Pac-12 follows Big Ten’s lead and cancels college football for 2020

The Pac-12 followed the Big Ten and canceled college football in 2020.

As a surprise to absolutely no one, the Pac-12 has punted on having college football this fall.

Hours after the Big Ten decided it was postponing playing college football this fall, the Pac-12 followed their lead and decided to go in that direction as well. Brett McMurphy of Stadium was the first to report the news of the Pac-12’s decision.

We are now at two Power 5 conferences being out on playing this fall, as well as the MAC and the Mountain West out of the Group of 5. The six other Division I conferences now have massive decisions to make.

The Pac-12 joins the Big Ten in postponing football to the spring

“All of the Pac-12 presidents and chancellors understand the importance of this decision, and the disappointment it will create for our student-athletes, the coaches, support staff and all of our fans,” said Michael H. Schill, president of the University of Oregon in a statement from the Pac-12. “Ultimately, our decision was guided by science and a deep commitment to the health and welfare of student-athletes. We certainly hope that the Pac-12 will be able to return to competition in the New Year.”

“The health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes and all those connected to Pac-12 sports has been our number one priority since the start of this current crisis,” said Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott.  “Our student-athletes, fans, staff and all those who love college sports would like to have seen the season played this calendar year as originally planned, and we know how disappointing this is.”

“We know that this is a difficult day for our student-athletes, and our hearts go out to them and their families,” added Scott.  “We have made clear that all of their scholarships will be guaranteed, and that as a Conference we are strongly encouraging the NCAA to grant them an additional year of eligibility.”

The writing was on the wall with the Pac-12 pushing college football back to the spring. The Mountain West is in the same geographical footprint. With the Pac-12 having a strong relationship with the Big Ten, it was inevitable that they would follow their lead, just as they did when the Big Ten first canceled non-conference games.

This is devastating news for all the players, coaches, fans and anyone affected by this decision. The shame is Oregon had a terrific shot at reaching the College Football Playoff this season. Head coach Mario Cristobal is recruiting at an SEC blue-blood level. The Ducks may have limitations at quarterback this year, but they were among the eight best teams in the country. Now they won’t have a shot at winning their first national title in school history.

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