Did ESPN make the right choice bringing College GameDay to Independence Hall?

Temple Director of Athletics Dr. Patrick Kraft “Having ESPN College GameDay come to Philadelphia is tremendous not only for Temple Football, but for the University as a whole as well as the city of Philadelphia, The exposure will shine a light on all of the great things happening at Temple, not just the success of our nationally-ranked football program”.

The problem? It’s Temple’s Philadelphia campus, for Notre Dame-Temple, rather than Pullman, Washington, home of Washington State.

ESPN’s very popular “College GameDay” will broadcast from Independence Mall in Philadelphia on Saturday as No. 21 Temple hosts No. 9 Notre Dame in one of the most significant games in the school’s history.

The debate began nearly two weeks ago when rumors began flying that ESPN could potentially come to WSU. From there social media blew up with current students and alum from all over pleading with GameDay to come to the Palouse. Even ESPN is taking notice.

WSU quarterback Luke Falk on Monday was named Pac-12 offensive player of the week after going 47-for-62 for 514 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions in the Cougars’ 45-42 road win over Arizona. Producer Lee Fitting said through a spokesman that the decision between Pullman and Philadelphia was “the toughest call to make in my 12-year tenure producing the show”. He works on both College GameDay in the morning and in the booth for the Saturday night ABC primetime game, which this week is Notre Dame at Temple. If there was ever a game on the moon, you can bet the Cougar flag would be there.

Shortly after the decision was made, Ol Crimson, the flag that has flown at 171 consecutive GameDay shows announced they intend to make it for 172.

The Irish and the Owls will kick off at 7 p.m. Central (ABC-7).