The rivalry game between Virginia Tech and Virginia, initially slated for Sept. 19, has been postponed due to positive COVID cases from the Hokies.
The upcoming rivalry game between the Virginia Tech Hokies and Virginia Cavaliers has been postponed after positive COVID tests within the Hokies program. The game was initially supposed to be the season opener for both teams on Sept, 19, but the postponement now leaves its status up in the air.
Per Mike Barber of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the Cavaliers have not had a positive test within the football program in months, but with the Hokies experiencing issues, the two teams had no choice but to postpone the game.
With the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing prepare for more games to be rescheduled as a result of the uncertainty involving the coronavirus
With the COVID-19 pandemic still ravaging the United States, interruptions like these will unfortunately be a common part of this college football season. College campuses have become a hotbed for transmission of the virus since universities reopened their doors for in-person instruction, and it is not surprising to see cases pop up within athletic programs due to close contact between athletes and coaches.
According to Barber, Virginia Tech athletic director Whit Babcock does not see the postponement as a potential obstacle to the ACC’s hopes for a fall football season, but the reality of the situation is much grimmer than that.
ESPN’s Andrea Adelson reported that cornerback Caleb Farley, one of Virginia Tech’s best players, opted out of the season primarily because of his concerns about the school’s handling of the pandemic.
Farley said that players left and returned to campus freely without adequate testing and isolation procedures, and crowded weight rooms had very few players wearing masks despite the close contact that teammates had.
If the Hokies cannot get the COVID cluster within the program under control, it is hard to see how this season goes smoothly for them. Without better testing procedures, these struggles are likely to persist.
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