Could Arizona Football have more regional games in 2020?

With Arizona Football having the full intention to play college football in 2020, perhaps the Wildcats may have a more regional schedule this season.

We’re months along in the Covid crisis and at this point, there is still plenty of uncertainty regarding Arizona Athletics. However, last week Arizona Athletic Director Dave Heeke addressed that Arizona Football has the “full intention” to play this season.

As you may recall, we covered this last week, discussing why it’s important for Arizona Football to have a season and it could feasibly be done. But to reiterate again, Arizona Athletics is hurting mightily financially, and not having a season for one of the largest revenue generating sports would have a substantial impact.

Arizona Wildcats

While some may not agree with the idea, again, please re-read the point prior as to why is important imperative for Arizona Football to have a season.

You may not agree with it, but logistically speaking, Arizona and Heeke have to figure out a solution that somehow works without jeopardizing the health of the staff and players.

Luckily, the Athletic Department is already looking at its options, and one of the things being discussed is having a more regional schedule.

In that same virtual press conference, Heeke discussed how other Arizona teams are preparing for a regional schedule by playing opponents from New Mexico, Nevada and Southern California, so perhaps it’s not too much of a stretch to think this could also feasibly be done for Arizona Football as well.

With more regional games, that would mean more “direct flights” or bus rides, with the idea of being limiting contact and thusly the spread of Covid.

Smart? I don’t know, to me it seems logical and worth exploring further.

But what does that mean for the rest of the Pac-12? Well, it’s hard to say, but these are certainly unprecedented times, and in my opinion, it’s good to see Arizona getting creative in trying to find ways to make this happen.

If anything, perhaps it allows for the Pac-12 to act as a more independent conference next year, with there being no “conference results” or championships, etc. to again limit spread.

Either way, we still have a few months to see what happens, and it’ll be interesting to follow nonetheless. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!