I Don't See How We Play This Year

[shotgunDawg]

I want to play. I'm conservative. And it will break my heart to not see college football this Fall, but I just don't see how they do it.

I was excited as anyone yesterday with the scheduling news, but it's all meaningless without knowing what the COVID protocols are for teams & if positive tests will instigate games being cancelled.

Just this morning, the Brewers vs Cardinals game was postponed tonight due to 2 positive tests in the Cardinals' travel party. Just 1 known positive test at this point has gotten an MLB game postponed.

How does college football deal with that? On a given Saturday between 2 college football teams, about 200 people will have to test negative before the game for a the game to be played?

How does that happen without a bubble?

Outside of tremendous COVID progress between now & September 26th, I just don't see how they play. What is the plan for this?

Can you imagine the legal nightmare if players with COVID are playing against each other?

Help? anyone, Bueller? Can anyone give me a plan?

Not trying to be negative, but this is a practical issue that must be figured out

 

[Go Budaw]

Sorry, fat-fingered you a DV....but I agree. A lot needs to be hashed out in a very short period of time.

 

[shotgunDawg]

The SEC was smart to delay the season till September 26th so that they have time to figure stuff out.

Here's my plan.

- Atlanta bubble
- online classes
- financed by TV Networks the intent of the SEC paying back the cost over the next 10 years.

America, TV Networks, the universities, & the players all need college football. It's in everyone's best interest to play, so let's find a way

 

[VegasDawg13]

Just this morning, the Brewers vs Cardinals game was postponed tonight due to 1 positive test in the Cardinals' travel party. Just 1 known positive test at this point has gotten an MLB game postponed.

How does that happen without a bubble?

That first part is ridiculous. Why did they even bother starting if a single positive test is enough to call off a game? Any sport that is going to do that just shouldn't bother.

I know an NFL bubble in the Dallas area was considered a possibility at one point, but Jason Gay said something on Bill Simmons's podcast the other day that removed all hope I had about that possibility. A single NFL team would bring more people to any "bubble" than the entire NBA Eastern Conference. I assume a college team would be even worse.

 

[shotgunDawg]

That first part is ridiculous. Why did they even bother starting if a single positive test is enough to call off a game? Any sport that is going to do that just shouldn't bother.

I know an NFL bubble in the Dallas area was considered a possibility at one point, but Jason Gay said something on Bill Simmons's podcast the other day that removed all hope I had about that possibility. A single NFL team would bring more people to any "bubble" than the entire NBA Eastern Conference. I assume a college team would be even worse.

- MLB is the guinea pig here. They're figuring it out as they go. So many unknowns.

- A football bubble would be hugely expensive, but it's possible &, if it's the only way we can have football, they have to find a way.


Disney/ESPN & CBS could finance it with the SEC paying it back over the next 10 years. It's a win/win for everyone. Not ideal, but it's likely the only way

 

[GloryDawg]

They are playing. It's a matter of will there be fans or not.

 

[shotgunDawg]

They are playing. It's a matter of will there be fans or not.

You're not understanding the issue or logistics here.

It's easy to say you're playing, but it's a completely different deal to actually put together a plan of how you're going to make that happen.

 

[MSUDC11]

I think we will play, but everybody is going to have to deal with guys missing games because of COVID. It may cost us a game or two or help us win a game or two. Just gonna have to take this season with a grain of salt, hope that it happens, and enjoy it for what it is.

 

[GloryDawg]

You're not understanding the issue or logistics here.

It's easy to say you're playing, but it's a completely different deal to actually put together a plan of how you're going to make that happen.

You don't understand either. You think you do but you don't. They would not be putting out all this info if they did not have a plan in place. The fact they gave a starting date later than usual is proof they have a plan.

 

[shotgunDawg]

I think we will play, but everybody is going to have to deal with guys missing games because of COVID. It may cost us a game or two or help us win a game or two. Just gonna have to take this season with a grain of salt, hope that it happens, and enjoy it for what it is.

You're right but when do they test?

Do they test Saturday morning? What if 5 guys test positive Saturday morning; do you play with the chance that others are positive as well but the incubation period has not ended yet or do you take the chance that they spread it to others?

Again, a bubble is the only way to make this happen

 

[patdog]

Exactly. It’s easy to say “they’re playing,” but when you think about the logistics & the virus protocols, its going to be close to impossible. If 1 player tests positive, everyone who’s been in close contact with him is quarantined for 10-14 days. That’s gonna take out a big portion of a team right there, & maybe a few players from the team they played the weekend before. Doesn’t matter if you think the protocol is ridiculous or not, that’s what it is.

 

[msstate7]

College students ain't gonna wanna bubble. Hey guys, no women for a few months

 

[MSUDC11]

You're right but when do they test?

Do they test Saturday morning? What if 5 guys test positive Saturday morning; do you play with the chance that others are positive as well but the incubation period has not ended yet or do you take the chance that they spread it to others?

Again, a bubble is the only way to make this happen

The NCAA guidelines call for everybody to be tested at least once within 72 hours of a game (i.e. if a game is Saturday night you would test Wednesday night at the earliest).

I think you’d probably want to test guys sometime between 48 and 72 hours prior to kickoff to allow time for adjustments to be made if there are positives. If somebody wakes up with COVID symptoms on gameday you leave them at the team hotel and they can’t play.

 

[shotgunDawg]

You don't understand either. You think you do but you don't. They would not be putting out all this info if they did not have a plan in place. The fact they gave a starting date later than usual is proof they have a plan.

Do you know their plan or are you just hoping?

I hope you're right. Would be great if they already have a plan. Perhaps they could share that plan with MLB so the MLB season isn't cancelled

 

[shotgunDawg]

Exactly. It’s easy to say “they’re playing,” but when you think about the logistics & the virus protocols, its going to be close to impossible. If 1 player tests positive, everyone who’s been in close contact with him is quarantined for 10-14 days. That’s gonna take out a big portion of a team right there, & maybe a few players from the team they played the weekend before. Doesn’t matter if you think the protocol is ridiculous or not, that’s what it is.

#SECBubble

 

[BlueRidgeMtns]

The issue is going to be the contact tracing, not 1 positive test. If that positive person was around other folks, then they have to be tested/considered positive until results.

I assume there will have to be some type of bubble... because if Joe QB goes to a sorority party Saturday and one of the sisters tests positive Monday, he's probably sidelined.

 

[shotgunDawg]

The NCAA guidelines call for everybody to be tested at least once within 72 hours of a game (i.e. if a game is Saturday night you would test Wednesday night at the earliest).

I think you’d probably want to test guys sometime between 48 and 72 hours prior to kickoff to allow time for adjustments to be made if there are positives. If somebody wakes up with COVID symptoms on gameday you leave them at the team hotel and they can’t play.

But the Cardinals played an MLB game yesterday & now have positives & can't play today.

You won't legally be able to get away with testing player 72 hours before the game. You're going to have to test them on Gameday.

 

[GloryDawg]

Do you know their plan or are you just hoping?

I hope you're right. Would be great if they already have a plan. Perhaps they could share that plan with MLB so the MLB season isn't cancelled

They have a plan. No hoping to it. They are playing Conference only. They are starting later. They have worked out a plan. Will it work or not I don't know but they have a plan. They are playing football. Will they get all ten games in or not. Who knows.

 

[SheltonChoked]

The NCAA guidelines call for everybody to be tested at least once within 72 hours of a game (i.e. if a game is Saturday night you would test Wednesday night at the earliest).

I think you’d probably want to test guys sometime between 48 and 72 hours prior to kickoff to allow time for adjustments to be made if there are positives. If somebody wakes up with COVID symptoms on gameday you leave them at the team hotel and they can’t play.

And neither can anyone they have been in "close contact with" for 14 days.


That's why the ACC is saying best winning %. If our center test positive, and we lose the entire OL for 2 weeks. We are better off not playing, than trying to play an SEC game with no offensive linemen. Same for any position group.

 

[SheltonChoked]

The issue is going to be the contact tracing, not 1 positive test. If that positive person was around other folks, then they have to be tested/considered positive until results.

I assume there will have to be some type of bubble... because if Joe QB goes to a sorority party Saturday and one of the sisters tests positive Monday, he's probably sidelined.

And If Joe QB had a film study session on Sunday, the whole QB room is in quarantine. Plus whoever Joe QB's roommate is.

Explain how others in his position group will not be around him in practice, film sessions, etc?

 

[philduckworth]

#SECBubble

a bubble is impossible. are you serious?

Only way to get the season in is if all the players get exposed to Covid during workouts and get an immunity.

 

[shotgunDawg]

a bubble is impossible. are you serious?

Only way to get the season in is if all the players get exposed to Covid during workouts and get an immunity.

Are you immune after you get it?

 

[MSUDC11]

But the Cardinals played an MLB yesterday & now have positives & can't play today.

You won't legally be able to get away with testing player 72 hours before the game. You're going to have to test them on Gameday.

MLB is a little different in that they are playing every day while football is one game a week. Yes, you’ll still need frequent testing, but the schedule allows for a little bit more wiggle room than baseball does.

And remember, they are working in two bye weeks for rescheduling games if necessary. So that will help a little with flexibility.

 

[philduckworth]

Are you immune after you get it?

Yes. I guess nothing is 100% certain with this virus and there may be exceptions, but once you have the antibodies you should be immune for at least 12 months. Clemson should be in good shape.

 

[shotgunDawg]

MLB is a little different in that they are playing every day while football is one game a week. Yes, you’ll still need frequent testing, but the schedule allows for a little bit more wiggle room than baseball does.

And remember, they are working in two bye weeks for rescheduling games if necessary. So that will help a little with flexibility.

'
Having flexibility will be huge, but the problem is it's hard to be flexible in football due to preparation.

In baseball, if a team tests positive, you can reschedule their opponent to play a non-positive team, but in football, when you need a week of preparation, you don't have that flexibility.

If MSU is playing Auburn on Saturday & Florida has an off week, & Auburn has positive test on Thursday, you can't tell MSU & Florida that they are playing each other now on Saturday.

 

[GloryDawg]

Are you immune after you get it?

Personally I think they will put them all in one football only dorm and bring food to them. Let them take thier classes on line at the football facility. The reasoning behind conference only is just in case a team has an out break the conference can suspend the season, maybe cancel games in a 14 day period. There are a lot of things they can do. If the guys want to play football they will agree to it. It is only for one semester. I don't know the plan but they have one.

 

[shotgunDawg]

They have a plan. No hoping to it. They are playing Conference only. They are starting later. They have worked out a plan. Will it work or not I don't know but they have a plan. They are playing football. Will they get all ten games in or not. Who knows.

Scheduling games is not a plan. Having protocols that help prevent players from getting COVID, which causes games to be cancelled, is a plan

I have not seen the SEC's plan for that yet.

 

[shotgunDawg]

Yes. I guess nothing is 100% certain with this virus and there may be exceptions, but once you have the antibodies you should be immune for at least 12 months. Clemson should be in good shape.

Then that's the plan. It may be immoral, but everyone needs to get it & quarantine the entire for 2 weeks.

Scheduling games is not a plan. Not sure this is ethical or possible, but it would be a plan if it actually works

 

[shotgunDawg]

Personally I think they will put them all in one football only dorm and bring food to them. Let them take thier classes on line at the football facility. The reasoning behind conference only is just in case a team has an out break the conference can suspend the season, maybe cancel games in a 14 day period. There are a lot of things they can do. If the guys want to play football they will agree to it. It is only for one semester. I don't know the plan but they have one.

Creating athletic dorms for this season would be a plan.

This is the type of logistical stuff we need to be thinking about because without it, the schedule is meaningless

 

[shotgunDawg]

College students ain't gonna wanna bubble. Hey guys, no women for a few months

Want to & have to are different.

 

[philduckworth]

Then that's the plan. It may be immoral, but everyone needs to get it & quarantine the entire for 2 weeks.

Scheduling games is not a plan. Not sure this is ethical or possible, but it would be a plan if it actually works

I would certainly want my 2 deep to get exposed as soon as possible.

 

[GloryDawg]

Scheduling games is not a plan. Having protocols that help prevent players from getting COVID, which causes games to be cancelled, is a plan

I have not seen the SEC's plan for that yet.

They would not be telling the public the season starts on Sept 26th, there will be 10 games and the SEC championship game will be Dec 19th if they had not put together the protocol for the season. Believe what you want.

 

[philduckworth]

They would not be telling the public the season starts on Sept 26th, there will be 10 games and the SEC championship game will be Dec 19th if they had not put together the protocol for the season. Believe what you want.

Honestly, I don't think they know. MLB didn't have a protocol, they are making it up as they go.

And really, there is no protocol to prevent this virus while playing football. The only way I could see an uninterupted season is to stop testing asymptomtic players. Test and quarantine only the players with symptoms.

 

[MSUDC11]

'
Having flexibility will be huge, but the problem is it's hard to be flexible in football due to preparation.

In baseball, if a team tests positive, you can reschedule their opponent to play a non-positive team, but in football, when you need a week of preparation, you don't have that flexibility.

If MSU is playing Auburn on Saturday & Florida has an off week, & Auburn has positive test on Thursday, you can't tell MSU & Florida that they are playing each other now on Saturday.

I mean I’m not sure they would, but you technically could.

 

[kired]

We have to suspend players every year because they break basic rules - get arrested for stupid crap. Do you really think 18 - 22 year olds can be trusted to live in a bubble?

If I'm 20 years old and you're telling me I can attend college but have to be stuck with 100 other guys and no contact with the ladies... I'm sorry. That's a rule I'm going to break every week. Football be damned.

 

[L4Dawg]

Are you immune after you get it?

The real answer is we don't know yet. It's assumed this one acts like other viruses and you will be for a least a little while. This one doesn't act like other viruses in some ways. You really shouldn't assume anything with it.

 

[Leeshouldveflanked]

Viruses run their course.... sports or no sports, mask and social distancing or no mask and social distancing...:always has, always will...

 

[DoggieDaddy13]

Institutions are ultimately liable. Some are desperate for revenue and will have to chance it. Others do not.
Whether on campus classes or athletics, it's not looking good.
The chances of even one southeastern conference game kicking off this year is less that 50% at the moment and that percentage is trending down not up.

 

[johnson86-1]

I want to play. I'm conservative. And it will break my heart to not see college football this Fall, but I just don't see how they do it.

I was excited as anyone yesterday with the scheduling news, but it's all meaningless without knowing what the COVID protocols are for teams & if positive tests will instigate games being cancelled.

Just this morning, the Brewers vs Cardinals game was postponed tonight due to 2 positive tests in the Cardinals' travel party. Just 1 known positive test at this point has gotten an MLB game postponed.

How does college football deal with that? On a given Saturday between 2 college football teams, about 200 people will have to test negative before the game for a the game to be played?

How does that happen without a bubble?

Outside of tremendous COVID progress between now & September 26th, I just don't see how they play. What is the plan for this?

Can you imagine the legal nightmare if players with COVID are playing against each other?

Help? anyone, Bueller? Can anyone give me a plan?

Not trying to be negative, but this is a practical issue that must be figured out

It's not a practical issue. It's a political and potentially a legal issue.

It's easy to manage from a practical standpoint. The players and people that age in general aren't going to be socially isolated or in a bubble. So the incremental risk they are being exposed to is pretty minor. Just pull people out as they test positive and the people they were in close, in door contact with. This is going to require teams do things like film sessions and potentially weight sessions a little differently to avoid putting too much of their team at risk of sitting out. You'll have some teams that get pretty thin at times and you may even have a team forfeit a game if they get really unlucky with spread, but that's manageable.

It's the perception/political issues and maybe legal issues that are difficult, and withstanding the histrionics when there are positive tests and an athlete eventually gets seriously sick (which will probably happen, if not in the SEC at least in one of the P5 conferences, assuming they all play). The reality is that the risk was incremental and to the extent they catch covid from a football practice or game, it's still most likely just changing the time that they get sick. But logic and reasonable risk management doesn't play well with the public when COVID is involved, and who knows what litigation could look like. State schools may have statutory protection. The private schools may be exposed to a lot of legal costs even if the chances of an adverse verdict are small.

 

[BlueRidgeMtns]

I didn't say they wouldn't. Reread my first line of text, brotha.