A vote that would see Mountain West presidents approve resuming the football season next month is expected later this week, according to multiple reports.
Yahoo's Pete Thamel and Stadium's Brett McMurphy both reported that a vote is expected later this week. If approved, a Mountain West season could mirror the Big Ten's -- eight regular season games, beginning Oct. 24, with a title game on Dec. 19.
If the presidents do not vote on time, a 7-game season could begin Oct. 31.
The reason for the about-face is the same as other leagues': advances in testing. Thamel reported that the MW doesn't plan on daily tests a la the Big Ten, but "frequent" antigen testing.
If and when the Mountain West gets back up and running, it will increase the already considerable pressure on the Pac-12.
The Pac-12 was the first to secure daily testing -- back on Sept. 3 -- but still does not have a concrete plan to return to the field this fall. The Big Ten beating the Pac-12 to the punch was one thing, especially since California regulations seemingly prevented Cal, Stanford, USC and UCLA from returning to the field. But if the Mountain West finds a way to get Fresno State, San Diego State and San Jose State back first? Look out.
One complication in regards to resuming the season would be Air Force. The Falcons are scheduled to host Navy on Oct. 3 -- weeks before the MW's season would begin -- and visit Army on Nov. 7, after the season's start date. Either the Mountain West would have to find a way to move that game, or someone else in the 12-team conference would have to take Nov. 7 off from league play as well.
Still, that hurdle is a minor one compared to the larger point: the Mountain West is close to coming back.
In the meantime, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.