Hurricane Irma's anticipated impact has forced the start time of Saturday's football game between UConn and South Florida to be moved to 10:30 a.m.

UConn announced the change Wednesday afternoon.

The game was originally set for noon at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.

The two schools and the American Athletic Conference explored options that would allow South Florida, which is located in Tampa, to return home before the major hurricane is expected to hit Florida on Sunday morning.

Any other significant weather changes could impact South Florida's travel plans. The Bulls are scheduled to leave for Connecticut on Friday.

If postponed, the game would not be made up because the two teams don't share a bye week.

It is the AAC opener for UConn (1-0), which is coming off a 27-20 victory over Holy Cross in the season opener last Thursday. South Florida (2-0), ranked 21st in the Associated Press Top 25 poll, is considered the favorite to capture the conference championship.

ESPNews will televise the game. Tailgate lots will open at 6 a.m. for season ticket holders and 6:30 a.m. for others. The Husky Walk will take place at 8 a.m.

g.keefe@theday.com