Report: Nonconference games for 2020 college football season decreasing in likelihood
All options are back on the table. With a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in different regions of the country, conference commissioners and athletic directors are revisiting the contingency plans they began discussing back in the spring.
Bleacher Report’s Matt Hayes says that there are two scheduling changes that are becoming more and more likely as the days pass.
Hayes said that he had been speaking with athletic directors and individuals in the decision-making process of college football. There seems to be a consensus — at least right now — that the nonconference schedule for the 2020 season will be wiped out.
That could mean primetime matchups like Michigan vs. Washing, Ohio State vs. Oregon, Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame and Penn State vs. Virginia Tech would be eliminated.
Talking to ADs and industry folks all day. Consensus:
— Minor miracle if non-con games happen. Not everyone on same protocols.
— A pause (to, say, October) is realistic and likely, especially if season trending toward conf games only.
— In Navy speak, CoVid has the Con.— Matt Hayes (@MattHayesCFB) July 7, 2020
Hayes also reported that a delay in the start of the season is also a viable option at this time. There was no mention of pushing the season to spring, but potentially postponing the opening weekend to late September or October could be a possibility.
If only conference games are played this year, the likelihood of a delay only increases.
On Monday, ESPN’s Heather Dinich spoke with numerous FBS commissioners about the outlook for the season. While there is no decision yet made on the season, she reported that SEC commissioner Greg Sankey is looking at a late July deadline to make a final call.
SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum says there’s a good chance the season doesn’t start until spring.
What’s the bottom line? We really don’t have any answers at this time. And it probably won’t be until the end of the month before we starting getting some clarity.