The Big Ten Wednesday became the first major college sports conference to announce its fall football schedule. But conference officials caution there is no certainty games will be played.
The Big Ten had announced a month ago it would shorten the season and eliminate nonconference games because of the coronavirus pandemic. Teams will play conference opponents they originally were scheduled to meet and will have one additional cross-division game.
The regular season runs through Nov. 21. The 10 games would be played over at least 12 weeks, with each team having two open dates. If necessary, makeup games can be played during bye weeks.
Among the notable games, the Michigan Wolverines will play the Ohio State Buckeyes on October 24, a full month earlier than normal.
U of M Athletic Director Warde Manuel welcomed the release of the football schedule.
"While a final decision by the Big Ten will come in the coming weeks, I am pleased that today’s preliminary football schedule release will help our student-athletes, coaches, and community members begin planning for the possibility of a season,” Manuel said.
Manuel stresses their focus is on the health and well-being players, coaches, and staff.
U of M, Michigan State and other Big Ten schools have been testing student-athletes and coaching staff members for coronavirus.
MSU’s football team was placed under a two-week quarantine last month after positive tests.
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