Last weekend the Big Ten became the latest conference to join the 2020 college football season. Back in July, the conference had already decided to play within its conference only and had schedules laid out. The committee took a huge 180 turn and decided to cancel the fall season as a whole. The reason being, personnel wanting to receive more information from medical professionals on what safety protocols to follow.
Many parents and student-athletes were outraged by the decision. It did not take long for the committee to reconsider. They watched multiple conferences play out their fall season each weekend with little issue.
While many Big Ten fans were excited to see the season start, it didn’t take long for COVID-19 to find its way to disrupt the schedule. Heading into Week 2, we already have our first cancellation. Due to rising cases in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin vs. Nebraska game has been canceled.
Last Saturday, the Wisconsin Badgers and their redshirt freshman quarterback Graham Mertz dominated against Illinois 45-7. With no fans in the stands, the Badgers were still able to bring the energy, including the end of third jump around tradition. Mertz who was named, “Co-Offensive Big Ten Player of the Week” and “Big Ten Freshman of the Week”, went on to throwing 20/21 completions, 248 yards, and five total touchdowns.
Unfortunately, news broke earlier this week that Mertz tested positive for COVID-19. As the information hit the internet, so did more positive cases from the Wisconsin Badgers. A total of 12 members of the Badger organization, six players and six coaches, including head coach Paul Chryst tested positive.
All other Big Ten matchups are still set to play this weekend. As for Week 3, the Wisconsin Badgers are still set to play Purdue. However, since the return, Big Ten has set new policies in place in light of the pandemic. This includes having players who test positive sit out for at least 21 days. If this is the case, freshman QB Mertz will have to miss the game.
With a total of only eight games for the Big Ten season, this could either make or break where Wisconsin stands at the end. While we want college football to continue, we pray everyone stays healthy, stays safe, and for the Wisconsin Badgers, a speedy recovery.
