The Vanderbilt Commodores at Missouri Tigers football game scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17 has been postponed, the SEC announced on Monday.
The game was postponed due to novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) issues at Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt, which had several players out last weekend, has fallen below the threshold of 53 scholarship student-athletes available to play.
The shortage of available scholarship student-athletes is due to the quarantining of individuals with positive tests and those designated as close contacts, along with injuries and opt-outs.
“The league and universities have been prepared for the likelihood of disruptions within the season while we all navigate the various challenges and complexities of competing during a global pandemic. As always, we are committed to taking whatever steps necessary for the health and safety of our students and community,” said Vanderbilt vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletic director Candice Lee.
“While we share in the disappointment that this Saturday’s game will be postponed, our program is deeply appreciative of the tireless efforts put forth by student-athletes, university officials, conference administrators and medical experts who have risen to the challenge of helping us navigate these unprecedented circumstances,” said Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason. “The safety and well-being of our student-athletes will remain a top priority as we continue the season, and we look forward to returning to competition.”
Per the release from the SEC, the Vanderbilt-Missouri game has tentatively been rescheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12 in Columbia, Mo. All SEC teams were scheduled to be off on Dec. 12 prior to the SEC Championship Game on Saturday, Dec. 19.
Vanderbilt will now be off this weekend and on Oct. 24 before they are scheduled to host the Ole Miss Rebels in Nashville, Tenn., on Halloween (Saturday, Oct. 31).
Missouri’s next scheduled contest is on Saturday, Oct. 24 on the road against the 10th-ranked Florida Gators.
Football Schedules