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B1G getting torched for revised schedule, COVID-19 protocol
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Big Ten fans and media had a lot to say following the announcement that Wisconsin-Nebraska has been cancelled due to a COVID-19 outbreak.
Most frustration stems from a lack of flexibility that the Big Ten created with some poor decision-making. Because there are no bye weeks in this eight-game season, Wisconsin-Nebraska — and any other cancelled Big Ten games — will simply be declared a no contest.
Many are blaming this reality on a decision that was made Aug. 11 to cancel the Big Ten’s fall season. Prior to that announcement, the Big Ten’s schedule for this season included multiple bye weeks for every team and additional flexibility at the end of the campaign.
By the time that decision was reversed, all possible schedule flexibility was gone.
Some are also frustrated with the Big Ten’s policies, which are more strict than other conferences. Specifically, the rule that says athletes who test positive must sit out of game action for at least 21 days.
Bad leadership. Bad decision on August 11th. Bad ideas when play was decided to resume. This is the result.
— Matt Barrie (@MattBarrie) October 28, 2020
The most precious commodity of this football season is flexibility. The Big Ten lost it Aug. 11. Why there wasn't more of a desire within the league to simply pause and push back the initial start date 3-4 weeks is why we are where we are.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) October 28, 2020
Feel bad for Big Ten fans. Their conference leadership failed them. SEC, ACC & Big 12 had a plan, stuck to it, built in bye weeks & an end of season open week if things didn’t go perfect, & planned for positive tests. The Big Ten didn’t do any of that. This is the result.
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) October 28, 2020
https://twitter.com/alex_kirshner/status/1321476614983737344?s=21
Wisc-Neb is cancelled because of Badger outbreak. For those who think this proves Big Ten was right to initially postpone season, wrong. They delayed so long, they missed chance to add byes to handle this situation. The Aug. 11 ppd and subsequent dawdling remains ill-conceived.
— Bob Wojnowski (@bobwojnowski) October 28, 2020
Congrats to the decision makers at the Big Ten for leaving no options in this stupid, stupid year.
— Mike Schaefer (@mikejschaefer) October 28, 2020
Kevin Warren in the Big Ten offices like pic.twitter.com/RI2PUIT6nf
— Robin Washut (@RobinWashut) October 24, 2020
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.