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Tennessee Tech will lose a September 12 football game at Minnesota after the Big 10 announced Thursday it would play only conference games.
The move comes amidst growing COVID-19 cases and worry that the college football season will not happen. Tech is one of eight FCS schools impacted by the decision.
The game at Minnesota considered a pay date for programs like Tennessee Tech who can fund programs through these games. Typical payouts range from $500,000 to $1,000,000. Earlier this year, Tech Athletic Director Mark Wilson said these games help the athletic department budget significantly.
Tech has played similar games against Tennessee, Oregon and Wisconsin in recent years.
The Big 10 made the move to reduce travel among its schools. The conference also wants to ensure its testing and safety protocols are in alignment among member schools without any outside schools involved.
“By limiting competition to other Big Ten institutions, the Conference will have the greatest flexibility to adjust its own operations throughout the season and make quick decisions in real-time based on the most current evolving medical advice and the fluid nature of the pandemic,” the conference said in a statement.
