Pac-12 Allows Flexibility to Schedule Nonconference Games

Nonconference games will be allowed if all testing and coronavirus-related protocols are followed and a Pac-12 team hosts the game.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Pac-12 Conference has approved a plan to allow member schools to schedule nonconference football opponents subject to certain conditions if games are canceled.

The conference has had five of its 18 scheduled games during the first three weeks canceled amid COVID-19 issues. California and UCLA were able to schedule a game against each other last weekend on 45 hours notice after Cal’s game against Arizona State and UCLA’s matchup against Utah were canceled due to the Sun Devils and Utes having several positive COVID-19 tests.

“The Pac-12 is committed to maintaining maximum flexibility to provide our football student-athletes with an opportunity to compete, while continuing to ensure that health and safety remains our number one priority,” Commissioner Larry Scott said in a statement.

Colorado was slated to host Arizona State on Saturday but that game was called off earlier this week.

The conference’s new scheduling plan could give the Buffaloes the possibility of facing Colorado State or Wyoming if the Mountain West Conference doesn’t schedule a rematch between the two schools, though Colorado and Colorado State announced Thursday that neither school would play a game this week.

Colorado State and Wyoming are without opponents due to COVID-19 cases at Utah State and UNLV.

The Pac-12 will allow a nonconference game if all of its testing and coronavirus-related protocols are followed and the game is hosted by a Pac-12 team.

If another conference opponent becomes available by the end of the day Thursday in any given week, the Pac-12 game must be played.