Pac-12 allows non-conference games but Colorado won't schedule one this week

BOULDER — The Pac-12 Conference announced Thursday morning that teams are now permitted to schedule non-conference football opponents, if the scheduled conference opponent is unable to play.

Unfortunately for the Colorado Buffaloes, they will still not be playing a non-conference team this weekend to replace the Arizona State game that was canceled due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the ASU facilities.

While this news may be disappointing for Buffs fans currently, it does show the flexibility moving forward on behalf of the conference. If another game CU game is canceled down the line, Colorado should have the time and ability to find a new opponent.

There is a lot to break down from both the conference and Rick George, so let’s start at the top.

The Pac-12 becomes flexible

Earlier this week, the conference’s athletic directors approved a move to allow non-conference games. This decision was approved this morning by the Pac-12 CEO group. 

“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 remain our number one priority,” conference commissioner Larry Scott said in a statement distributed by the Pac-12.

Of course, there are several restrictions in place to aid in the safety of players and coaches. To begin, all Pac-12 testing protocols must be adhered to by the non-conference opponent. 

Additionally, the non-conference game must be played at the home stadium of the Pac-12 team and be broadcast on a Pac-12 television partner. By broadcasting the game through a Pac-12 partner, the conference will earn about $5 million per game, which is split evenly among the member institutions. It’s important to note that Pac-12 teams would likely have to pay non-conference opponents to play at Pac-12 stadiums.

The last stipulation is that a Pac-12 game will be played, if possible. For example, if two Pac-12 games are canceled, the two unhelathy teams would sit out and the two reamining healthy teams would play each other. But the timeline is important in this cirucumstance; the second healthy opponent has to come available – essentially, have their game canceled – by the end of day Thursday. If that’s the case, then those two teams have to play. If not, they’re both free to schedule non-conference opponents or the two teams could still play each other anyway.

Rick George shoots down a Week 3 non-conference game

The Pac-12 news gave many Buffs fans hope for a game to be played this Saturday, but Rick George was quick to say that this wouldn’t be the case.

“We are waiting out the day to make sure the other five Pac-12 games that are scheduled will go forth with no COVID issues, and that we would not be matched in a conference game. That being said, we will not play a non-conference opponent this weekend.”

While this may be disappointing to fans hoping for a Rocky Mountain Showdown or faceoff with another school, this was probably a smart decision. Colorado would have to find an oppnenent and figure get it to Boulder with 48 hours notice. Buffs coaches have been adamant this week that a non-conference game would require a full week of preparation to give CU its best shot, though they added that playing a game is always ebtter than not playing a game.

In the future, non-conference games could be an option for Colorado if another opponent cancels becasue, as George noted in the release, the Buffs would have more time to prepare. For now, however, the Buffaloes are using this week to get healthy and focus on their next matchup against the USC Trojans.

There’s still time, though, for another Pac-12 game to be canceled, allowing CU to play this weekend.