The 2020 Houston Cougars at Baylor Bears football game has been postponed, both schools have announced.
The Houston-Baylor game was just scheduled six days ago and was slated for Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020 at McLane Stadium, in Waco, Texas. The game was postponed due to contact tracing issues at Baylor amid the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
This decision comes as a result of Baylor not meeting the Big 12 Conference COVID-19 game cancellation thresholds. Both Baylor and Houston have agreed to honor the future home and home schedule, as well as monitor dates for future scheduling opportunities.
“The loss of this game is a devastating blow, but in the interest of the health and safety of our student-athletes, we believe we made the necessary decision,” said Baylor Director of Athletics Mack B. Rhoades. “We are incredibly disappointed with the continued delay to the start of our season, and empathize with our student-athletes, fans, coaches, and administrative staff. We are grateful for the support and understanding of the University of Houston, Athletic director Chris Pezman, and Chancellor Khator. We look forward to a future home and home match-up.”
Baylor is now scheduled to open the 2020 season on Saturday, Sept. 26 with a Big 12 Conference matchup at home against the Kansas Jayhawks. The game is set for 7:30pm ET on ESPNU.
“We’re heartbroken from this postponement,” said Head Coach Dave Aranda. “While we’ve been eager to play football this fall, we have all made a commitment to only do so with the highest level of safety and care for our student-athletes. We are disappointed for our team, staff, and our fans, but look forward with great anticipation to renewing this rivalry in the future.”
Houston will now open their 2020 season on Saturday, Sept. 26 against the North Texas Mean Green at home at TDECU Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00pm ET and it will be streamed via ESPN+.
“Baylor contacted us Friday afternoon and determined that Saturday’s game could not be played due to COVID-related issues,” Houston Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman said. “We’re extremely disappointed for our student-athletes, coaches and staff. They all have consistently done the right thing and worked tirelessly to be prepared for this game. We appreciate their dedication to adhering to not only the American’s testing protocols, but the Big 12’s as well. With our student-athletes’ commitment to doing the right thing, we remain ready to play.”
Houston AD Chris Pezman said it would be "difficult at best" to still find a way to play Baylor this season. "In my mind (it's canceled)."
— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) September 18, 2020
Football Schedules
Oof! That stinks.