Hopes were high in recent weeks of a college football season this fall when Power Five conferences such as the ACC and SEC released updated conference-only schedules.
The SEC went with a 10-game conference-only slate, while the ACC chose a 10+1 concept of 10 conference games plus one nonconference opponent from the same state.
On Saturday, the outlook on college football this season darkened when the Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced the cancellation of all fall sports. MAC commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said there is a plan in place to play college football in the spring.
— #MACtion (@MACSports) August 8, 2020
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Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports spoke with at least two prominent athletic directors at Power Five schools, who both expressed skepticism about a college football season this fall.
“It’s not fair what we’re doing to our coaches and student-athletes,” the first Power Five AD said. “The sooner we can come to a finality, the better.”
The second AD was even more direct.
“I think it’s inevitable [the season will not be played in the fall],” the second AD said.
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While the schedule releases did create some optimism of football in the fall, the concerns regarding COVID-19 still remained. The MAC became the first FBS conference to cancel fall sports.
Earlier this week, the University of Connecticut — an independent in football — was the first FBS school to opt out of football this fall.
The first AD believes other conferences, including the Power Five conferences, will likely follow the MAC’s lead.
“I’m of the opinion it’s when, not if [the 2020 season is canceled],” the first AD said. “[The MAC announcement] adds more momentum to the finish line. I think everyone’s medical group is now all telling them the same thing. We all keep having the same conversations.”
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While the expectation is the Power Five conferences will not immediately cancel the season, the belief is that it will happen soon, according to Brett McMurphy of Stadium.
Power 5 source to @Stadium: “College football season is done. I don’t think everyone immediately follows MAC, but it gives other league presidents 1 more reason to make an easier decision. Biggest thing is unknown long-term impact of COVID & liability issues involved"
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) August 8, 2020
As the beginning of college football nears, hope is dissipating of a 2020 season being played this fall.
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