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In a shocking development, the Pac-12 announced earlier today that Saturday’s contest between Washington and California has been cancelled. An unnamed player for California has test positive for COVID-19, meaning many members of the team are going to be forced to self-quarantine for the next few weeks. Due to this, Cal will not have enough players for Saturday’s game. Per Pac-12 rules, the game will be ruled a No Contest.
Cal-Washington is not the only high profile game to be postponed this weekend. The Army-Air Force contest scheduled for Friday has also been suspended due to Covid-19 issues on the Air Force campus. Wisconsin has had to cancel their last two games due to the coronavirus.
With the Pac-12 playing a shortened 7 game schedule, the ability for Cal or Washington to make a bowl game may be further strained. The NCAA say that teams will not need a certain number of wins, only a .500 or better record, but only having 3 wins may mean a team misses out on a marquee bowl despite having a winning record.
Oregon State is scheduled to play Cal in two weeks, on November 21st. Self-quarantine for affected players may have ended by then, but if more players test positive, the rest of the Golden Bears’ season may be thrown into doubt.
UPDATE: 11/6
Just a few hours ago the Pac-12 also announced that tomorrow’s Arizona at Utah game would also be cancelled, also due to COVID-19. Due to a positive test, Utah will not be able to field enough players. The game will also be declared a no contest.
Statement regarding Saturday's Arizona at Utah #Pac12FB game: pic.twitter.com/W9fLZia1H1
— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) November 6, 2020