Texas governor predicts college football will start on schedule

AUSTIN, TX - MAY 18: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Texas Governor Greg Abbott announces the reopening of more Texas businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic at a press conference at the Texas State Capitol on May 18, 2020 in Austin, Texas. Abbott said that childcare facilities, youth camps, some professional sports, and bars may now begin to fully or partially reopen their facilities as outlined by regulations listed on the Open Texas website.
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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Friday that he's confident college football will start as scheduled in the state and with some fans in attendance.

"My prediction is yes, we're going to have college football beginning as scheduled, on schedule, with at least some level of fans in the stands," Abbott told KXAN.

Abbott added, however, that it's too early to know how many people will be allowed to attend.

"Would it be strategic and limited to ensure that we have safe distancing practices? There are factors we simply do not know at this time," Abbott said.

During an announcement Monday that Texas is entering Phase 2 reopening plans, Abbott said that professional sports will be allowed to return to the state beginning May 31, though without fans.

Texas is scheduled to start its season at home against USF on Sept. 5.

Abbott said the school's athletic director needs a decision by August, a target the governor believes the state can hit.

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