The board of the Big 12 voted Tuesday night to let their schools continue with the fall of 2020, the conference announced Wednesday. The conference also published its 2020 football schedule.
“I’m very optimistic about the progress,” Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby said Wednesday. “Having said that, however, if we get to a point where we have a crossroads and the information contraindicates ahead, we know we can quickly pivot to protect student athletes and do something other than what we do is not work. “
During a conference call Tuesday, the Big 12 presidents and chancellors heard from medical experts before voting, according to CBS Sports. Prior to the call, the presidents appeared to be playing in favor of the season.
“The mindset is too early [to cancel], “a Big 12 source told CBS Sports before the meetings.” Unless the medical people turn the switch, [we’ll go]. “
Bowlsby said the conference would conduct “improved testing,” consisting of three tests a week for football and all other “high-contact sports.” He also said that players who test positive and recover will receive proper cardiac care, due to emerging evidence that even those with mild cases of COVID-19 can suffer from heart damage.
The Big 12 conference schedule will begin on September 26, which would typically be the fourth week of the football season. The teams will participate in a 10-game season consisting of 9 conference games and one non-conference game each. The annual Red River Showdown between Texas and Oklahoma will be played in the Cotton Bowl on October 10, despite the previous cancellation of the Texas State Stock Exchange.
The SEC is now the only Power Five conference that does not release a full schedule or postpone its football season. The conference appears to be leaning strongly in favor of gambling, as the commissioner told the conference’s medical advisory board that they could continue with the fall season, according to CBS Sports. Their season will begin September 26th.
The Big Ten and Pac-12 both their re-seasons postponed on Tuesday due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. The ACC published its schedule Aug. 6, and one official previously told CBS Sports the conference “absolutely” intends to play this season.
Although not part of the Power Five, the Great East also announced on Wednesday that its schools will not hold a fall 2020 season. “The conference will consider alternative options for fake sports betting in the spring of 2021,” the conference said in a statement. The Mid-American Conference, also not a member of Power Five, canceled her season Saturday, also said it would look to make the games in the spring.
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