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Big Ten Schedule release on BTN this morning

Apr 8, 2003
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Today at 8:30 a.m. ET, BTN will provide live coverage of the soon-to-be-released 2020 Big Ten Football Schedule.

BTN Live will begin live at 8:30 a.m. ET in advance of the 8:45 a.m. ET schedule release by the Big Ten Conference. Following the announcement, Commissioner Kevin Warren is expected to join the show to share his insight on the 2020 scheduling process. BTN’s Dave Revsine and Rick Pizzo will also be joined by Indiana’s Tom Allen, Minnesota’s P.J. Fleck, Gerry DiNardo, Howard Griffith and various other guests to provide additional commentary, analysis and a week-by-week breakdown of this fall’s schedule.
 
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Today at 8:30 a.m. ET, BTN will provide live coverage of the soon-to-be-released 2020 Big Ten Football Schedule.

BTN Live will begin live at 8:30 a.m. ET in advance of the 8:45 a.m. ET schedule release by the Big Ten Conference. Following the announcement, Commissioner Kevin Warren is expected to join the show to share his insight on the 2020 scheduling process. BTN’s Dave Revsine and Rick Pizzo will also be joined by Indiana’s Tom Allen, Minnesota’s P.J. Fleck, Gerry DiNardo, Howard Griffith and various other guests to provide additional commentary, analysis and a week-by-week breakdown of this fall’s schedule.

Any inkling as to how different the schedules will be compared to the original slate for this season in terms of opponents? In other words, can we pretty much expect the same opponents and venues at different dates or were all the schedules pretty much deep-sixed and we'll see something completely new?

I guess we'll find out soon enough, just curious if there had been any prior chatter on how close to the original schedule the conference was aiming for. Of course, I'd just be grateful for any football this fall.
 


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Maryland
Purdue
Minnesota
Nebraska
Nwestern
Illinois
Bye
Penn at
Mich state
Bye
Wisconsin
Ohio state
 
Big Ten Announces Plans for 2020 Football Season, Medical Protocols for All Sports

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference announced today that the Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors (COP/C) has approved plans for the 2020 football season, including a 10-game Conference-only schedule beginning as early as the weekend of September 5.

In making this announcement, the Conference acknowledges that there is much work to be done on our campuses, in our communities and across the country to gain control of a virus that continues to spread at an alarming rate. While the Conference remains hopeful for a September 2020 start in all fall sports, including football, issuing a schedule does not guarantee that competition will occur. While our strategy is to continue planning for all fall sports, if the virus continues to spread among our students despite our many preventative measures, including testing and quarantine protocols, we are also prepared to delay or cancel competition pursuant to local and state public health orders or the recommendations of our medical experts. As Commissioner Kevin Warren has consistently stated, our country is navigating unprecedented times and throughout all decisions, the health and safety of our students, student-athletes, and everyone associated with our Big Ten university communities remains our primary focus as we work with our institutions to provide a healthy and productive learning environment that includes intercollegiate athletic competition.

In addition to plans for the 2020 football season, the Conference announced that competition start dates for men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, men’s and women’s soccer, and women’s volleyball have been postponed through at least September 5. Conference-only schedules for these sports will be released at a later date as scheduling for these sports remains fluid. Administrators, coaches, and Conference staff have been working daily to create schedules that provide the appropriate levels of flexibility to respond in real-time to necessary changes.

Big Ten Medical Protocols

Working with the Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (Task Force) and the Big Ten Sports Medicine Committee (Committee), the Big Ten Conference also released its medical policies and protocols for all sports on the specific topics of testing requirements, and quarantine and isolation. Testing will be managed by a third-party laboratory to ensure consistency across the Conference. Due to the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic, the protocols will be updated regularly as new information becomes available and feedback from student-athletes is continuously evaluated. The protocols have been developed to guide institutions in the minimum necessary requirements needed to participate in athletics in the 2020-21 academic year. These protocols, which will go into effect at the start of the competitive season and complement local protocols already in place at the institutional level, serve to provide specific requirements, in addition to considerations that have previously been developed by the Task Force, the Autonomy 5 Medical Advisory Group and the NCAA.

Currently required testing for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as outlined in the testing protocol, is polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Testing frequency is based on the level of contact risk within each sport and is required for student-athletes, as well as coaches and staff depending upon exposure to the student-athletes. Sports that have a high risk of contact will have a minimum of two PCR surveillance tests per week during the competitive season. All other sports will have a minimum of one PCR surveillance test per week. Additional weekly testing requirements and alternative testing methods will be implemented and administered by the Conference or institutions this fall as sufficient data to support use develops.

“Our institutions are committed to taking the necessary measures to facilitate a safe return to campus for our students this fall,” said Morton Schapiro, Chair of the Big Ten Council of Presidents/Chancellors and Northwestern University President. “Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have prioritized the health and safety of our students. Their welfare is paramount and remains at the forefront of all of our decisions. Today’s announcement, though subject to local, state and federal public health guidelines, provides a path forward for Big Ten student-athletes to return to competition based on comprehensive, conference-wide medical policies and protocols established by the Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Big Ten Sports Medicine Committee. We will continue to evaluate the best available information and advice from public health officials as we make decisions and necessary adjustments going forward.”

The Conference previously announced that participation in fall sports is optional and that all Big Ten student-athletes who elect not to participate in intercollegiate athletics at any time during the 2020 summer and/or the 2020-21 academic year due to concerns about COVID-19 will continue to have their scholarship honored by their institution and will remain in good standing with their team.

“Developing consistent medical protocols and testing procedures for the health and safety of our student-athletes and our athletic programs is critical,” said Big Ten Conference Commissioner Kevin Warren. “Our Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and local, state, and national experts have provided guidelines throughout our decision-making process with our student athletes’ health and safety as our first and foremost concern. At the same time, as we have previously communicated, any student-athletes who do not feel safe proceeding with the upcoming season as a result of the COVID-19 virus should know they have our full support and also know they will retain their scholarships. With the knowledge we have today, providing potential options for all of our student-athletes was of the utmost importance to us, all while ensuring there is a process in place to incorporate student-athlete feedback. While a comprehensive plan has been developed, we also know it is essential to continue to be agile as new information and health trends become available and we will adjust accordingly.”

The Big Ten Conference is proud of its 14 world-class research institutions and has leveraged their resources and expertise to address this pandemic over the past four months. The Task Force has also engaged in extensive research and sharing of materials and conversations with federal, state and local governments, professional and international sports organizations, and medical agencies in order to track and better understand the daily updates surrounding this pandemic. In June 2020, Big Ten institutions developed local policies and protocols for the safe return to voluntary workouts. In July 2020, additional activities have been carefully monitored to promote the safety and well-being of our student-athletes. As the beginning of the fall 2020 season approaches, we will continue to work with medical experts and governmental authorities to gather additional information, evaluate emerging data and technologies, and seek to implement the highest standards of testing and other safety measures.

Big Ten Football

  • The plan is for Big Ten institutions to play a 10-game Conference-only schedule including the nine current opponents and one additional cross-division game
  • The schedule starts as early as the weekend of Sept. 5 with final games slated for Nov. 21 to align with academic calendars
  • The 10 games would be played over at least 12 weeks with each team having two open dates
  • The schedule is structured to maximize flexibility:
    • Games can be collapsed into bye weeks
    • Uniform bye week on Nov. 28
    • Cross-division games are currently scheduled for all schools in Week 1 (Sept. 5) and Week 12 (Nov. 21)
    • Schedule constructed in a way that allows season to start as early as the weekend of Sept. 5, but also provides the ability to move the start of the season back to Sept. 12, 19 or 26 through strategic sequencing that allows games to be moved to a latter part of the schedule
  • Big Ten Football Championship Game remains scheduled for Dec. 5 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, though it could be moved as late as Dec. 19
  • Teams can begin preseason practices on Friday, Aug. 7, or earlier if permitted under NCAA guidelines related to first dates of scheduled competition
 
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Looks like the team plays all of the same teams but timing is slightly different. Is that what everyone else is seeing?
 
Looks like the team plays all of the same teams but timing is slightly different. Is that what everyone else is seeing?
We also added Maryland, but otherwise yes. I'm not familiar with the other teams' previous schedules, but I would guess everyone kept the same opponents as before and added one crossover game.
 

Disappointed that Iowa will have to play back to back games against Ohio State.

Much better schedule for Iowa than previous. No longer have the killer road stretch with the other teams having bye weeks before Iowa.

Iowa added Maryland
Lil Debby added Mich State
Wisky added Rutgers ;(
Row U added Indiana
jNW added Michigan

Most favorable West schedule is Wisconsin. Least favorable West schedule is Purdue with its killer start (Minnesota is close behind).
 
Nebraska now plays at Purdue two years in a row and gets Wisconsin at home for the second straight year.
 
I wonder if there will be a conference mandate on fans or if they’ll leave it up to individual schools.

Also random thought, this is the first time I’ve really watched an interview with new commissioner Warren. Dude is impressive and presents well. Seems to be a strong leader.
 
Ohio State plays Michigan Oct. 24 and ends the season hosting the Hawkeyes. Am I missing something, or is this the first time in forever Ohio State has closed the season against somebody other than Michigan? Asking for a friend. :)
 
Disappointed that Iowa will have to play back to back games against Ohio State.

Much better schedule for Iowa than previous. No longer have the killer road stretch with the other teams having bye weeks before Iowa.

Iowa added Maryland
Lil Debby added Mich State
Wisky added Rutgers ;(
Row U added Indiana
jNW added Michigan

Most favorable West schedule is Wisconsin. Least favorable West schedule is Purdue with its killer start (Minnesota is close behind).
What you did there. I see it.
 
Disappointed that Iowa will have to play back to back games against Ohio State.

Much better schedule for Iowa than previous. No longer have the killer road stretch with the other teams having bye weeks before Iowa.

Iowa added Maryland
Lil Debby added Mich State
Wisky added Rutgers ;(
Row U added Indiana
jNW added Michigan

Most favorable West schedule is Wisconsin. Least favorable West schedule is Purdue with its killer start (Minnesota is close behind).

Maybe some Ohio State dudes sit and at least we will be very familiar with them.
 
IOWA, BIG TEN ANNOUNCE 2020 FOOTBALL SCHEDULES

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The Iowa Hawkeyes will play a 10-game Big Ten Conference football schedule in 2020, featuring five home games in Kinnick Stadium. The entire Big Ten schedule of games was announced Wednesday by the conference office.

The Hawkeyes open the season at home on Saturday, Sept. 5, hosting Maryland. Additional home games include Nebraska (Sept. 26), Northwestern (Oct. 3), Michigan State (Oct. 31) and Wisconsin (Nov. 14). Iowa travels to face Purdue on Sept. 12, and plays at Minnesota the following week on Saturday, Sept. 19. Remaining road games include at Illinois (Oct. 10), Penn State (Oct. 24) and Ohio State (Nov. 21). Iowa has open dates scheduled for Oct. 17 and Nov. 7.

“We continue to face uncertain and unprecedented times, and the health, safety and wellness of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and others associated with our sports programs remains our number one priority,” said Gary Barta, Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair. “I am confident in the medical protocols established by the Big Ten Conference Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Sports Medicine Committee, in addition to the continued oversight provided by our UI Hawkeye team physicians within the UIHC Department of Orthopedics and Epidemiology.

“The past few months have entailed numerous conversations between my conference colleagues, Commissioner Kevin Warren and our Big Ten presidents, as we have worked to navigate the challenges associated with this pandemic. We appreciate the continued patience and support from our donors, ticket holders, partners, and fans. Now that the football schedule has been announced, we will finalize our Kinnick Stadium seating plan and share that in the next few days. If we have the opportunity to play, we are excited about our challenging conference schedule and the five games in Kinnick Stadium.”

Iowa’s opening game marks the first time since 1980 the Hawkeyes will open the season against at Big Ten opponent. The Hawkeyes opened that season with a 16-7 win over Indiana in Kinnick Stadium.

“As a program, we have been looking forward to this day since the decision to play a conference-only schedule was announced,” said UI head football coach Kirk Ferentz. “Knowing when our games are scheduled will allow us to prepare for what is ahead on the field and support our players’ academic schedules off the field.

“Our players have shown patience and dedication during the most recent period of conditioning and off-season workouts, and now we are excited to begin the process of preparing for a football season. We are continuing to closely monitor the health and safety of our players and staff and look forward to starting our season in Kinnick Stadium on Sept. 5.”

Iowa football has won 47 games over the past five seasons, the best five-year total in school history and a total that ranks ninth in the nation. The Hawkeyes posted six home wins in 2019 and have posted 27 victories in Kinnick Stadium in the last five seasons.

Iowa will begin the 2020 campaign with a four-game winning streak, including a 49-24 win over No. 22 Southern California in the 2019 Holiday Bowl.

Iowa is scheduled to begin official preparation for the 2020 season Friday, Aug. 7 with the opening of preseason camp. The opening contest against Maryland will be the first opportunity to see the 2020 Hawkeyes in action, as the annual August Kids Day in Kinnick Stadium will not take place.

Information regarding fan attendance for 2020 home games, including ticketing update and information, along with Kinnick Stadium policies and procedures for the season, will be released soon. Iowa Athletics has not yet finalized an allowable attendance figure for home games.

The Big Ten Conference championship game is scheduled for Dec. 5, at Lucas Oil stadium in Indianapolis.

Following is Iowa’s 2020 football schedule:

Sept. 5 Maryland

Sept. 12 at Purdue

Sept. 19 at Minnesota

Sept. 26 Nebraska

Oct. 3 Northwestern

Oct. 10 at Illinois

Oct. 17 Open

Oct. 24 at Penn State

Oct. 31 Michigan State

Nov. 7 Open

Nov. 14 Wisconsin

Nov. 21 at Ohio State

Dec. 5 Big Ten Championship
 
Say Illinois lets in 15,000 fans. Will the Iowa fans be in greater number than Illinois fans at their place? Its a drive in and out so don't have to stay to avoid Covid hotels.
 
So I wonder if COVID impacts start times at all? Will there be any night games?
 
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