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BYU-Army game postponed due to increase in positive COVID-19 cases

By Alicia de Artola

HONOLULU, HI - DECEMBER 24: Jake Oldroyd #39 of the BYU Cougars reacts after missing a field goal during the fourth quarter of the Hawai'i Bowl at Aloha Stadium on December 24, 2019 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
HONOLULU, HI - DECEMBER 24: Jake Oldroyd #39 of the BYU Cougars reacts after missing a field goal during the fourth quarter of the Hawai'i Bowl at Aloha Stadium on December 24, 2019 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /
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BYU postponed next week’s matchup against Army because of positive COVID-19 tests.

BYU’s bid for a perfect record in 2020 will have to wait a week.

The Cougars announced on Saturday their decision to postpone the contest with Army scheduled for Sept. 19 because of COVID-19.

“A small number of positive COVID-19 test results” and necessary contact tracing ultimately convinced BYU to pull the plug.

“While we share the disappointment of everyone involved in the game between BYU and Army, safety as well as the physical and mental well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and the opposing team is our top priority,” athletic director Tom Holmoe said.

BYU and Army will work together to find a new date to play

While they won’t play on Sept. 19, BYU and Army intend to meet at some point in 2020.

BYU has an open date on Oct. 3 but Army is already scheduled to play Abilene Christian. The Cougars’ next open date won’t come until November, but once again Army already has a full slate of games set up.

Realistically, the best date to reschedule is Nov. 28, after BYU finishes their planned slate. Army has a built-in gap between playing Georgia Southern on Nov. 21 and Navy on Dec. 12.

The Cougars impressively opened its season last week with a 55-3 trouncing of Navy, which Army fans undoubtedly enjoyed.

Army has been just as impressive over the first two weeks of the season. They bested Middle Tennessee State 42-0 in Week 1 before downing Louisiana-Monroe, 37-7, on Saturday.

The game between the two would have been a good test of mettle for both sides. Now it’s more likely to be a late-season treat.

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