Utah vs. UCLA has been canceled and the Bruins are reportedly seeking a new opponent.
The Pac-12 was one of the last conferences to begin its season in 2020 and so far there have been several cancellations. Cal vs. Arizona State was already called off this weekend and the game between Utah and UCLA can now be added to that list.
UCLA lost its season opener and Utah still hasn’t played a game because of the coronavirus. The Pac-12 is only going with a six-game schedule, so this is a tough blow for both programs.
Breaking: Utah-UCLA has been canceled due to a high number of COVID-19 cases in the Utah program.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 13, 2020
Cal-Arizona State was also canceled on Friday and the Pac-12 is looking into the possibility of Cal playing UCLA at the Rose Bowl on Sunday, sources told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/kmpeqFDRDt
Utah and UCLA join the list
These cancellations are no fun, but the most important thing here remains the health and safety of the players and everyone in the program. This cancellation is because of positive tests within the Utah program. Thus, UCLA is reportedly considering a game against Cal, who is off because of positive tests at ASU. The Golden Bears have yet to play a game in 2020.
Scheduling a game on such short notice may be difficult, but it is clear programs want to do anything in order to play games. The schools also want the television revenue, which is a top factor here.
This weekend’s schedule is littered with postponements and cancellations. That was to be expected give the state of COVID-19 in the country. However, the Pac-12 made things more difficult by waiting so long to start and only committing to a six-game season. Schools like Utah and Cal may only play a handful of games.
The conference is also at risk of not even having a team eligible for the College Football Playoff. Once again, the ultimate focus is on the health and safety of everyone who contracts the virus. That is much bigger than football.