Reversing their earlier decision, the Big 10 voted today to play football this fall, starting the weekend of October 23-24 with a slate of at least eight games in nine weeks and a conference title game on December 19.  Student-athletes, coaches, trainers and other individuals that are on the field for all practices and games will be required to undergo daily testing prior to each practice or game.  Student-athletes who test positive for the coronavirus through daily testing would require an additional PCR test to confirm the result of the initial test.  Games will be played on campus, with only family members allowed to attend, at least at the outset.

There are still a couple of issues that will plague (heh) the upcoming season.  First, a number of the leagues top players had already opted-out of the season prior to the postponement back in August.  Second, some of the Big 10 campuses are either shut down or partially closed due to COVID-19 outbreaks.

The conference said it will provide updates on winter sports and other fall sports “shortly,” but, aside from basketball, I doubt they are in any sort of a hurry.  This was a decision that had very little to do with the health and safety of the student-athletes and everything to do with pleasing broadcast partners, upset fandoms, and a cry-baby president.