As some may know from other similar threads, this post comes from B1G country. Specifically from Michigan where we have a fairly good handle on covid-19 with under 7,000 active cases currently, although small increases over the past 4-5 days.
Anyway this update is from a source close to the university that I am starting to believe may be the "normal" we see as we close in on what is supposed to be the 2020 football season. I've said in other places that there is a 100% chance football is played this year, and I am sticking with that... for my school.
One of the better week 1 matchups isn't happening. Michigan is very unlikely to travel to Washington to play in 2020, as rumors circulate many players/staff don't feel comfortable traveling by plane & don't feel comfortable staying in hotels. Michigan will also not welcome Arkansas St to AA in September either. It appears MAC schools will be top candidates to fill those holes on the out of conference schedule.
There is also a strong feel that there is 1 school in the B1G that will not be playing football in 2020, and potentially a few more on the fence right now. This is likely to open up the idea of home and home situations to fill out the schedules as well as a possible 4 team tournament style for the B1G championship.
It seems that this season is looking more and more like it will be a lot of patchwork, and we'll see if things improve through the season as we work towards a vaccine or if cases flare up, and playing on needs to be reconsidered all together. I can't speak for the other conferences, but there is high confidence here in AA that football will be played & fans will be able to attend although at a significantly reduced capacity.
All of this as of today, as we know things change often in such uncertain times. Happy 4th all, be well.