Big Ten denies Nebraska's request to play Chattanooga after Wisconsin game canceled

With its previously scheduled game canceled due to positive coronavirus tests among the opposing team, Nebraska pivoted for a new Week 2 opponent in this college football season already marred by postponements.

They found a willing partner in the University of TennesseeChattanooga. The matchup against the Mocs, a member of the FCS Southern Conference, required permission from the Big Ten, which has instituted strict coronavirus testing and containment protocols.

But Thursday, the conference denied the Huskers' request to face the Mocs, Nebraska athletic director Bill Moos confirmed in a joint statement with school chancellor Ronnie Green -- while arguing schools should be allowed to schedule other teams if a conference game is canceled.

One reason behind the Big Ten not giving the green light is that it does not want a team outside of the conference's testing protocol to play a non-Big Ten team, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports' Dan Wolken. The person spoke under anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. ESPN reported all of the Mocs' tests from Wednesday returned negative.

Chattanooga played its lone scheduled game for the fall on Saturday, losing to Western Kentucky 13-10.

Nebraska was supposed to play Big Ten West rival Wisconsin on Saturday. But 12 members of the program, including head coach Paul Chryst and quarterback Graham Mertz, tested positive for COVID-19 this week.