From The Tribune staff reports
Another domino has fallen.
The Big Ten will play a conference-only schedule for all fall sports, including college football, in 2020. The conference confirmed the decision on Thursday, July 9.
This news comes one day after the Ivy League announced its plan to cancel fall sports.
According to Heather Dinich of ESPN, “Big Ten presidents and athletics directors prefer playing a conference-only schedule, which would eliminate some long-distance travel and help ensure that their teams are being tested for coronavirus universally, multiple sources inside the league and around college football told ESPN.
Thursday’s news means the Big Ten will lose the following college football matchups:
- Michigan vs. Washington (Sept. 5)
- Ohio State at Oregon (Sept. 12)
- Michigan State vs. Miami (Sept. 26)
- Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame (Oct. 3)
Below is a statement from the conference:
“We are facing uncertain and unprecedented times, and the health, safety and wellness of our student-athletes, coaches, game officials, and others associated with our sports programs and campuses remain our number one priority.
To that end, the Big Ten Conference announced today that if the Conference is able to participate in fall sports (men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, football, men’s and women’s soccer, and women’s volleyball) based on medical advice, it will move to Conference-only schedules in those sports. Details for these sports will be released at a later date, while decisions on sports not listed above will continue to be evaluated. By limiting competition to other Big Ten institutions, the Conference will have the greatest flexibility to adjust its own operations throughout the season and make quick decisions in real-time based on the most current evolving medical advice and the fluid nature of the pandemic.”
Will others like, perhaps, the Southeastern Conference, follow suit?
