Huskers Criticized By Some, Big 12 to Play Football

Nebraska was taking some heat in the national media yesterday for the school’s reaction to the Big Ten Conference’s move to postpone football this fall. 

A joint statement by NU officials Tuesday said they were “very disappointed” by the league’s decision adding the Huskers “continue to be ready to play.”  Since then, some television sports commentators have said the Big Ten should think about kicking the Huskers out of the conference.  On ESPN yesterday, Desmond Howard suggested NU hasn’t been a member of the Big Ten long enough to talk about playing football outside the conference. 

However, Ohio State football coach Ryan Day told reporters yesterday that he and Buckeyes AD Gene Smith were “still exploring all options.”  But, by late afternoon Smith said the Buckeyes decided to develop a plan for the spring and Day proposed an eight-game season starting the first week of January.

Meantime, Nebraska’s former conference, the Big 12 announced it is moving ahead with plans to play football and other fall sports.  ACC and Southeastern Conference teams also plan to take the field despite the pandemic.