Play the games they can and then have a conference championship game based on standings to decide the winner? That's a much better way to determine a champion than not trying to play games at all, IMO. Delaying things 3-4 more months guarantees nothing in terms of improved safety specific to COVID because it's still going to be around, so the dynamic of whether fans can or can't be in stadiums isn't a factor in the decision to move forward with a season this fall or waiting until early 2021.

The reality of the NHL, NBA, MLS, PGA, tennis, champions league and other soccer leagues, MLB, the NFL and other major college football conferences all resuming games/matches over the past few months without any of these leagues having to shut down again yet due to COVID is what is driving the Big Ten's decision to try having a fall season. That and the TV $$$ that comes with it. Many of these leagues have had games cancelled or players out due to COVID, but they've been able to manage collectively. Football is different than other sports due to fewer games and more players, no doubt - but at some point you've got to weigh and understand the risks, trust the protocols put into place, and just line up and play. If players or coaches aren't comfortable with it due to individual situations, they should have every right to sit out and request a medical redshirt - for the players and coaches who want back on the field, they should be given the opportunity to do so. We have to remember, there was basically no spring football this year either - the roster churn in major college football almost dictates having to play some sort of season this fall to avoid many of the good-not-great upperclassmen completely losing their opportunity to play on the big stage (even if the stands are empty), something they had probably been working towards since the day the signed a letter of intent out of high school 5-6 years ago.

Waiting to resume play until late October also gives the Big 10 the benefit of seeing what happens in the SEC/ACC/Big 12 and frankly the NFL over the next 1.5 months, too - if those conferences/league fall flat on their faces in the next few weeks and have to shut down football, it wouldn't be impossible to rethink/regroup and attempt a spring football season, either.

I know a guy on a Big Ten football team right now who has been quarantined for 6 straight weeks because his roommates keep getting it. He hasnt had it yet but probably will soon.

I'd recommend him finding a 1BR studio for the next month or two - sounds like that apartment's definition of quarantine isn't exactly by the book, or he's got way too many roommates.