The Mountain West conference announced an update regarding the 2020 football and fall sports seasons on Wednesday evening. The decisions aligned with the NCAA Board of Governors requirements.
“This framework allows us time to ensure we have the best possible health and safety protocols in place to allow our student-athletes a safe environment to compete,” read a statement by New Mexico Director of Athletics Eddie Nuñez. “We will continue to work with local authorities and the Governor’s office to stay within the guidelines put in place to keep the community safe. The safety of our student-athletes and our community is our top priority.”
Football season will start the week of Sept. 26 and have a schedule made up of eight conference games. Schools will have the option to add up to two non-conference opponents for a total max of 10 games. The 2020 MW Football Championship could potentially happen on Dec. 5, Dec. 12 or Dec. 19. The final schedule model will be announced at a later date.
New Mexico football had originally planned to start on Aug. 29 by hosting Idaho State. The Lobos were then going to travel to Mississippi to take on Mississippi State on Sept. 5, and Los Angeles to play against USC on Sept. 12. The Rio Grande Rivalry game against the New Mexico State Aggies was scheduled for Sept. 19 in Las Cruces.
Last time we started a season later than September 26, we went 6-4 in 1963.
Last time we started a season on exactly September 26, we went 5-3-1 in 1953.
We are OK with this. #GoLobos
— New Mexico Football (@UNMLoboFB) August 5, 2020
Fall olympic sports competition will consist of conference-only play. Meanwhile, fall competition for men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s tennis, swimming and diving, indoor track and field, softball and baseball have been canceled. Workouts and training could continue but will be based on several factors including NCAA legislation and guidance, state and local parameters, and institutional determination.
The MW said it will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and more changes won’t be off the table if necessary.
“Should further modifications become necessary, including delay or cancellation of competition, the MW Board of Directors is prepared to do so,” read the statement.
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