It has been widely reported by national media outlets that the Big Ten steering committee and medical subcommittee are meeting Saturday to discuss new testing protocols and safety measures that could pave the way to a start to the B1G football season sometime this fall. Some are even pointing to mid-October to get back on the field.
And it doesn’t appear to be just a check-the-box exercise to appease some of the criticism and infighting that has gone on since the decision to postpone the season occurred back on August 11.
According to FOX’s Bruce Feldman, the emergence of new rapid testing could be a game-changer and has led to a more optimistic outlook on a viable return to play sooner rather than later.
“I’m told their (Big Ten) medical committee has a better handle on the cardiac issue — the myocarditis,” Feldman told FOX College Football host Rob Stone. “They feel like they have some testing protocols in place. They have worked through what they think they have learned in the last six weeks since the vote (to postpone), but also some of the issues that may have changed or come to light. There have been breakthroughs on the testing front, and so, they have to feel confident in these new rapid, daily tests.”
When Feldman was asked about a potential start date, he said he’s been told that things could move pretty quickly if everyone likes where all of this stands after the discussion and presentation today.
“If things go well on this Zoom call today, there could be a President’s meeting with all fourteen Presidents for a potential vote as early as tomorrow (Sunday) I’m told,” Feldman said … “I think there’s more optimism now on the Big Ten front than there’s been in a long time.”
You can watch all of Feldman’s comments for yourself in the below video tweet shared by the FOX College Football Twitter profile.
"I think there's more optimism now on the Big Ten front than there's been in a long time."@BruceFeldmanCFB gives an update on the Big Ten's potential return this fall ⬇️ #BigNoonKickoff pic.twitter.com/iGUC3M8wLq
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 12, 2020
This is again some extremely positive news. However, we must caution that it only takes a handful of university Presidents to stall this thing out if they feel that safety measures, testing, and protocols are still not where they believe things should be.
Hopefully, we’ll get some even more encouraging news about allowing the student-athletes to safely return to football soon in the Big Ten footprint.
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