The Houston Cougars at SMU Mustangs football game has been canceled due to COVID-19, the American Athletic Conference announced on Thursday.
The two schools were scheduled to meet at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 5. The game will not be played due to “… to positive COVID-19 cases and contact tracing within the Mustangs’ program.”
The game was originally scheduled for Nov. 21 then moved to Dec. 5. The American Athletic Conference will consider a number of scheduling options with regards to the remainder of the 2020 schedule.
“I’m disappointed for both teams, who have worked to prepare for this weekend’s game,” Houston Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman said. “We wish those affected at SMU a quick recovery.”
Houston is 3-3 overall and 3-2 in the American this season. The Cougars are currently scheduled to return to the gridiron on Saturday, Dec. 12 on the road against the Memphis Tigers.
“SMU has identified a positive case of COVID-19 involving a staff member. A number of football student-athletes were identified as close contacts via the contact tracing process. In particular, large portions of multiple position groups, including an entire unit, are in quarantine,” said SMU A.D. Rick Hart. “As a result, we unable to host the Houston football game this Saturday. All impacted individuals are abiding by SMU guidelines and CDC protocols for isolation and quarantine.
“While we are disappointed that our regular season is now over and that our seniors will not be able to partake in Senior Day festivities, the health and safety of our student-athletes and staff remain our top priority. This senior class will be forever remembered for helping to usher in a new era of Mustang Football.
“I also want to thank all our fans for their support during this most-unusual season. We hope to have bowl information soon and are excited for the opportunity for our student-athletes to play another game.”
SMU (7-3, 4-3 American) currently has no additional regular-season contests scheduled.
Football Schedules