There’s an opening on KU’s 2020 football schedule as New Hampshire halts fall sports
Kansas’ Sept. 5 football opener against New Hampshire is a casualty of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
The Jayhawk athletic department — in response to a decision of the Colonial Athletic Association to not play football this fall and the UNH athletic department announcing plans for no participation in fall sports — has announced it will be looking for an new football opponent for the upcoming 2020 schedule.
New Hampshire and all other teams in the CAA had the opportunity to play football as an independent. The Wildcats decided against that option.
“Earlier today New Hampshire director of athletics Marty Scarano informed us that they will not be playing football this fall,” KU athletic director Jeff Long said. “KU, along with the Big 12, are continuing our efforts to play a full non-conference and conference football schedule this fall. We have begun exploring all opportunities to fill the opening on our schedule that was created by New Hampshire and will provide an update when available.”
Noted KU coach Les Miles: “We are disappointed to hear that we will be unable to play New Hampshire on Sept. 5 to kick off our 2020 season. I fully support Jeff Long and the Big 12 Conference as they continue to explore our options for the fall season and look forward to adding a new opponent to our schedule.”
KU’s second game of the 2020 football schedule is Sept. 12 at Baylor.
The Star’s Jesse Newell had a possible replacement in mind on Friday when he wrote on Twitter: “If KU still thinks there’s going to be college football in the fall, it should probably call Southeast Missouri State, which also had a Week 1 game canceled (by Dayton) and would only need a bus trip. But obviously lots in doubt at the moment.”
KU has played SE Missouri State two of the past five seasons.
New Hampshire athletic director Scarano issued a statement Friday: “It is with a very heavy heart that we are announcing the postponement of all fall sport programs due to the COVID pandemic.
“For months, we have worked diligently alongside our campus and league partners to establish safe protocols and practices that would protect our student-athletes, coaches, staff and the greater community. As of the last few weeks it has become obvious that the trend line and scientific data indicates the virus is not under control and continues to present a significant risk.
“This decision will now allow our student-athletes to assimilate with the rest of the UNH student body upon return and adhere to the extensive re-socialization protocols established by the university,” Scarano added. “Once classes commence and the established safety protocols are satisfied, the athletes will be allowed to practice and work out under the strict auspices of federal, state and university standards,” the AD added.
This CAA decision comes after the Big Ten and Pac-12 have both decided to cancel all non-conference games for the 2020 season.
