Here's how quickly the vibe around college football can change: By the time you read this, the level of optimism might have swung again.
In late March, comments by ESPN/ABC analyst Kirk Herbstreit about the sport's status amid the coronavirus pandemic reflected the wider view: "I don't know how you let these guys go into locker rooms and let stadiums be filled up and how you can play ball."
Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly shot those comments down, and Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby expressed optimism for a season. Then the presidents of Auburn and West Virginia essentially said: Don't be silly, of course there will be football.
Since then, we've heard pessimism from Michigan President Mark Schlissel and on Thursday, Iowa athletic director Gary Barta declared he won't rule out games being played before a full house at Kinnick Stadium. Say what?
With the NCAA ruling that athletes can return to campus Monday for voluntary workouts, the Tribune spoke to several coaches, players and athletic directors in an attempt to answer an array of questions. Here's what we know:
