Pittsburgh’s game at Georgia Tech was postponed Thursday after the Panthers were forced to pause team activities due to COVID-19 protocols.
The Atlantic Coast Conference said both teams were having COVID-19 issues and the game slated for Saturday will instead be played Dec. 12.
Also, Conference USA announced Rice at Louisiana Tech scheduled for Saturday had been postponed because of COVID-19 issues with La Tech. No make-up date has been set.
Georgia Tech players link arms before an NCAA college football game against Boston College as part of the Atlantic Coast Conference's first Unity Week, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Boston. (AP PhotoMichael Dwyer)
There have been 57 games between schools in the Football Bowl Subdivision to be canceled or postponed because of the pandemic since late August — and 10 this week.
“Our protocols have prepared us to anticipate and manage these circumstances,” Pitt athletic director Heather Lyke said. "Our top priority will always be the health and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches and staff.”
Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi has consistently praised his players for being proactive in taking precautions since arriving on campus over the summer but the school is dealing with a significant uptick in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.
Georgia Tech head coach Geoff Collins watches a Boston College point during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Boston. (AP PhotoMichael Dwyer)
“Our team knows we’ve had to be agile this year,” Narduzzi said. "We will continue to assemble virtually until we’re given the green light.”
The Southeastern Conference, the Big Ten and the Pac-12 have all been forced to scramble at times this season. The Atlantic Coast Conference has not been immune, though most of the issues were in early September. This is the fifth conference game in the ACC to be postponed. One has already been made-up and Louisville at Virginia is scheduled to be played Saturday after it was postponed last week.
The conference has enjoyed relatively smooth sailing in recent weeks, though several high-profile players have been dealing with COVID-19, including Clemson star quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Pitt is still scheduled to host Virginia Tech in its home finale on Nov. 21 and travel to Clemson on Nov. 28.
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