The college football merry-go-round amid the coronavirus pandemic picks up speed every day it seems. Now, comes a report the Big Ten, which postponed fall football, is considering different start dates for a season, including as soon as Thanksgiving weekend.
Per the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:
According to two college football people familiar with the Big Ten, those talks have generated a new option, starting a Big Ten season of at least eight games the week of Thanksgiving. They spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
The Journal Sentinel reported earlier this month that league officials were working on a plan to play an eight-game season beginning in January, with the games to be played in indoor facilities.
Big Ten now discussing football season that would begin Thanksgiving weekend https://t.co/dqM2Gu4Kg1
— Buckeyes Wire (@BuckeyesWire) August 28, 2020
Yahoo’s Pete Thamel weighs in with this:
Sources: The Big Ten coaches and ADs are discussing multiple start dates for the season – Thanksgiving time, New Year’s Day, mid-January and post SuperBowl. Nothing has been decided or approved by the presidents or TV partners. This is early on in the process.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 28, 2020
Source: Big Ten starting around Thanksgiving would potentially allow the league to play 10 games plus one, as opposed to 8 games plus one later in January. This is all VERY early in *discussion* phase. Expect presidents and TV partners to have a significant say.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 28, 2020