchup, originally slated for an 11 a.m. CT start, will now begin at 3:15 p.m. CT, according to reports from Yahoo Sports.
The scheduling adjustment follows a chaotic travel day for the Tigers, who were forced to alter their itinerary after the Federal Aviation Administration issued a nationwide ground stop because of a communications outage.
The team had initially boarded a flight in Columbus, Georgia, on Friday afternoon but was required to disembark immediately when the federal directive was announced, as noted by the Auburn Wire.
Following the grounding of all flights, the team traveled by bus to a hotel in Tupelo, Mississippi, which significantly disrupted the original travel plans for the program.
The Southeastern Conference officially approved the time change to accommodate the Tigers after the team faced the unexpected transportation challenges, per the outlets.
While the game was initially scheduled to air on ESPN 2, official broadcast details for the new afternoon slot have not been finalized as of the latest update.
This contest carries significant stakes for the program, as Auburn seeks to secure a bowl bid with a victory over Mississippi State.
A win would mark the first time the program has reached a bowl game since the 2023 season, which served as the inaugural year for head coach Hugh Freeze.
Despite the disruption, the later kickoff time provides the players with additional rest before they take the field.
The university confirmed the change via an official press release issued by Auburn Athletics, as cited by USA Today Sports Data.
Fans are encouraged to follow ongoing coverage of the team through official social media channels as the program navigates the final stretch of the season.