Louisiana Tech’s season opener at Baylor, set for Saturday in Waco, Texas, has been postponed because of an outbreak of COVID-19 cases among Bulldogs players.
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Louisiana Tech had 38 players test positive for the coronavirus after a round of tests conducted earlier this week, a person with knowledge of the tests confirmed to the News-Star.
The programs will try to reschedule the game later.
It’s the third game involving Big 12 teams to be affected by coronavirus. Earlier, the SMU-TCU game was canceled and Tulsa-Oklahoma State was postponed.
“We are obviously very disappointed that we will not be able to open the season this weekend at Baylor,” Louisiana Tech athletics director Tommy McClelland said in a release Tuesday night. “However, with the number of recent positive COVID-19 results and contact tracing, it is simply not possible. We would be putting our student-athletes at risk.
“It is obvious that the impact of Hurricane Laura in our community a few weeks ago really sparked our significant increase in numbers. With 95 percent of our city losing power for days – even up to a week in many areas – our student-athletes were forced to find places to stay and some even had family from south Louisiana that came northward to stay with them. So many things that we were able to control for the month of August became out of our control, and I think the numbers prove that it took its toll.”
In the three weeks before the storm, Louisiana Tech had one positive test out of 350 administered tests of student-athletes on campus.
Louisiana Tech tested its football team Sunday, the second screening it has had since Laura hit, and the 38 positives came from that round of screening.
Earlier this week, Baylor reported seven positive COVID-19 tests within its football program.
“We are incredibly disappointed to announce the postponement of our upcoming football game against Louisiana Tech,” said Baylor athletics director Mack B. Rhoades in a release Tuesday night. “However, in the interest of the health and wellness of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff, we are confident in this unfortunate but necessary course of action.
“To the Baylor and Louisiana Tech student-athletes and communities, we share in your disappointment and look ahead to resuming play.”
Louisiana Tech is now scheduled to open the 2020 season at Southern Miss on Sept. 19 in what would be its Conference USA opener. Southern Miss will be coached by Scotty Walden after Jay Hopson stepped aside.
Brigham Young wide receiver Neil Pau’u runs after a catch as Navy linebacker Kevin Brennan (7) defends during the first half at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
Cardboard cutouts of the Navy Midshipmen mascot are seen in the empty seats of the upper deck at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
Brigham Young running back Tyler Allgeier celebrates with offensive lineman James Empey (66) after running for a touchdown against Navy during the first half at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
Navy quarterback Dalen Morris is pressured by Brigham Young linebacker Pepe Tanuvasa during the first half at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
Southern Methodist’s Rashee Rice (11) runs past the Texas State secondary durng the Mustangs’ 31-24 win in the season opener for both teams on Saturday.
Texas State’s Marcell Barbee (18) attempts to haul in a pass over the outstretched arm of SMU defender Brandon Stephens (23) in the second half.
SMU wide receiver Reggie Roberson Jr. (8) catches a pass in front of Texas State’s Gavin Graham during the first half on Saturday.
Army running back Sandon McCoy (3) dives past Middle Tennessee defensive end Jordan Ferguson (91) for a touchdown during the Black Knights’ 42-0 win in their season opener.
The Black Knights cheer as Army defensive coordinator Nate Woody, center, talks to players during the second half against the Middle Tennessee.
Middle Tennessee running back Will Gilchrist (32) hurdles Army defensive backs Aaron Bibbins (9) and Chris Skyers (13) during the second half at West Point.
Marshall quarterback Grant Wells (8) was dazzling in his frst start, throwing for 307 yards and four touchdowns to set and tie school records for a debut quarterback as the Thundering Herd rolled past Eastern Kentucky 59-0 in both teams’ season opener.
Marshall wide receiver Jaron Woodyard (0) catches a touchdown pass while Eastern Kentucky defensive back Daulson Fitzpatrick (27) gives chase defends during the second quarter on Saturday.
The Marshall Thundering Herd dance team, clad in face coverings, performs before the game against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels on Saturday.
Socially distanced fans at M. M. Roberts Stadium before the game between Southern Mississippi and South Alabama.
Alabama-Birmingham running back Spencer Brown scores against Central Arkansas during the first half at Legion Field.
Alabama-Birmingham coach Bill Clark reacts from the sideline during the first half of his team’s game against Central Arkansas.
Southern Mississippi running back Frank Gore Jr. (21) is tackled by South Alabama linebacker Roy Yancey (14) in the second quarter at M. M. Roberts Stadium.
Central Arkansas wide receiver Tyler Hudson reaches for the ball as Alabama-Birmingham cornerback Devodric Bynum defends during the second half at Legion Field.
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This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Louisiana Tech-Baylor game postponed because of COVID-19 outbreak on Bulldogs
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