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Ryan Day says six weeks of prep could be enough to start 2020 season on time
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Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has been one of many advocates across the sports landscape to urge people to stay in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, pushing individuals to help “flatten the curve” and slow the spread of the virus. The quicker folks adhere to the guidelines and policies, the sooner we can (hopefully) return to a normal lifestyle.
Though public health continues to be a priority for everyone across the country, Day made an appearance on ESPN’s Get Up on Friday to talk about football and the outlook of the 2020 season. Specifically, the second-year head coach of the Buckeyes was asked what a timeline would look like to get the year started on time.
“I think the starting point as coaches sounds like about six weeks,” Day said. “Whether it’s more or less, that’s what we have to work through. When are we allowed to put pads on? How much time do we need leading up to putting pads on and actually practicing?
“I think six weeks is a good starting point to start the conversation, and as time goes on we need to clean all that up.”
Day’s comments echo the timeline Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald laid out earlier this week. He also said that, while he’d obviously like more time, having players back on campus and getting camp started six weeks before the first game should be enough time to start the season without any hiccups.
Last week, Penn State Athletic Director Sandy Barbour said that a 60-day window is the ideal time. She said that after consulting with sports scientists, that two-month timeframe would decrease the number of injuries substantially.
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