The Mountain West Conference has announced a revised 2020 football schedule format, which includes a total of 10 games per team.
Each Mountain West team will play an eight-game conference football schedule with an option to play two non-conference opponents. The earliest start date for football competition is the week ending Saturday, September 26, per the release.
“The health and well-being of our students, student-athletes, coaches, staff and overall communities remain the first and foremost priority,” said Dr. Mary Papazian, President at San José State University and Chair of the MW Board of Directors. “An incredible amount of thought and discussion from multiple perspectives went into making this decision. The modified fall structure supports the measures being taken by each of our institutions to ensure responsible return to play. We will continue to gather the best medical information available and lean on advice from public health professionals, as well as state and local officials, as we make decisions and necessary adjustments in the future.”
The 2020 Mountain West Football Championship Game will be played on one of three dates, December 5, December 12, or December 19, 2020. A final scheduling model for the 2020 season will be announced once it is completed by the conference.
“We have deliberated these issues fully as a Conference since the start of the pandemic, and I want to thank the Mountain West Board of Directors, Directors of Athletics and the MW Health and Safety Advisory Committee for their collaborative efforts during this unique time,” said MW Commissioner Craig Thompson. “The health and welfare of our student-athletes and campus communities continue to be paramount in our decision-making process. The modified fall structure as presently configured allows flexibility and time for our athletic programs to be in the best possible position to play collegiate sports this season. There is still a lot of work to be done and many important decisions to be made. Today’s announcement provides a path forward as we navigate the weeks ahead.”
Several Mountain West football games were previously scheduled for dates prior to Sept. 26, including a Week Zero game between Nevada and UC Davis. New dates for those contests will be announced as soon as they are determined.