College football: Big 12 mandate leaves South Dakota's opener at Iowa State in limbo

It remains unclear if South Dakota will be headed to Iowa State on Sept. 5 to open up the season, but the status of that game became a bit more precarious Monday night with the Big 12 adopting a "9+1" schedule that will consist of nine conference games, plus one non-conference home game. 

Teams are expected to have played their lone non-conference game by the start of conference play, which will likely start sometime between mid-to-late September, according to a statement from the Big 12. 

As it relates to Iowa State, they have three home non-conference games to choose from: South Dakota (Sept. 5), Ball State (Sept. 12) or UNLV (Sept. 19). The Des Moines Register reports that it is "not immediately clear" what adjustments Iowa State will be making to accommodate the Big 12's new mandate. 

In a text message Monday night, South Dakota athletic director David Herbster said he has not heard anything from Iowa State and is unsure when that decision will arrive. "I do not know their timeline and what other decisions they need to make as far as finalizing their conference schedule," he said. 

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A few observations...

• Any of those three games could (theoretically) be moved up to Aug. 29 (Week 0). Ball State also has an open date on Sept. 5; UNLV has an open date on Sept. 12. 

• Open dates in September: South Dakota — None (first open date is Nov. 7); Ball State — Sept. 19; UNLV — Sept. 12, Sept. 26

• In terms of travel to Ames, Vermillion is located about 220 miles away, Ball State is 540 miles away and UNLV is 1,457 miles away. 

• Each game also carries a different payout for the visiting school.

USD is set to receive $475,000 for visiting Iowa State, according to a copy of the game contract obtained by the Argus Leader. It is stated in the contract that neither party shall be considered in violation of the agreement if they are unable to participate due to events beyond their control. 

The Cyclones' contract with Ball State, which was signed last week according to the Des Moines Register, pays the visitors $350,000 — but also carries some unique stipulations, like a men's basketball game during either the 2021-22 or 2022-23 season, with the payout being "commensurate with the market rate for guarantee games at the time the game is played." 

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, UNLV's two-year contract with ISU stipulates that the home team shall receive all income. 

The Big 12's decision at least provides some structure (maybe) for the upcoming season, but with the NCAA Board of Governors scheduled to meet Tuesday night, this could all be rendered moot within the next 24 hours.

"We believe this change provides the best opportunity going forward," Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby said in a statement. "However, we will undoubtedly need to be flexible as we progress through the season in order to combat the challenges that lie ahead.”

IN SPORTS: South Dakota State playing the waiting game on football schedule

Monday's developments served as the latest twist in what's been a hectic stretch for USD athletics.

Last Monday, the Missouri Valley Football Conference declared it had no announcement on the upcoming season, releasing a two-sentence statement that said the MVFC Presidents Council had determined that patience was warranted regarding any decision to modify the 2020 season.

Less than 24 hours later, the Summit League delayed the start of its fall sports season until Sept. 23 and canceled all non-conference competition.

That was a particularly painful blow for the Coyote volleyball team, whose schedule included a neutral site match against 2019 Elite 8 qualifier Louisville (ACC), as well as the Shocker Classic in Wichita, Kan.

Coach Leanne Williamson's team will open the season at home against North Dakota on Sept. 25.

As for the football team, it has played at least one FBS opponent in each of the last 10 seasons. This year's clash with Iowa State would mark the 10th meeting between the two schools since 1899 and first since 1959.

Following the Sept. 5 opener at ISU, coach Bob Nielson's team is scheduled to travel to Northern Arizona (Sept. 12), before returning to Vermillion for their home opener against Missouri Valley foe Missouri State on Sept. 19. 

Follow Brian Haenchen on Twitter at @Brian_Haenchen.