Sun Belt to play eight conference games, up to four non-conference games
On Tuesday, the Sun Belt became the latest conference to announce its plan for a 2020 college football season held amid the worsening coronavirus pandemic.
Per an official league statement, the Sun Belt announced that its football season will begin over Labor Day weekend and that member programs will play eight conference games. Teams may also schedule up to four non-league games for the campaign.
The conference's championship game is tentatively set for Dec. 5, but the date could be adjusted if necessary.
The statement added:
The Sun Belt Conference will continue to monitor health trends across our communities. Sun Belt Presidents and Chancellors, Athletics Directors, the COVID-19 Advisory Panel, and medical advisors will continue to review data to ensure a safe return to activities and competition. Our data review will cross seven states and 12 counties and include, among other things, infection rates, hospitalization rates, local health directives, advancements in COVID-19 testing and campus, department and team health trends.
We will continue to provide updates on the league’s activities as the impact of the pandemic continues to evolve.
ESPN's Adam Rittenberg wrote that Sun Belt schools can schedule a non-conference game for Aug. 29 due to an NCAA decision that allows all major programs to begin seasons in what's referred to as "Week Zero."
The Pac-12 and SEC both shifted to 10-game, conference-only slates for the upcoming season. The ACC added Notre Dame for an 11-game "10 plus one" model. Big 12 schools will play nine conference games and one non-league opponent.
The Big Ten may release its conference-only football schedule later on Tuesday.
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