(Photo: Brady Klain/WCSN)
The final Power 5 domino has finally fallen.
With the Big Ten announcing a week ago that it would return to football on October 24, it was not the question of “will” the Pac-12 would return but “when” would the Pac-12 return.
On Thursday, the Pac-12 CEO Group announced that it would resume the football, basketball and winter sports seasons. Updated Pac-12 COVID-19 Medical Advisory Committee recommendations as well as updated local and state health guidelines led to the decision that allows football to begin competition as soon as November 6.
“The health and safety of our student-athletes and all those connected to Pac-12 sports remains our guiding light and number one priority,” Pac-12 CEO Group Chair and University of Oregon President Michael Schill said. “Our CEO Group has taken a measured and thoughtful approach to today’s decision, including extensive consultation with stakeholders on the evolving information and data related to health and safety.”
The decision comes after the Pac-12 announced back on August 11 to postpone all fall and winter sports competition. With the Pac-12’s partnership with Quidel to have daily testing and instant results available for the student-athletes, the conference is confident that they can proceed with a season using cautionary measures.
“From the beginning of this crisis, our focus has been on following the science, data and counsel of our public health and infectious disease experts,” Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said. “Our agreement with Quidel to provide daily rapid-results testing has been a game-changer in enabling us to move forward with confidence that we can create a safe environment for our student-athletes while giving them the opportunity to pursue their dreams.“
The Pac-12 will conduct a seven-game conference only schedule that will culminate in the Pac-12 Championship game to be played on December 18. Pac-12 teams will still be considered for the College Football Playoff this season.
“Our student-athletes, their families and our fans have been extremely patient during this unprecedented time, and we thank them for understanding the precautions and extreme measures we have taken to get us to this point in a safe manner,” Arizona State Athletic Director Ray Anderson said in a statement. “We look forward to our Sun Devil programs getting back on their respective fields of competition.”
Fans will not be allowed to attend any games this season. A football schedule will be released within the coming days. The conference will keep tabs on heath conditions as the season gets closer. They will also readdress whether fans will be allowed in 2021.
“We will continue to monitor health conditions and data and be ready to adjust as required in the name of the health of all,” Scott said.
After an exciting first year under center, sophomore quarterback Jayden Daniels and Arizona State will now have the chance to reach the Pac-12 Championship game for the first time since 2013.
