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Ohio State AD Gene Smith ‘very concerned’ about outlook for college football this fall

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Even though the B1G has taken a big step towards preserving its college football season for the fall, Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith isn’t optimistic about the outlook.

Shortly after the conference announced it would have a league-only schedule for the football season, Smith met with reporters to discuss the B1G’s decision. While he stands behind the decision and understands why it had to be made, it doesn’t make him feel any better about the possibility of having a season.

According to Dan Hope of Eleven Warriors, Smith says he is “very concerned” about having a college football season this fall. Back in may, the OSU AD stated that he was “cautiously optimistic,” and was talking about having Ohio Stadium at potentially 50 percent capacity when the season kicked off.

Now, however, Smith says he’s “not even” cautiously optimistic regarding the season.

With the B1G’s decision, Ohio State has to eliminate Bowling Green, Buffalo and, most notably, Oregon from its nonconference schedule. The Sept. 12 showdown between the Buckeyes and Ducks in Eugene was one of the premier nonconference matchups in college football.

Smith said he has spoken to all three athletic departments and all three are considering future scheduling opportunities with Ohio State because of the conference’s decision.

Smith continued to urge the public to follow health guidelines and protocols in order for a season to be played.

“People need to follow the protocols and give our kids a chance to compete,” Smith said.

The B1G said it will release details on the specifics regarding a conference-only schedule at a later time.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB