Michigan vs. Maryland moving to noon because of hurricane

Michigan’s Saturday game against Maryland will move eight hours earlier because of Hurricane Joaquin.tmpplchld The Big Ten Network still will broadcast the game, which will start at noon EDT instead of 8 p.m.tmpplchld “The weather experts are still dealing with uncertain probabilities for the course of Hurricane Joaquin,” U-M interim athletic director Jim Hackett said in a released statement. “Thus we remain vigilant on developments and will err on the side of safety for all participants and fans.”tmpplchld The threat of the hurricane, which is still projected to be well south of Maryland on Saturday night, had officials looking for a better option. As U-M coach Jim Harbaugh said Thursday, the discussions were in Maryland’s court. The Terrapins certainly were not willing to give up an expected sellout.tmpplchld Maryland athletic director Kevin Anderson released a statement, as well: “Our foremost priority is the safety and well-being of both teams, fans attending the game and staff. Our collective decision in working with the University of Michigan and the Big Ten Conference was to kick off as early as possible because of the unpredictable nature of Hurricane Joaquin. In addition, those participating, working and attending the game would not have to travel in the evening in potentially dangerous conditions.”tmpplchld Now there will be two games on the BTN at noon: Michigan vs. Maryland and Minnesota vs. Northwestern. Fans can go to btn.com/gamefinder to see which game is on which channel in their area.tmpplchld The shuffle also is changing the kickoff time for Nebraska at Illinois, which now will kick off at 4:02 p.m. Eastern time, instead of 3:30 p.m.tmpplchld ___tmpplchld (c)2015 Detroit Free Presstmpplchld Visit the Detroit Free Press at www.freep.comtmpplchld Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.tmpplchld