The Southland Conference has postponed football until the spring, but will have its members play non-conference games this fall if they wish.
Southland Conference Commissioner Tom Burnett said in a statement Thursday that he was disappointed, but “we look forward to a unique spring season of athletics that also includes opportunities for the NCAA postseason.”
The FCS playoffs will not be played this fall after falling short of the 50% requirement of teams to participate. The CAA, Ivy League, MEAC, Northeast, Patriot League and SWAC have all announced they will not be playing in the fall.
“After careful consideration, the Southland Conference Board or directors reach consensus in postponing league play for our fall semester,” Houston University of Central Arkansas President Houston Davis said in a statement. “Protecting competitive opportunities in a safe way for our student-athletes was important in the review, and with a spring delay, campuses and athletic departments can get a better handle on issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. “
Central Arkansas athletic director Brad Teague said his football program still aims to play a “reduced schedule” this fall, and is working with the Missouri Valley, Ohio Valley, Southern and Big South conferences to formulate a schedule. The team is currently aiming to play its scheduled opener Aug. 29 against Austin Peay, and a game at Arkansas State.
“We are confident that we can do this safely and provide a healthy space for all,” Teague said in a statement.
Houston Baptist also has plans to honor their existing contracts to play non-conference games against North Texas, Texas Tech and Louisiana Tech.
“While it’s not unexpected, it’s still a sad day for our fallout student athletes,” said HBU athletic director Steve Moniaci. “We are taking steps to ensure that they can safely participate in a limited capacity this autumn and be prepared when the league will play again and re-plan the championships for the spring.”
Presidents of Southland Conference also have authorization plans for events for spring championships in volleyball, football and cross country, while allowing schools to participate in restricted fall competition if they so choose.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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