Brace yourself, football fans – Mother Nature might crash the party this weekend. Rain threatens several NCAA and NFL matchups from coast to coast, and while some teams will dodge the worst of it, others could find themselves battling wet turf, gusty winds, and even lightning delays. But here's where it gets controversial – will rain really level the playing field, or just punish teams unprepared for messy conditions?
NCAA Saturday: West Coast Showdown Under Storm Clouds
Last week, Laramie, Wyoming gave us the unforgettable sight of a hail-covered football field. While we’re unlikely to see a repeat of that icy spectacle, showers and thunderstorms could dominate games across the West. Fans heading out might want to invest in waterproof jackets and patience.
- No. 7 Indiana at No. 3 Oregon (Eugene, 3:30 p.m. ET): Rain showers are on the radar. Expect slick grips, slower plays.
- Wake Forest at Oregon State (Corvallis, 3:30 p.m. ET): Similar forecast – a steady drizzle could make ball handling tricky.
- Air Force at UNLV (Las Vegas, 3:30 p.m. ET): Breezy with a small chance of a stray shower.
- San Jose State at Wyoming (Laramie, 7 p.m. ET): No hail expected this time, but showers may still arrive.
- No. 18 BYU at Arizona (Tucson, 8 p.m. ET): Thunderstorms likely; heavy downpours possible. Lightning delays could stall momentum.
- No. 21 Arizona State at Utah (Salt Lake City, 10:15 p.m. ET): Thunderstorms with heavy rain. Lightning delays are a real possibility. The Sun Devils have already begun practicing in wet conditions to get ahead of the game.
NCAA Saturday: Eastern Teams Eye Nor'easter Trouble
A brewing nor’easter along the East Coast could shake up several games.
- Nebraska at Maryland (College Park, 3:30 p.m. ET): Breezy with occasional showers.
- UAB at Florida Atlantic (Boca Raton, 6 p.m. ET): Breezes with showers; an occasional thundershower can't be ruled out.
- UL-Monroe at Coastal Carolina (Conway, 7 p.m. ET): Windy with steady rain – rain gear is essential.
NFL Weather Outlook: Storm Dodging and Lucky Breaks
The nor'easter is expected to pummel the Northeast with wind and rain, but here's the good news: the NFL schedule mostly avoids direct hits.
- Thursday Night: Eagles vs. Giants at the Meadowlands escapes weekend chaos.
- Overseas: Jets vs. Broncos in London – sunshine almost guaranteed.
- Away Games: Patriots play in New Orleans, safe from coastal storms.
Most matchups in Charlotte (Cowboys vs. Panthers) and Pittsburgh (Browns vs. Steelers) should stay beyond the reach of the nor'easter, although a rogue shower could sneak in.
Potentially affected East Coast games:
- L.A. Rams at Ravens (Baltimore, Sunday 1 p.m. ET): Pack the poncho.
- Bears at Commanders (Washington, Monday 8:15 p.m. ET): Light rain possible.
Game of the Week: Chiefs vs. Lions Could Get a Sprinkle
Sunday night’s blockbuster between the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions could see a few pre-cold-front showers. Unless lightning joins the party, the impact should be minimal.
Meteorologist Jonathan Erdman, veteran of nearly three decades tracking extreme weather, reminds fans that bizarre weather makes for unpredictable football. The question is – does it make for better football, or just chaotic play? Rain lovers and fair-weather supporters, weigh in: Would you rather watch a clean, dry game or a gritty, rain-soaked battle?
