Utah Utes defensive tackle Leki Fotu (99) warms-up on the Levi’s Stadium field before the Pac-12 Championship game between Utah and Oregon in Santa Clara, Calif. on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019. | Steve Griffin, Deseret News
Utes to open season at Washington State, wrap things up at home against the Ducks
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s revamped football scheduled was released by the Pac-12 on Friday. There were a few adjustments and the addition of a game with Oregon added as the conference hopes to play in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Games will begin Sept. 26 with camps beginning on and/or around Aug. 17.
The Pac-12 outlined the following plans for football:
- Season to commence on Sept. 26 with the flexibility if necessary to commence on a later date if the situation warrants.
- Each team will play five home and five road games.
- Games that are unable to be played on their scheduled date can be made up in their bye weeks or in week 12 (Dec. 12), with the Pac-12 Football Championship game, presented by 76, now slated for Dec. 18 or 19.
- The Pac-12 Football Championship game will be held in a home-hosted model for 2020, with the Pac-12 and partners Allegiant Stadium and the Raiders, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority and MGM Resorts International agreeing to commence hosting of the championship game at Allegiant Stadium in 2021 for its two-year run in Las Vegas.
The Pac-12 also said that: “The return to athletic competition for football and all other sports will follow the guidelines and protocols developed by the Pac-12’s medical advisory committee.”
Utah football’s 2020 schedule is now as follows:
Sept. 26: at Washington State
Oct. 3: at Colorado
Oct. 10: vs. Oregon State
Oct. 16: at UCLA
Oct. 24: BYE
Oct. 31: vs. Arizona
Nov. 7: at Arizona State
Nov. 14: vs. Washington
Nov. 21: at California
Nov. 27: vs. USC
Dec. 5: vs. Oregon
The rematch of last year’s Pac-12 Championship game between the Utes and Ducks will be Dec. 5 at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Oregon defeated Utah 37-15 on Dec. 6 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, to earn a trip to the Rose Bowl. Utah wound up going to the Alamo Bowl instead.
The Pac-12 CEO Group (presidents and chancellors) revealed details of a previously announced plan to play a conference-only football schedule this fall because of the coronavirus pandemic. That led to the Utes canceling scheduled games against BYU, Montana State and Wyoming this fall.
To help offset the loss of nonconference play, the Pac-12 added a 10th game to its league slate and allow each team to play five at home and five on the road.
The usual scheduling rotation consists of playing all five division rivals each season as well as four teams from the other division. This year the Utes weren’t scheduled to play Oregon or Stanford.
With the addition of the Ducks, as well as a strategically placed bye week for scheduling flexibility because of COVID-19 concerns, Utah’s football schedule is now set ... for now.
“This is an exciting announcement as we continue to plan for fall sports seasons while taking all precautions for doing so in a safe and healthy manner,” said Utah athletics director Mark Harlan. “I am particularly excited for our student-athletes and coaches in our fall sports who now have dates to plan for. We, and they, know we must also remain flexible as we go forward.”
A far as fan attendance and such, details are still being finalized. Season ticket holders will be notified soon.
“We are in close consultation with university, state and local officials, and through those discussions we anticipate a reduced capacity at Rice-Eccles Stadium this season because of physical distancing requirements,” Harlan explained. “Every effort is being made to provide the safest experience possible for fans attending games, and for all involved.”
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