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Report: B1G presidents approve new scheduling plan for remainder of football season
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The B1G presidents and chancellors have reportedly had a change of heart in regards to their scheduling model for the remainder of the 2020 college football season.
ESPN’s Heather Dinich is reporting that the B1G presidents and chancellors met on Nov. 5 and approved a plan that would allow teams who had games canceled in the same week to play each other, assuming both were eligible under the COVID-19 protocols. A team that exceeded the percent positive limit would not be permitted to play, but the opponent would be able to schedule a game against a similar league opponent.
It would require two games to be canceled in the same week. Per Dinich, it would not matter if the two teams were already scheduled to play. She’s also reporting that a decision would need to be made by Wednesday at noon the week of the game.
It's possible we could see more of the scheduling shuffle we saw today in the @pac12. On Nov. 5, @bigten presidents and chancellors approved a process that allows 2 teams w/o COVID issues that have had games cancelled in the same week to play each other. (more)
— Heather Dinich (@CFBHeather) November 14, 2020
In the Big Ten, the decision has to be made by noon CT on the Wednesday of that week for a Saturday game. Doesn't matter if both teams have already played or are scheduled to play later. That's different from the @SEC which has similar plan but doesn't allow rematches. (more)
— Heather Dinich (@CFBHeather) November 14, 2020
Three games have been canceled in the B1G during the 2020 season already. Wisconsin canceled its Week 2 and Week 3 games against Nebraska and Purdue, respectively. The Badgers are finally back in action this weekend against Michigan.
Maryland was forced to cancel this weekend’s game against Ohio State due to growing COVID-19 concerns. There have not yet been multiple games canceled in the same week in the B1G.
Previously, when a game was canceled, that was the end of the story. So, while a lot of things would have to fall in place, there’s still an option for some flexibility.
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