:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67038205/1191085343.jpg.0.jpg)
The Big Ten became the first conference to announce fall sports would feature conference-only games, but other Power 5 leagues will likely follow suit.
According to college football reporters Nicole Auerbach and Brett McMurphy, the ACC and Pac-12 are expected to move to conference-only games for fall sports.
ACC football also expected to play conference-only games, sources told @Stadium. Last month, ACC commish John Swofford told @Stadium if Power 5 schools played conference-only schedules that ACC would assist Notre Dame with as many games as it needed
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 9, 2020
Multiple industry insiders tell @TheAthletic that they expect the Pac-12 to go to conference-only scheduling as well in the coming days: https://t.co/KVWGAZTCrc
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) July 9, 2020
For the Kentucky Wildcats, this means they won’t face the Louisville Cardinals in the 2020 Governor’s Cup, as that trophy will remain in Lexington for a third-straight year. The annual SEC vs. ACC matchup takes place at the end of the regular season, and the two schools have faced off every year since 1994.
By limiting competition to other conference schools, these leagues will have more flexibility to adjust their own operations throughout the season and make quicker decisions based on how the COVID-19 outbreak is affecting the sport.
So if Kentucky vs. Eastern Michigan in Week 1 were to be canceled, it would be tough for both schools and their respective leagues to find a new date for a game.
But if Kentucky’s Week 1 opponent was Ole Miss and that game was canceled, it would be easier for the SEC to change schedules around and have the two play at a later date.
Of course, there’s still a very real chance the season is delayed or even canceled if we can’t help slow down the spread of COVID-19.