SAN FRANCISCO-Tuesday, presidents of Pac-12 institutions, including University of Utah president Ruth V. Watkins, discussed the possibility of allowing non-conference football games to occur this season if a previously scheduled matchup is canceled because of covid-19.
This is per information shared via multiple sources who had knowledge of the discussions.
This can only occur if the presidents and chancellors from all Pac-12 institutions approve it.
Although this was discussed by Pac-12 presidents and chancellors, it is uncertain if a vote on the matter occurred.
The Pac-12 has previously canceled five games this season because of covid-19 issues.
Nevertheless, the conference has also adroitly shown the ability to create new games on the fly.
This happened this past weekend as UCLA and California were able to play each other Sunday when the Bruins and Golden Bears each had their previously scheduled opponents, Arizona State and Utah respectively, cancel because of covid-19 issues in those programs.
UCLA was able to more successfully capitalize on the short preparation time, clobbering California 34-10 at the Rose Bowl of Pasadena, Calif.
A source who spoke concerning the possible non-conference option said the conference desires the flexibility to create such games if need be.
If this comes to pass, No. 8 BYU may stand to gain as much as anyone else. The Cougars, who will play North Alabama November 21 and San Diego State December 12 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, have expressed their desires many times to have additional games on the schedule in 2020.
These games have proven easier to schedule in recent weeks because of daily antigen testing, a technological advancement that was not on the table this summer.
Another good sign for scheduling games on the fly comes from NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills who has said no evidence exists of on-field transmission of the virus.
Incidentally, the Utah High School Activities Association football season, with the exception of several teams being forced to cancel their seasons, has generally not skipped a beat in terms of completing its season.
The 2-A and 3-A classifications successfully completed their championships this past Saturday at Dixie State University.
Class 4-A will have its championship Saturday at Dixie State University. Class 5-A and 6-A will have their respective championships at Cedar Valley High School of Eagle Mountain Friday.
