Alabama-LSU game in doubt after COVID outbreak affects Tigers

The LSU-Alabama game is in doubt after a small COVID-19 outbreak at LSU.

The biggest college football game on the Week 11 schedule is in doubt after a small COVID-19 outbreak at LSU that could see their game vs. Alabama canceled. The outbreak stems from a Halloween party, Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger reports.

LSU is down to one scholarship quarterback, TJ Finley, and has no long snappers or tight ends available to play, according to Brody Miller of The Athletic.

SEC rules say a team must have 53 scholarship players in order to avoid a game being canceled under the new COVID guidelines but there are compelling competitive reasons that LSU could ask for the game to be called off.

LSU-Alabama game could be canceled due to a virus outbreak at LSU

LSU is already down several players due to injury, opt-outs and now the four positive COVID tests and requisite contact tracing. Ed Orgeron’s team has already been hit hard with “most of the team” testing positive this summer and they already had the Florida game rescheduled due to the Gators having a COVID outbreak of their own.

If Alabama and LSU can’t play on Saturday, there is no makeup date that would allow the teams to play later this season. In a typical year, this would be a marquee game, but with LSU struggling mightily, it won’t hurt Alabama’s quest for a strong win to enhance their resume for a College Football Playoff berth.

A decision from the SEC is expected to be announced within the next day. CBS is the network broadcasting the game so if it is indeed canceled as it appears it will be, it will be a significant blow for what is usually one of the most-watched college football games of the year.

LSU beat Alabama for the first time since 2011 last year behind the efforts of Joe Burrow.

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