SALT LAKE CITY — Utah State football could be closer to returning this fall.
After reporting on Sept. 16 that the Mountain West Conference was “aggressively exploring options to play an 8-game fall season,” Stadium’s Brett McMurphy reported Monday that the conference is ‘optimistic’ about an Oct. 24 return to play, with a vote by school presidents possibly coming this Friday.
McMurphy also reported that all 12 conference schools plan to play after saying last week that there was a chance Hawaii, Fresno State and Air Force wouldn’t.
Mountain West optimistic about playing 8-game schedule starting Oct. 24, w/presidents possibly voting Friday, sources told @Stadium. If presidents delay vote, MW likely would only have 7-game schedule starting Oct. 31. All 12 schools intend to play at this time, source said
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) September 22, 2020
Yahoo Sports’ Pete Thamel reported that the conference’s athletic directors met on Monday. The athletic directors’ plan to return to play includes frequent antigen testing, per the source.
Thamel also reported the desired Oct. 24 start date, with an eight-game conference schedule. The Mountain West Conference championship game would be held on Dec. 19, according to Thamel’s report.