There’s no denying that 2020 has been a year unlike any other. Sports have been basically nonexistent since the NCAA had to end winter sports early and cancel spring sports due to the coronavirus. The NBA, MLB, NHL, and so on have followed suit in pausing their season as so many unknowns have surrounded the world.
College football has already been affected as well. The NCAA had to cancel all on and off campus meetings, cancel pro-days, and even have not yet had spring practice/training. With less than 4 months until the start of football season, many wonder what’s next. And according to Paul Finebaum, Alabama may have to play another opponent for the season on September 5th.
"This is going to be survival of the fittest. This is a brutal game. And if you can play, you play. If you don't, you get run over and left behind."@finebaum on the roller coaster that will be the upcoming CFB season. pic.twitter.com/oG2KSGkyJA
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 12, 2020
According to reports, both Alabama and TCU have begun talks on what might happen on September 5th. Alabama is scheduled to face USC while TCU is slated to take on California.
But could we see Alabama and TCU face off instead? Possibly.
On Tuesday morning, Paul Finebaum had this to say on ESPN’s “Get Up”:
“It’s going to come down to the five Power 5 commissioners. Those are the men who will sit at the table and decide, and one thing very interesting about this, there’s already scrambling going on. Alabama plays Southern Cal in the first game of the season at Jerry’s World, there’s already talk going on between Alabama and TCU about meeting instead of the other two because TCU plays at Berkeley and the California schools, they do not believe, will be available for that date.”
BamaInsider.com was also able to confirm that indeed, these talks are actually happening.
USC head coach Clay Helton spoke to the media on Monday. He told the Los Angeles Times that,
““We’ve been talking about all different scenarios. About the opportunity of maybe starting on time. The opportunity where maybe it’s pushed back. The opportunity where maybe it’s more of an abbreviated conference schedule. All those discussions are being had.”
But that’s not the person who has also shared what’s going on behind the scenes. TCU athletic director Jeremiah Donati has apparently been in communication with Cal Jim Knowlton this week in regards to the situation. According to the Fort Worth Star Telegram:
“We have talked and agreed that we need to look at all potential options with regards to our scheduled game,” Donati said. “We both have every intention of playing and I expect the situation will become clear in the next 30-45 days.”
As of right now though, Alabama AD Greg Byrne made it clear on Tuesday morning that the plan is to play USC.
Received a text from Alabama AD @Greg_Byrne a few minutes ago in response to asking about possibility of an Alabama-TCU opener.
His response: “Our plan is to play USC.”
— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) May 12, 2020
But that certainly doesn’t mean that the plan won’t change or that a plan “B” isn’t being discussed.
Especially given the coronavirus status in California and the fact that California governor Gavin Newson has shared how he didn’t expect full stadiums in California in August or September.
Only time will tell what will happen, and who Alabama could face on September 5th.
Roll Tide Wire will keep you up to date on the very latest on this story!
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]