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Makeup dates set for College Football Playoff in case of postponement

Scott Schultz

By Scott Schultz

Published:

“We had a change of plans” can certainly be considered the theme of 2020.

Closing in on the College Football Playoffs, to simply make an assumption that everything is going to go as planned is risky. And the CFP executive director Bill Hancock told ESPN on Wednesday that they have a plan, should games need to be moved.

As of now, no teams have given any indication that a change will be needed, and should games be postponed, the CFP has targeted an. 11 for The Rose Bowl and Jan. 12 for the Sugar Bowl. It would move the College Football Playoff National Championship to Jan. 18. It would mark a one week delay from the current date of the championship.

Should any of the games need to be rescheduled, the locations will remain the same, according to Hancock.

The semifinal games will be played as scheduled, if both teams in each game are available for play, even if the other contest needs to be postponed. The reschedule date should one of the semifinals need to move is Jan. 11.

No. 1 Alabama and No. 4 Notre Dame are scheduled to play at 4 p.m. ET Friday in the Rose Bowl, followed by No. 2 Clemson vs. No. 3 Ohio State at 8 p.m. ET in the Sugar Bowl.

“Everyone is planning to play the games as scheduled,” Hancock said. “The teams, schools’ staffs and bowl staffs have been working really hard to provide an opportunity for the players. COVID procedures are in place at hotels and stadiums. We have prepared thoroughly, and we are ready. But it always makes sense to be prepared, even for circumstances we don’t believe will happen.”

Hancock said the makeup dates were determined with the consideration that the Rose Bowl includes the highest seed, Alabama.

“Of course, we will keep an eye on things and adapt if we have to,” Hancock said. “Bowl season has gotten off to an exciting start, and we’re planning for that to continue.”

Scott Schultz

Scott Schultz covers Michigan State Football, along with Breaking News for B1G Football & Basketball for Saturday Tradition. He also serves as an Automotive News Editor & Writer, and Softball Writer elsewhere on the web. Follow him on Twitter @SRSchultz.