The SEC announced that it would move to a conference-only schedule for the 2020 season. It also announced that it would expand to 10 conference games, compared to the usual eight.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey released a statement on the matter, as well as explaining the conference decision in more detail by making an appearance on Paul Finebaum’s show.
“This new plan for a soccer schedule is consistent with the educational goals of our universities to enable the safe and orderly return to campus of their student populations and to provide a healthy learning environment during these unique circumstances presented by the COVID-19 virus, Sankey said.
“This new schedule supports the security measures that each of our institutions is taking to ensure the health of the communities on our campus.”
– @ GregSankey on having a CFB Commissioner: “The NCAA works differently. We are a group of conferences. We are independent entities. We are in different regions making really informed decisions. Relationships are important, but in that format there will be differences. “
– Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) July 30, 2020
Commissioner @GregSankey on the decision to play conference-only games: “We don’t know what the crash will be like. Having the ability to manage our own schedule, we believe this gives us the best opportunity to play our championship.” . “
– Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) July 30, 2020
– @ GregSankey on having a CFB Commissioner: “The NCAA works differently. We are a group of conferences. We are independent entities. We are in different regions making really informed decisions. Relationships are important, but in that format there will be differences. “
– Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) July 30, 2020
The news of the SEC decision reverberated throughout the college football landscape, with many considering what the decision means for the sport.
The conference will not be played until September 26, giving more time for the campuses to acclimatize with the returning students. The teams will have two weeks off, one of which will take place over a three-week period mid-season and on December 12. The SEC championship game will be played on December 19 in Atlanta, and the conference will still use divisions.
The NCAA has stated that it will allow teams to start practicing using their previously scheduled first season games, although conferences and teams may adjust those start dates.
The people I spoke to within the SEC felt that their teams learned a lot from the first month they were back together at the facility. They became more optimistic that they had a better handle on things. 2 most important concerns: the return of regular students and the potential impact on older employees.
– Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) July 30, 2020
Excited to be progressing towards competition.
I ask for your continued patience as we set out to tackle the next batch of logistical unknowns.
My statement regarding today’s SEC announcement: https: //t.co/Cf2iqHfbdo
– Phillip Fulmer (@phillipfulmer) July 30, 2020
The NCAA is allowing schools to start camping in accordance with their pre-scheduled season openings.
That means a seven-week preseason for the SEC, unless the conference or schools determine differently (the NCAA is not expected to do so).
The normal 20 hour / week rule starts once classes start pic.twitter.com/0uhA0kD1fA
– Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) July 30, 2020
Right decision for the health and safety of our university communities and all involved.
Contrary to reports, aside from the 8 previously scheduled SEC games, we don’t yet know our full schedule of opponents. More details to come when available. https://t.co/Wj7ldTDMdT
– Ross Bjork (@RossBjorkAD) July 30, 2020
Georgia has weighed in on the news, with both athletic director Greg McGarity and president Jere Morehead making statements on the matter. McGarity also met with journalists on Wednesday to discuss the news in greater detail.
Related: Georgia AD Greg McGarity comments on added opponents, questions about practice opening date
“The SEC’s 10-game schedule provides us with the best opportunity to play soccer as safely as possible in a Covid environment,” said Georgia Athletic Director Greg McGarity. “It is disappointing that the calendar model does not allow Georgia Tech to play; however, we hope to renew that rivalry in 2021. “
The greater ramification of the movement means that Georgia and Georgia Tech will not play. This will be the first time since the 1924 season that the teams have not met. That’s what several Georgia fans were talking about.
Although the lack of a Georgia Tech game means older people like Richard LeCounte and Malik Herring will end up with undefeated records against Georgia Tech.
We will start on September 26!
@SEC has announced a 10 game schedule, for conferences only.
A revised calendar will be announced at a later date. pic.twitter.com/HWvrh7pbvk
– Georgia Bulldogs (@UGAAthletics) July 30, 2020
sooo … uhh … just to clarify: Georgia Tech will travel to Boston College (1,070 miles) and Syracuse (960 miles), but not to Athens (75 miles) now that the SEC has made its announcement.
Cool cool Yes, this makes sense.
– Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) July 30, 2020
When your olive branch is hit.
Clemson – South Carolina: 111 consecutive meetings
Georgia – Georgia Tech: 95 consecutive meetings
Florida – State of Florida: 62 consecutive meetings pic.twitter.com/ASB3mrhzJi
– CFB Home (@CFBHome) July 30, 2020
Obviously, as a Georgia fan, I’m disappointed that we don’t play Georgia Tech this year. But I’d rather do the right thing for a possible college football season.
– Will (@ ThatGuyWill94) July 30, 2020
McGarity has been unable to “meet” with Georgia Tech athletic director Todd Stansbury about where the teams will play in 2021.
– Brandon Sudge (@brandonsudge) July 30, 2020
There is nothing wrong with making them live at 52-7 for another year. I hope you enjoy playing ACC games on the Internet.
– Brandon Adams (@DawgNationDaily) July 30, 2020
Georgia has won the last three games against Georgia Tech, including a 52-7 victory in 2019. Another additional challenge on the 10-game schedule is that Georgia will still play Florida in Jacksonville, Florida, this season.
The SEC’s announcement also prompted several people to discuss the ramifications for the upcoming season, as well as the cancellation of a series of games not related to the conference.
https://t.co/jnhoHNK4W1 pic.twitter.com/f3ekA9n3IZ
– College football without context (@nocontextcfb) July 30, 2020
It is sad to see that we are losing one of the SEC’s most cherished rivalries, Ole Miss vs. Non Conference Power 5 Team Forgot Ole Miss Scheduled And yes they just beat Ole Miss
– Ryan Nanni (@celebrityhottub) July 30, 2020
SEC will play the conference schedule of only ten games and will begin on September 26. I love the idea of 10 SEC games, honestly. https://t.co/zIPH3UeKm1
– Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) July 30, 2020
If an SEC team goes undefeated on a SEC 10-game schedule, I think they should receive at least two national championships by the end of the season.
– SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) July 30, 2020
Most people: “SEC teams only play against other SEC teams. THIS IS THE DREAM!”
Arkansas fans: ⤵️⤵️⤵️
😂😂😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/GmBBunL8EG
– Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) July 30, 2020
Clemson watches the SEC playing 10 conference games and killing each other while only having to play ACC games pic.twitter.com/AnjkGusmDJ
– Cruz Oxenreider (@TheRealCruzOx) July 30, 2020
Autumn weddings. Oh wait. That’s a different thing from the SEC schedule release day. https://t.co/PRyFpYDqxW
– Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) July 30, 2020
As for the two additional opponents from the Florida conference, I’d like to suggest playing LSU three times as a solution
– BUM CHILLUPS, NPR CLASS PUNDIT (@edsbs) July 30, 2020
The SEC will announce an official calendar at a later date. The start date of September 26 means that Georgia’s September 19 game against Alabama will also need to be rescheduled.
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