This week’s SEC schedule is in shambles.
The matchup between No. 1 Alabama and LSU, and a game between No. 5 Texas A&M and Tennessee, were postponed Tuesday due to positive COVID-19 cases. A Saturday game between Auburn and Mississippi State had also previously been postponed.
LSU, which was in jeopardy of being unable to meet the minimum threshold of 53 scholarship players available due to contact tracing and quarantining, previously had a game against Florida also postponed this season. A source told Sports Illustrated that the Tigers’ outbreak stems from a party that took place near Halloween. The Aggies also had multiple team members contract the novel coronavirus.
According to SEC regulations, players testing positive for COVID-19 are required to quarantine for 10 days.
“While it is unfortunate to have multiple postponements in the same week, we began the season with the understanding interruptions to the schedule were possible and we have remained focused throughout the season on the health of everyone around our programs,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said. “We must remain vigilant, within our programs and in our communities, to prevent the spread of the virus and to manage activities that contribute to these interruptions.”
