Credit: USATSI

They’re making the season happen, one way or another.

After Big Ten officially cancelled the college ball season last month, to say fan disappointment was palpable would be an understatement. People were begging for some college football, and even the players, while somewhat reluctant to play due to COVID fears, admitted that they really wanted to get onto the field. After a month and change of negotiations, it seems Big Ten finally has a plan in the pipe to make the college ball season happen.

The Big Ten conference on Wednesday officially confirmed that the college football season would be starting on October 24, barring any sudden disasters (which, given the year we’re living in, should not be counted out).

“Our focus with the Task Force over the last six weeks was to ensure the health and safety of our student-athletes. Our goal has always been to return to competition so all student-athletes can realize their dream of competing in the sports they love,” Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren said in a conference statement. “We are incredibly grateful for the collaborative work that our Return to Competition Task Force have accomplished to ensure the health, safety and wellness of student-athletes, coaches and administrators.”

Credit: Mike Mulholland/MLive.com

In order to ensure the safety of athletes, coaches, and staff, everyone present at games will be required to undergo daily COVID antigen tests. If anyone tests positive, they will be removed from the premises and, pending their consent, be submitted to a series of cardiac tests at a local medical center. They’re doing this in order to study the effects of the virus on young athletes and determine what, if any, side effects the disease may have on their physical health. Anyone who tests positive will need to sit out for a minimum of 21 days.

As for the games themselves, they will only be played in campus stadiums, and no fans will be permitted to spectate (though players’ families will still be welcome). Supposedly, if their plans pan out, they may be able to play in third party stadiums at some point, possibly as early as two months from now.