The Big Ten’s announcement that it would play conference-only games this fall was the first big domino to drop ahead of the 2020 season. Final details of the decision (i.e. the schedule, number of games, etc) will be announced at a later date.

Many different scenarios are on the table for other conferences; however, the Big Ten went ahead and made their decision in early July. Following the announcement, reports surfaced that the Pac-12 and the ACC would follow suit, although no official announcements have been made.

Interestingly, reports are also surfacing that no one had any inclination the Big Ten would make a final announcement Thursday. Some had heard the Big Ten was leaning towards a conference-only schedule, but they didn’t expect an official announcement until next week sometime.

Even opponents of Big Ten programs were blindsided.