IU Football's home opener was supposed to be against non-conference opponent Western Kentucky on Sept. 12.
(Adam Pinkser, WTIU/WFIU News)
The Big Ten announced teams will only compete against conference opponents this fall due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"We are facing uncertain and unprecedented times, and the health, safety and wellness of our student-athletes, coaches, game officials, and others associated with our sports programs and campuses remain our number one priority," the conference said in a press release Thursday.
Fall sports includes men's and women's cross country, field hockey, football, men's and women's soccer, and women's volleyball.
The Big Ten said conference-only games allows more flexibility to adjust it’s own operations throughout the season, and make quick decisions involving medical advice through the pandemic.
"We are also prepared not to play in order to ensure the health, safety and wellness of our student-athletes should the circumstances so dictate," the conference said.
Summer athletic activities will continue to be voluntary and any student-athlete who chooses not to participate due to concerns about COVID-19 will be able to keep their scholarship.
"I also appreciate the tremendous support and patience that our fans continue to display as we map out the best path to be able to move forward safely," IU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Scott Dolson said. "Along with my fellow Big Ten athletic directors, we know that there remain many questions that still need to be answered, and we will work toward finding those answers in the coming weeks.”
The Hoosiers football team was originally scheduled to play three non-conference games against Western Kentucky, Ball State, and Connecticut. IU is now scheduled to open at Wisconsin September 4 and then return home to play Maryland October 10.
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