The old phrase “better late than never” applies to the Big Ten right now.
On Wednesday, it was announced that the conference will being the 2020 college football season on the weekend of October 24, almost a month after the SEC will begin its season.
"The Big Ten is back!"
It's official, and things officially kick off Oct. 23-24. pic.twitter.com/vXt8JtOp6H
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 16, 2020
The league’s entire council of presidents and chancellors met for several hours Sunday afternoon with members of the return-to-competition task force, which plans for scheduling and television. The Big Ten medical subcommittee reviewed the latest medical information about a safe resumption of play during the coronavirus pandemic, and the task force also met Saturday with eight presidents or chancellors, including Nebraska chancellor Ronnie Green.
The conference’s plans for getting the season done on time is quite interesting though.
So, the Big Ten (1) doesn't have a built-in bye week, (2) has a 21-day suspension of play for players testing positive and (3) has a shutdown threshold of 5% positivity rate on a team.
Hang on to your butts.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) September 16, 2020