CFP Reveals Makeup Dates for Semis, Championship If Postponed Due to COVID-19

The College Football Playoff has set makeup dates in the event the CFP semifinals are postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic: Jan. 11 for the Rose Bowl, Jan. 12 for the Sugar Bowl and Jan. 18 for the National Championship, ESPN's Heather Dinich reported Wednesday.

CFP executive director Bill Hancock said, however, the plan remains to hold all three games on their scheduled dates—Friday for the two semifinals and Jan. 11 for the National Championship:

"Everyone is planning to play the games as scheduled. The teams, schools' staffs and bowl staffs have been working really hard to provide an opportunity for the players. COVID procedures are in place at hotels and stadiums. We have prepared thoroughly, and we are ready. But it always makes sense to be prepared, even for circumstances we don't believe will happen."

Hancock added that the games will not be relocated regardless of postponements, with the Rose Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans and the National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

The Rose Bowl already had to be moved from its traditional spot in Pasadena, California, because of coronavirus restrictions in Southern California.

Per Dinich: "If both teams from one semifinal are available, the game will be played as scheduled even if the other contest has to be postponed. If one semifinal is delayed, the plan is to reschedule it for Jan. 11."

So like the rest of the college football season, the CFP could face complications amid the coronavirus pandemic, though a contingency plan is in place.

No. 1 Alabama is set to face No. 4 Notre Dame at 4 p.m. ET Friday in the Rose Bowl, with No. 2 Clemson facing No. 3 Ohio State at 8 that evening in the Sugar Bowl.