Could the B1G still be considered for a spot in the College Football Playoff at the end of the season if it restarts its fall schedule in October? That’s one of the burning questions associated with the league right now as it considers a return to competition in autumn.

Yahoo Sports reporter Pete Thamel believes the B1G would get that chance.

Speaking with Big Ten Network, Thamel was asked if he believes an Oct. 17 start date would allow the B1G enough time to work its way into College Football Playoff consideration. He says that, as long as a championship game can be played, the conference would likely be in the conversation.

“If you can play the B1G title game — which, by the way, is a huge financial component. It’s a big part of the television package. But, if you can have a champion, if you can squeeze in a season and have a champion, I can’t fathom the College Football Playoff would not wait to accommodate the B1G,” Thamel said.

With other leagues playing 10 or 11 games, there might be some conversations about schedule balance, number of games played and the like that factor into a decision. But, hey, if the B1G is having that conversation, it at least means that the league resumed play in the fall.

B1G presidents and commissioner Kevin Warren are still considering a return-to-play plan for the football season.