COVID-19. Coronavirus

The Auburn Tigers did not hold football practices last week due to numerous student-athletes being placed in quarantine due to COVID-19 infection and exposure. The Tigers set the preparation for the 2020 season back by canceling two practices and a scrimmage.

The first day of school came at the University of Alabama. The Crimson Tide students largely appeared to do a good job following the health and safety protocols that have been put in place this year amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Alabama athletic teams took to social media to show its student athletes on campus donning masks to lead by example.

As a part of the "new normal" the University of Alabama is requiring everyone who is planning to go to games in Bryant-Denny Stadium this year to submit themselves to health screening prior to entering the stadium.

The SEC mixed up everyone's schedules this fall once the conference decided to opt for a conference only football schedule. Today the conference announced the new order and dates for the 2020 schedule. Earlier in the day it was announced the Tide would open the season on the road against one of newly added opponent, Missouri. The rest of the schedule is as follows.

Alabama Athletic Director, Greg Byrne met with the media today on a Zoom call to offer an update on the Alabama football season and where the program stands as the fall semester is about to get underway.

According to an article by Michael Casagrande of AL.com, the University of Alabama's early test results show a low positivity rate for students who have been tested prior to their return back onto campus.

There will be no fans in Beaver Stadium in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania this year for Penn State this year, according to Brett McMurphy of Watchstadium.com. Beaver Stadium has a capacity of 106,000 and is known for a raucous atmosphere.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, former Alabama and current New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower has chosen to opt out of the 2020 football season. Hightower had a baby on July 16th, likely factoring into his decision.

Pastor Daryl Ross said he and over 40 members of the Warrior Creek Missionary Baptist Church tested positive following a revival. Some social distancing measures were in place.