Gene Smith ‘not so sure’ about flipping Ohio State-Oregon series

Ohio State and Oregon are scheduled to play one of the more anticipated non-conference games of the 2020 college football season this fall. But the occurrence of that game, or the big-game feel of it, came into question due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Two weeks ago, Oregon Governor Kate Brown stated that large events such as sports would not be able to return or would be drastically altered in her state “until we have a reliable treatment or prevention like a vaccine.” This created concern as to whether fans would be able to attend the game, scheduled for Sept. 12, at Autzen Stadium, or if the contest between the Buckeyes and the Ducks would take place at all.

This game is part of a home-and-home series, with Oregon scheduled to travel to Ohio Stadium on Sept. 11, 2021. Some speculated that the venues could be flipped, with the Ducks coming to Columbus this fall and the Scarlet and Gray traveling to Eugene next year, due to Ohio’s less strict state orders at this time. While not ideal, this scenario is one that would allow both games to be played.

“We can just play both of them here, two years in a row,” Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith joked when asked about this possibility on a teleconference Wednesday.

Smith said he spoke with Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens following Brown’s statements about large events in order to get clarity but they did not discuss the possibility of flipping locations for the series.

While Smith didn’t entirely rule out this proposed idea, he was not a major proponent of it either.

“This is the first time I’ve thought about it, so I’m not so sure I’ve got a strong opinion on it,” the Buckeye athletic director said. “Because we would be probably giving up a game next year, in ’21, which would make it harder for us. So I’m not so sure I would do that.”

As it stands, Ohio State has seven home games in both the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Switching the home-and-home series with the Ducks would mean eight home games this coming fall but only six next season, a situation Smith would like to avoid.

But the Oregon game isn’t the only non-conference game the Buckeyes may have issues with in 2020. Given the uncertainty of the coronavirus and its future impact on society, there has been discussion about a shortened, conference-only season, or one where teams play only conference opponents due to their closer proximity and familiarity with facilities.

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Smith and the Scarlet and Gray remain hopeful for a normal 12-game college football season, but it’s too early to say that will happen. In addition to Ohio State’s game against Oregon, in which the Buckeyes will be paid $300,000, the Scarlet and Gray are scheduled to host both Bowling…