FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[AndOne]

I think the best chances are for some limited number of conference games where teams can ensure the same protocols are being followed, and in geographic regions that have few or no cases (although the travel to college campuses from all around the country complicates that).

Yes, AndOne just mentioned the geographic diversity of the North Park roster. Well, the downside to that is that all of those NPU players who will be coming to campus from the "wrong" states, Covid-19-wise, will undergo a fortnight of mandatory quarantine.

As for "some limited number of conference games," I've heard an unconfirmed rumor this afternoon that CCIW football teams will only be playing five-game schedules this season. (It's from a good source, but the source emphasized that his info is still only secondhand at this point.)

And, if any games at all are played, the question arises as to which of the top couple of teams is assigned to primarily play upper division foes, and which gets the luxury of a schedule consisting primarily of teams not expected to be as formidable? 🤷🏻‍♂️

I sincerely apologize to whatever colleague who, for whatever reason, thought this post was ignorant, controversial, inflammatory, or misguided in any way.   

[AndOne]

I think the best chances are for some limited number of conference games where teams can ensure the same protocols are being followed, and in geographic regions that have few or no cases (although the travel to college campuses from all around the country complicates that).

Yes, AndOne just mentioned the geographic diversity of the North Park roster. Well, the downside to that is that all of those NPU players who will be coming to campus from the "wrong" states, Covid-19-wise, will undergo a fortnight of mandatory quarantine.

As for "some limited number of conference games," I've heard an unconfirmed rumor this afternoon that CCIW football teams will only be playing five-game schedules this season. (It's from a good source, but the source emphasized that his info is still only secondhand at this point.)

And, if any games at all are played, the question arises as to which of the top couple of teams is assigned to primarily play upper division foes, and which gets the luxury of a schedule consisting primarily of teams not expected to be as formidable? ‍♂️

I would guess that this is a divisional setup for ease of travel and you would see a north 5, a south 5 and a crossover game for the AQ, if it were to happen.

However, I know there aren't five south/west teams. Someone from the metro or further north would have to be added to that outstate group. Or perhaps someone from another conference would be willing to conference in for this year.

Honestly, this is likely only a fun mental exercise.

One thought would be including North Central in the South/West Division.  Not only does this make sense geographically, but it really makes sense to place the two powerhouses (Wheaton and North Central) in opposite divisions.  On the other hand, North Central would seem to have the more challenging scedule based on such a scenario, as IWU, Washington U, and even Millikin provide strong competition.

Another thought would be a NE Division consisting of Carroll, Carthage, North Park, Elmhurst, and North Central, and a SW Division composed of Wheaton, Augie, IWU, Millikin, and WashU.
Also places Wheaton and North Central in opposite divisions.   

[jaybird44]

No fall sports at the University of Chicago...

https://athletics.uchicago.edu/general/2020-21/releases/20200716m11xzq

[Titan Q]

http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/diii-management-council-approves-flexibility-define-playing-season-days


I don't think any D3 will play football this Fall.

I'm confident both the CCIW and WIAC will announce cancellation this week.

[jaybird44]

And now for something completely different...

The Heart of America Athletic Conference in the NAIA is moving forward with fall sports.

http://www.heartofamericaconference.com/article/4211.php

It will be interesting to watch how successful it is in conducting fall sports...regarding its precautions taken before games, and the rate of COVID-19 infections that come from the games.  Especially regarding how the football season progresses.

[WUPHF]

WashU's recruiting class...

Of note is this grad transfer from D1 Northwestern - https://washubears.com/sports/fball/2020-21/bios/yates_lloyd_r3ph.

I believe Yates has just 1 year of eligibility remaining but I'm not sure about that.

The Post Dispatch wrote a feature on Lloyd Yates and his path from Northwestern to Washington University.  Yates has two years of eligibility according to the story, so maybe we will get a glimpse next season (I agree, this season is probably going to be cancelled)

https://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/wash-u-transfer-will-have-hands-full-with-football-business/article_939e18d3-735b-562f-816c-a257ba5b9ac9.html?fbclid=IwAR27cfFEEs5XJT-ZQFuv8kx-eYDUY8UU0Ydhn42NIsecqz4l8Ndqx90ji6M

[AndOne]

http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/diii-management-council-approves-flexibility-define-playing-season-days


I don't think any D3 will play football this Fall.

I'm confident both the CCIW and WIAC will announce cancellation this week.

Not only that, but the NCAA has decreed that college football players should be tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours before a game, everybody on the sideline should wear a mask, and any player with a high risk exposure to the Virus should be quarantined for 14 days—meaning simply being deemed a close contact of someone who tests positive could sideline a player for two weeks.

Aside from the basic health issue, this introduces an economic issue. Who is going to pay for all this testing? What D3 has enough extra cash laying around for that?

Also, if you're hopeful of an effective vaccine being developed by, lets say the end of the year, don't hold your breath. Even if such a miracle happens, the initial batches of any vaccine will be earmarked for those working in the Covid Units in hospitals, nursing home patients and their staffs, other medical professionals, first responders, elderly/compromised individuals, and infants and children. Allowing time for development, testing, and then distribution to the above groups, any effective vaccine may well not be available to the healthy general public until late 2021. Accordingly, this season may not be the only one in jeopardy.   

[WUPHF]

Washington University has cancelled the Fall season including football.

The Winter season is to be determined...

https://washubears.com/general/2020-21/releases/20200722u6x777

[markerickson]

At Clemson, in-person classes will resume, but delayed.  https://blogs.clemson.edu/president/2020/07/22/presidents-update-fall-2020/  Odd/interesting he made no reference to football.

[Titan Q]

Not only that, but the NCAA has decreed that college football players should be tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours before a game, everybody on the sideline should wear a mask, and any player with a high risk exposure to the Virus should be quarantined for 14 days—meaning simply being deemed a close contact of someone who tests positive could sideline a player for two weeks.

Not decreed.  Just recommended.  Those were guidelines, not rules.

[Pat Coleman]

Not only that, but the NCAA has decreed that college football players should be tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours before a game, everybody on the sideline should wear a mask, and any player with a high risk exposure to the Virus should be quarantined for 14 days—meaning simply being deemed a close contact of someone who tests positive could sideline a player for two weeks.

Not decreed.  Just recommended.  Those were guidelines, not rules.

Nonetheless, it's unlikely a conference (because it would have to be a conference, not just one school) will agree to countermand the NCAA's recommendations and put student-athletes at risk in the process.

[Titan Q]

Not only that, but the NCAA has decreed that college football players should be tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours before a game, everybody on the sideline should wear a mask, and any player with a high risk exposure to the Virus should be quarantined for 14 days—meaning simply being deemed a close contact of someone who tests positive could sideline a player for two weeks.

Not decreed.  Just recommended.  Those were guidelines, not rules.

Nonetheless, it's unlikely a conference (because it would have to be a conference, not just one school) will agree to countermand the NCAA's recommendations and put student-athletes at risk in the process.

I agree.

[HScoach]

http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/diii-management-council-approves-flexibility-define-playing-season-days


I don't think any D3 will play football this Fall.

I'm confident both the CCIW and WIAC will announce cancellation this week.

The OAC pulled the plug this afternoon:  https://www.oac.org/MISC/COVID-19_2020/Fall_Postponed

[kiko]

The NCAA has kicked the can down the road to August regarding making a decision on fall sports, largely due to FBS football schools' concerns about losing their season/revenues.  Per the article linked below, there is concern that if they pull the plug on championships for lower divisions and other sports, this will create additional pressure on FBS to follow.

https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/29532651/ncaa-puts-decision-fall-sports-championships-august

I also will be very surprised if there is a season given where we are at presently.

[USee]

http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/diii-management-council-approves-flexibility-define-playing-season-days


I'm confident both the CCIW and WIAC will announce cancellation this week.

Though this didn't get announced last week I am hearing it's a done deal (Not surprisingly) and we will hear shortly.