Oregon Ducks 10-Game Pac-12-Only Schedule For 2020

Oregon will open its 10-game Pac-12 only schedule with the same opponent, but at home instead of on the road.

The Ducks will host Colorado on Sept. 26 instead of traveling to Boulder, as part of their revised schedule, which the conference’s CEO Group of presidents and chancellors approved Friday. It marks Oregon’s first home conference opener to start a season since 2008 against Washington and the second straight season the Ducks have hosted the Buffaloes.

“From the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, we have been committed to prioritizing the health and safety of our student-athletes and all those connected to our athletic programs,” Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said in a statement. “The schedule and plans approved today and path to return to competition are subject to public health orders and will be taken in accordance with the health and well-being guidelines developed by our Pac-12 Medical Advisory Committee. The schedule and return to play plans provide for maximum flexibility and the best opportunity to play all fall sports in an environment that prioritizes safety. At the same time, we will continue to evaluate the best available science, data and advice of public health officials as we make decisions and any required adjustments going forward.”

Oregon travels to Washington State, hosts Arizona State on a Friday night, and travels to Oregon State before its bye week. It’s the first time since 1945 that the in-state rivalry is not scheduled for November or December.

UO then hosts Washington, travels to Cal, hosts USC, travels to Arizona for a Friday night game, hosts Stanford and travels to Utah. It’s the first time since 2015 Oregon will have two non-Saturday regular season games.

Games that are unable to be played on their scheduled date can be made up during bye weeks or on Dec. 12.

“We appreciate the efforts and genuine care of the Pac-12 Conference and of our fellow member schools as we all navigate together the safest path for a return to competition this fall,” Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens said in a statement. “Our top priority remains the health and safely of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and fans, and we will continue to rely on the advice and direction of Lane County Public Health, the Oregon Health Authority, and the Pac-12 Medical Advisory Group.

“The 2020 football schedule released today is built to maximize flexibility, and as more information becomes, available about all of our 2020 fall sports, we share it with our fans.”

The Pac-12 Championship Game is moved back from Dec. 4 to Dec. 18 or 19, but will not be played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas as originally scheduled as the conference returns to an on-campus site this year. The Pac-12′s two-year agreement in Las Vegas will start in 2021 instead.

The Pac-12 CEO Group also approved the start of the 20-hour mandatory activity and walk-through period as early as Monday. That two-week period, which must include two days off, allows for up to eight hours per week of weight training and conditioning, up to six hours per week for meetings and film review and up to six hours per week for walk-through practices that can include the use of a football.

Training camps can begin as early as Aug. 17, subject to public health orders and medical advice. Presently, Oregon Health Authority guidelines and protocol do not permit contact sports, including football. However, Gov. Kate Brown said she will not allow the Ducks or Beavers to be at a competitive disadvantage.

Scott said the conference’s “expectation” is that all of its schools will be able to begin training camp on Aug. 17.