Report: ACC Expected To Follow Big Ten, Play Conference-Only Schedules In Fall

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Atlantic Coast Conference is expected to follow in the footsteps of the Big Ten Conference and play conference-only schedules in fall sports, according to Stadium’s Brett McMurphy.

On Thursday, July 9, the Big Ten announced that its 14 schools will play conference-only contests during the fall including football games.

Shortly after the Big Ten’s announcement, McMurphy reported that the ACC is expected to do the same.

“ACC football also expected to play conference-only games, sources told @Stadium,” the college football insider tweeted.

ACC football also expected to play conference-only games, sources told @Stadium. Last month, ACC commish John Swofford told @Stadium if Power 5 schools played conference-only schedules that ACC would assist Notre Dame with as many games as it needed

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 9, 2020

After the Big Ten’s decision, the athletic director for the ACC’s Miami Hurricanes, Blake James released a statement. The Hurricanes were slated to play against the Big Ten’s Michigan State Spartans on September 26.

“I am aware of the announcement made by Big 10 today. While we are disappointed to lose the opportunity to face Michigan State during the 2020 season, we will work with the ACC to best position our program for the upcoming season.”

Miami AD Blake James statement: “I am aware of the announcement made by Big 10 today. While we are disappointed to lose the opportunity to face Michigan State during the 2020 season, we will work with the ACC to best position our program for the upcoming season.”

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 9, 2020

On Wednesday, July 8, the Ivy League announced the cancellation of fall sports for its conference. Since then, rumors have surfaced of other conferences joining in or moving football games to the spring of 2021.