LOS ANGELES (CNS) - USC and UCLA are scheduled to meet Sept. 26 at the Rose Bowl to open their football seasons under the revised schedule announced by the Pac-12 Conference, although the date could be changed, the universities' athletic directors said.

"Though we are progressing toward the start of our respective seasons, at this time, we do not have the necessary county and state clearances to begin competitions," USC athletic director Mike Bohn and UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond said in a joint statement after the schedule was released Friday.

What You Need To Know

  • USC, UCLA scheduled to meet Sept. 26 at the Rose Bowl to open their football seasons

  • The date could be subject to change according to the universities' athletic director

  • The schedule was revised and shortened by the Pac-12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic

  • Sept. 26 is three weeks later than originally planned, four for UCLA

 

"Our football schedules create the opportunity for us to shift our season-opening contest to open dates later in the season (Oct. 31 and Dec. 12), if necessary. UCLA and USC are in absolute alignment, and we remain in regular communication with state, local and university officials. We will continue to follow their guidance with the utmost regard for the health and safety of our student-athletes."

In a letter to donors obtained by the Los Angeles Times, Bohn wrote it was "likely" the game would be moved to a later date.

Games unable to be played can be made up during bye weeks or Dec. 12. USC and UCLA both have a bye Oct. 31.

The schedule was revised and shortened by the Pac-12 to better deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Teams will each play 10 regular-season games, two fewer than usual.

The Sept. 26 start for USC is three weeks later than originally planned and four for UCLA.

The conference announced on July 10 that teams in football and several other fall sports would only play fellow Pac-12 teams this season because of the coronavirus pandemic, its CEO Group announced Saturday.

The decision meant the cancellation of USC's scheduled games against Alabama Sept. 5 in Arlington, Texas, Notre Dame Nov. 28 and New Mexico Sept. 12, both at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

UCLA's scheduled games against New Mexico State Aug. 29 at the Rose Bowl, Hawaii Sept. 5 in Honolulu and San Diego State Sept. 19 in San Diego were also canceled.

A Nov. 7 game against Washington State at the Coliseum has been added to the nine Pac-12 opponents USC was originally scheduled to face. The 10th Pac- 12 opponent UCLA will face is Washington, with the teams meeting Nov. 21 in Seattle.

The Pac-12 Football Championship Game will be played Dec. 18 or Dec. 19 at the home stadium of the team with the best regular-season record. It had originally been scheduled for Dec. 4 at the new Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, which instead will host the game for the first time in 2021.

"The schedule and return to play plans provide for maximum flexibility and the best opportunity to play all fall sports in an environment that prioritizes safety," said Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott.

"At the same time, we will continue to evaluate the best available science, data and advice of public health officials as we make decisions and any required adjustments going forward."

Related Stories

 

Here is the announced football schedule for USC:

Sept. 26 -- at UCLA;

Oct. 3 -- California;

Oct 10 -- at Stanford;

Oct. 17 -- Colorado;

Oct. 24 -- at Arizona;

Nov. 7 -- Washington State;

Nov. 14 -- at Oregon;

Nov. 21 -- Arizona State;

Nov. 27 -- at Utah;

Dec. 5 -- Washington.

Here is the announced football schedule for UCLA:

Sept. 26 -- USC;

Oct. 3 -- at Oregon State;

Oct 10 -- Washington State;

Oct. 16 -- Utah;

Oct. 24 -- at Arizona State;

Nov. 7 -- Stanford;

Nov. 14 -- at Colorado;

Nov. 21 -- at Washington;

Nov. 28 -- Arizona;

Dec. 4 -- at California.