The ACC announced its calendar model for the 2020 soccer campaign and, based on what was released, Georgia’s September 7 game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium against Virginia will not take place.
According to a conference statement, the ACC has chosen to play a calendar of 10 plus one (10 conference games plus one non-conference game).
But here is the kicker. The ACC statement indicates that the non-conference game must be played in the local state of the ACC institution and must meet the medical protocol requirements agreed upon by the ACC.
Along with Georgia and Virginia, the Chick-fil-A classics were also to include games between Florida State and West Virginia, along with Auburn and North Carolina. Those games, based on the ACC announcement, would be removed unless they were moved to the states of Virginia, Florida, and North Carolina, respectively.
“We certainly understand that ACC is doing what they consider to be in the best interests of the conference and the health of their teams, staff and student athletes, and as our partners, we support them in that decision,” said Peach Bowl President and CEO. Gary Stokan said in a statement. “However, we are disappointed that we will miss out on hosting the State of Florida, Virginia, and North Carolina and their fans at our Chick-fil-A Kickoff Games scheduled for this season.”
Georgia could still play Georgia Tech at the end of the season IF the SEC chooses to implement a similar schedule of 10 plus one. Last week there were rumors that Tech and UGA would really start the season playing each other.
Bulldog Athletic Director Greg McGarity He did not comment when UGASports contacted him through text that was not “there is nothing we can say since they (ACC) made their decision.”
As for the SEC, it is unclear exactly what the league could do.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger, the league is considering going on a 10-game schedule, for conferences only.
According to Dellenger, the SEC’s athletic directors held a virtual meeting on Wednesday with a majority that approved the schedule for the 10-game conference. League presidents and chancellors are slated to meet on Thursday, but it is unclear whether a final decision will be made until next week.
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey declined to comment.
“It is not appropriate to respond to anonymous sources and speculation,” said Sankey. “We continue our discussions focused on the return of fall sports, including soccer. We will announce any decision at the appropriate time. “
If the SEC decides on a list of 10-game conferences, each team would add two more games to their current eight-game conference schedule, although it is unclear exactly how this would be done.
Sources tell UGASports that the league could essentially “rock” the entire schedule, keeping teams as close logistically as possible.
Meanwhile, the Bulldog soccer team continues to go through Phase 2 of the team’s activities leading up to the start of the fall camp, which will begin on August 7.
