Come to think of it, football next spring might make sense after all.

When I first heard of the idea, I said no way – right here on this program. But the more this fall college football season seems in jeopardy, spring ball may be the best alternative.

The three options most colleges are studying: 1) the virus slows enough for training camps to be held in August and the full schedule follows; 2) a start of the season is delayed, resulting in an abbreviated slate of conference games only; and 3) scrap the season completely.

To have a full season beginning with practice this summer, evidence that the coronavirus is weakening and contained has to be apparent over the next two months, and with hot spots still adding to the infection and death numbers, that looks unlikely.

If that’s the trend, chances of another outbreak may not be determined until it is too late to start the schedules as they stand. So maybe the season starts on October 1 with only conference games being played. But that looks like changes being made on the fly.

If some projections are true that the virus will not subside in 2020, schools won’t be back in session this fall. That means either missing the entire football season, or move the current schedules to February-April after training camps in January.

It may be contingent on campuses re-opening by then, but the schedules could still be pushed forward with everyone waiting for the go-ahead to play. The playoffs and bowls could be in May, and schools would have two months off before practice for the 2021 fall season.

Sure, between pro baseball, basketball, hockey and golf, the TV airways will be jammed, but we will need an overdose anyway from the disappearance of sports for this spring and perhaps summer. So maybe spring football games might work if all else fails.

The only other option may be for states and regions to decide when it’s safe to play and attend football games, and make their plans separately. States that want to reopen their colleges can do it, those who don’t won’t. And if all else fails, keep spring football on the table.

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