Yes, the rules do state the game should be played as early as possible on Tuesday.Isn't there something in the rulebook about playing the game on soon as possible on tuesday, weather permitting? They could have made it a 12pm start, that would probably be even worse for the few fans who plan on attending. Sounds like a lot of you all are trying to blame espn for the weather.
I suspect USC did everything they could to get the game as late on Tuesday as possible. There is a greater chance of getting fans to take off work a half day in the afternoon than taking the entire day off.