Pac-12 approves scheduling of non-conference football games

By Kevin Kelley -

The Pac-12 has approved the scheduling of non-conference football games this season, it was announced on Thursday.

Due to the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Pac-12 revised their 2020 football schedule down to seven conference games with no non-conference opponents. With some teams not being able to play due to COVID-19 issues, being able to schedule an available non-conference opponent adds more flexibility.

“The Pac-12 is committed to maintaining maximum flexibility to provide our football student-athletes with an opportunity to compete, while continuing to ensure that health and safety remains our number one priority,” said Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott.

Any Pac-12 team that schedules a non-conference game will have to host the game on their campus. Below are all of the stipulations:

  • All Pac-12 testing and related protocols must be adhered to by the non-conference opponent;
  • The non-conference game will in all cases be a home game for the Pac-12 team, broadcast by a Pac-12 television partner; and
  • If a Pac-12 opponent becomes available by the end of day Thursday in any given week, the Conference game must be played in lieu of any non-conference game.

To date, five Pac-12 games have been canceled: Washington at California, Arizona at Utah, California at Arizona, Utah at UCLA, and Arizona State at Colorado.

Pac-12 Football Schedule