Rutgers football coach Greg Schiano says the uncertainty of not having a fall season was “unsettling,” but now that Big Ten football is back on again “we’re going to have them as ready as we can for the first game.”
That first game should be the weekend of October 23-24, after the Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors voted Wednesday to reverse field and play football in 2020. Just over a month ago, it had decided to scrap the season and attempt to play in the Spring.
The difference appears to be rapid antigen testing, where student-athletes can be tested daily. That process will start September 30th. And practices could shutdown and games be cancelled if positive tests cross a certain threshold.
Schiano addressed the media Wednesday for the first time since his availability following the Big Ten’s initial decision to scrap the fall season.
“We have not tackled or blocked since November 26th, 2019,” Schiano said in response to a question about if he has any idea what his team will look like when they take the field. “I wasn’t here November 26th, 2019. I have not seen these guys block or tackle live.”
Schiano admits it will be a challenge getting ready for the season while class is in session – albeit almost entirely remote at Rutgers – since preseason camp usually takes place when school is out of session, and all their attention is focused on football.
But, he says the Big Ten’s announcement has invigorated his team.
“Everybody’s got a new energy, and we’re going to go to work,” said Schiano.
Click below to listen to the full audio from Greg Schiano’s press conference.