Guess the Big Ten didn’t learn much about COVID-19.
The fact that Big Ten schools waited until late October to begin play, and Wisconsin immediately had an outbreak, indicates the oldest league in America did not learn much from those schools that took the field in September.
Opinions aside on who is to blame, the virus keeps coming up a winner. That the Badgers’ next game against Nebraska was canceled, and the Big Ten denied the Cornhuskers from playing a non-conference opponent, the even bigger news is that Clemson All-American quarterback Trevor Lawrence also tested positive and will miss at least the Tigers’ game against Boston College Saturday.
He also may not be ready to return for their November 7 date at Notre Dame, which puts their chances to finish first or second in the ACC in jeopardy. Clemson still must play at Florida State and Virginia Tech and at home against Pitt.
So COVID-19 will play a big part in the results of the season, as others take note. Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski warned this week in a media Zoom conference that plans for the basketball season may be set, but he keeps himself prepared for changes on a daily basis.
How the Big Ten got in trouble right away is perplexing. The school and athletic department had a huge sample size from other football programs around the country on how to social distance away from practice and even during team drills.
Still, star quarterback Graham Mertz picked up the virus and 12 other positive teammates are quarantining for league-required 21 days, plus head coach Paul Chryst and two staff members must isolate.
As it is, Big Ten teams are trying to play at least eight games to fairly qualify for the post-season and college football playoffs.
While the ACC and other conferences are testing three times a week, with UNC being an example of how to do it with no positives since the season started, the Big Ten is testing daily to keep close tabs on its teams. Just goes to show that only coronavirus is still undefeated.
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