FORT COLLINS, Colo. — It was supposed to be an exciting 48 hours for the Colorado State faithful. Unfortunately, though, due to COVID-19 issues in both the CSU men’s basketball and football programs, fans of the green and gold will now be stuck watching mediocre NFC East football on Thanksgiving like everyone else.
On Wednesday afternoon, Football Scoop broke the initial story that Thursday’s in-state rivalry game would not go on as scheduled. Shortly after a source confirmed the disappointing news to DNVR Rams, stating that the team will have to stop practicing for at least a couple of days.
According to the university’s COVID-19 recovery website, seven players and two staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, at least nine other players have been identified as close contacts and ordered to quarantine.
“Our greatest responsibility is the health of our students – including student athletes – faculty, staff and the broader Fort Collins, Larimer County and Colorado community,” Joyce McConnell said in a statement.
“While we understand players, staff and fans may be disappointed, to proceed with a game under these conditions is not responsible, and we must all do what we can to protect each other.”
According to the official release from the Mountain West Conference, CSU-Air Force will be considered a no contest, meaning there are no plans to reschedule the game right now. With the latest cancellation, the Rams have now had three of their six games eliminated and/or postponed.
As of right now, CSU football’s remaining games on the schedule are San Diego State (Dec. 5) and Utah State (Dec. 12). The Rams have also been rumored to be flirting with playing UNLV on the 19th as well — of course it may not be possible if things don’t get better from a health perspective.
Along with COVID-19 troubles for the football program, CSU men’s basketball also lost a pair of Pac-12 games this week. The Rams were slated to play California-Berkeley on Wednesday night and Oregon State on Thanksgiving. But a pair of positive tests for the Rams resulted in a shutdown of the program until at least December 2.
2020, man.
