As now tropical storm Isaac continues to dump copious quantities of rainfall in Louisiana and Mississippi, this weekends season opening game between Oregon St. and Nicholls St. is off. Initially, the schools had considered postponing the game until either Sunday or Monday, which is Labor Day, but this evening plans have been changed again. The damage to Thibodaux, LA, where Nicholls St. is located, and the surrounding areas prompted the decision, which was originally not expected to be made until Thursday evening.
"It's extremely unfortunate that we will not be able to make this trip," Nicholls State University Athletic Director Rob Bernardi said. "With the lingering effects of Hurricane Isaac, we do not want to put any of our student-athletes or staff in danger, so at this point, we feel like it is best to focus on the safety of everyone, and we'll look into rescheduling the game at a later time."
A December 1 makeup is still a possibility, but that will depend on Oregon St. not winning the Pac-12 North, and qualifying for the Conference Championship game, and also Nicholls St. not qualifying for the FCS playoffs.
"It became apparent as the day progressed that the safety of Nicholls State's team and personnel was a primary concern," OSU Athletic Director Bob De Carolis said. "Many of the Colonels' student-athletes and staff are with family, and there is a deepening concern about their safety in returning to campus. We will continue to discuss the possibility of rescheduling the game."
Tickets for Saturday presumably will be good for the December date, but Oregon St. hasn't had time to determine what to do in the event that date also doesn't work out. More details to come on that.
Andy_Wooldridge@yahoo.com