While many across the great state of Iowa have viewed the news that ESPN’s College GameDay will be broadcast live from Ames this Saturday as great news, the decision-makers at DirecTV and it’s parent, AT&T, clearly disagree. Mere days after the GameDay announcement, there are now multiple reports that DirecTV is pulling ESPN from all its platforms Friday night.

You read that right. DirecTV customers - both traditional satellite customers and cord-cutters using streaming service AT&T Now - will lose ESPN just hours before the network is set to begin airing live coverage of college football Saturday from the Iowa State campus in Ames, Iowa.

While this may seem shocking, it should come as no surprise. It is widely known the network has never been to Ames for College GameDay and furthermore, has never been to a city hosting the Cyclones for the show. The reason is quite obvious: nobody wants to watch anything related to Iowa State.

Now, after ESPN has finally caved due to extreme lack of solid football matchups in week three, DirecTV has voted with its dollars and opted to pull the network from its offerings rather than spend another dime for a network they believe isn’t worth the investment.

Hawkeye fans should make alternative arrangements if they wish to watch the pre-game festivities. And ESPN should clearly never return to Ames.

Note: While this is clearly being posted tongue-in-cheek, this is in fact a real thing that is happening. ESPN and DirecTV have been unable to come to terms on a deal that is currently set to expire Friday night. DirecTV and AT&T Now customers will not be able to watch College GameDay Saturday or Monday Night football or any other ESPN programming beginning Saturday unless a new deal is reached.

For alternative options, please review our TV viewing guide to the season, noting of course that AT&T Now (aka DirecTV Now) should not be an option. All streaming services listed offer a free trial period that will provide you access on Saturday in a pinch.