Four FBS conferences plus independent UMass have reversed course in recent weeks, moving to begin (late) fall seasons after previously announcing they would not play in 2020.
The trend has also hit the FCS level.
Gardner-Webb announced this week that it is pursuing an abbreviated fall schedule, hoping to play two games in November.
"Our team would benefit from getting on the field and playing this fall," said head coach Tre Lamb, in his first year leading the program. "After missing so much time together with no spring practice, little offseason conditioning or strength training this team was far from ready in August or September. As we have been able to string together more consistent practices, the confidence has grown. Our kids would love the chance to take advantage of the opportunity to play a game or two in November."
Regardless of whether or not Gardner-Webb manages to find two opponents for next month, the Runnin' Bulldogs will play in the Big South season beginning in February.
Eleven FCS programs have played games thus far this fall, including Big South rivals North Alabama and Campbell. North Alabama faced Liberty on Oct. 3, plays Jacksonville State next Saturday, and then visits Southern Miss and BYU next month. Campbell played four games against FBS opponents, all losses, and has no further games scheduled.
"We are fully committed to playing this spring with the rest of our conference opponents," said Lamb. "A pair of November games will only help us in our preparation for the spring. The opportunity to chase a trophy and an FCS playoff berth is something that should always be taken seriously and we will put our best foot forward in February, or whenever the spring season begins. Then we can begin preparation for a quicker turnaround for the 2021 season in August."
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.