The College Football Playoff announced updates to its COVID-19 policies Wednesday, which include the possibility of forfeits in the national semifinals and National Championship Game. According to the release, should a team be unable to participate in the Dec. 31 semifinals because of health and safety protocols, they forfeit and their opponent advances to the title game.
If one or both of the teams competing in the Jan. 10 championship game cannot play, the contest can be delayed no later than Jan. 14. If the game cannot be played by then, the team unable to play forfeits and their opponent would be declared national champions. In the event neither team is able to play, the national championship is vacated.
“As we prepare for the Playoff, it’s wise and necessary to put into place additional precautions to protect those who will play and coach the games,” said Bill Hancock, Executive Director of the CFP. “These policies will better protect our students and staffs while providing clarity in the event worst-case scenarios result.”
No. 1 Alabama faces No. 4 Cincinnati in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in the first of the two semifinals Dec. 31. It will be followed by the other semifinal pitting No. 2 Michigan against No. 3 Georgia from the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The national title game is scheduled for Jan. 10 from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
