The recent COVID uptick has not left college football unscathed. 12 cancellations and counting as of mid-Friday.
One burning question in the SEC: Will Alabama’s tussle at LSU be made up? If so, what will happen to LSU’s previous cancellation at Florida? Would the SEC juggle the schedule so that cancelled intradivision games get priority over crossover games? So many questions and so few answers.
Ed Orgeron may prove to be one of the biggest benefactors from COVID. Let’s presume that full schedules do not get played in the SEC. The previously postponed Florida game was a gift to LSU. Coming off 2 horrible efforts in their defensive backfield, LSU was in no way ready to compete well against Kyle Trask and his superstar receivers in the Swamp. Especially when starter Myles Brennan was hurt (Granted, his backup, TJ Finley did play quite well against South Carolina before getting overwhelmed last Saturday at Auburn).
Similarly, Mac Jones and his stellar, if Waddle-less, receiving corps was prepared to do an unholy number on LSU tomorrow. If Ed Orgeron is really, truly, lucky, he will not have to play either Florida or Alabama this year. At 3 losses and counting, O and LSU are staring at an amazing number of losses for a defending national champ. The Odyssey will pray for Mr. Ed.
Jim Harbaugh was not so lucky. Even as an ardent Michigan alum, I was a bit relieved when the Big 10 said uncle in August. A rebuilding Michigan team rated to get waxed in their trip to Columbus. Unfortunately, for Harbaugh, the Big 10 reversed course. The Maize and Blue is 1-2 with games looming with Wisconsin, Ohio State and a wounded Penn State.
COVID was unkind to the Wolverines in that two of their few remaining stalwarts, Nico Collins and Ambry Collins opted out. Oregon was hurt even worse as a stud offensive lineman, Penei Sewell, opted out in addition to some excellent defensive backs. Pre-COVID opt outs, Oregon was a darkhorse national champion candidate if an adequate replacement for Justin Herbert was found.
However, COVID prognostications can be as unpredictable as the disease itself. I thought the season’s cancellation would have been an absolute blessing for Michigan State. Mark Dantonio left a bitter pill for Sparty. He did not announce his retirement until early 2020, so he could collect a $4 million bonus. MSU had to overpay Mel Tucker after the vast majority of other possible candidates had solidified their 2020 plans. Like all other first-year coaches, Tucker was further hamstrung by the lack of spring practice. Sparty has had two disasters in their first 3 games. HOWEVER, even if they finish 1-8, winter in Lansing will feel warmer as they savor their stunning upset over Michigan.
One of Chuck Berry’s underrated gems was “You Never Can Tell”. As Mel Tucker can attest, so true in the COVID era!