The Big Ten Conference rejected a proposed deal that would have allowed Nebraska to replace its canceled game Saturday against Wisconsin with a game against FCS Chattanooga.
Nebraska released a joint statement from athletic director Bill Moos and chancellor Ronnie Green, saying: “With the cancellation of the game against Wisconsin, we did explore the possibility of securing a non-conference game for Saturday. The discussions we had were with teams that had already implemented stricter testing protocols than those mandated by the Big Ten Conference. Those details were non-negotiable if we were to bring a non-conference opponent to Lincoln.
“With an already shortened season, we owed it to our student-athletes to explore any possible option to play a game this week.
Nebraska’s scheduled Big Ten game with Wisconsin was canceled after all Wisconsin team-related activities were paused this week because of an increased number of COVID-19 cases within the program.
Chattanooga AD Mark Wharton just told me the Big Ten has denied a request for the Mocs to play Nebraska on Saturday. Neb had guaranteed $200K-$250K. Entire UTC team had tested negative using PCR tests Wednesday night. (more)
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) October 29, 2020
The Big Ten continues to make absurd decisions — refuses to allow Nebraska to play Chattanooga after the Cornhusker game against Wisconsin was canceled: https://t.co/3CTkA4zpBD
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) October 29, 2020