Many Iowa Hawkeye football fans got excited last month when there was some talk about the Big Ten season kicking off by Thanksgiving. Then there was talk at kicking things off in October. Iowa Athletic Director Gary Barta says it would take a "miracle" to start the Big Ten season next month.

The Iowa City Press Citizen reports that Barta is gaining optimism that the Big Ten season could safely resume play before the beginning of the year, but an October start date is not likely. The Big Ten announced on August 11th that it was canceling it's fall football season due to the coronavirus pandemic. Since, then, the league had been under pressure from players, parents, and others to reconsider. An October 10th start date was rumored as a possibility by the Dan Patrick Radio Show. Barta pointed out that decision would take a vote by Big Ten presidents and chancellors. No such vote is currently scheduled.

The Press Citizen reports that complicating matters is Iowa athletics is taking a break from all practices this week after the latest round of coronavirus testing revealed 93 positive cases among athletes and coaches. Eleven of those were Iowa football players. It would be impossible for the Hawkeyes to play a game in just five weeks.

Meanwhile, Barta stated that Big Ten officials are talking daily about what it will take to have a winter sports season.

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