A COVID-19 outbreak prompted Washington State to cancel its scheduled Saturday road game against Stanford, the Pac-12 Conference announced Friday.
Washington State fell below the conference’s minimum of 53 available scholarship players due to positive COVID-19 cases and contact tracing.
The game was declared a no-contest and will not be made up.
Earlier Friday, Washington State starting quarterback Jayden de Laura tested positive for COVID-19, multiple outlets reported.
Stanford (0-2, 0-2) said in a statement, “Stanford Athletics explored alternative options to replace Washington State and at this time does not expect to be able to fill the opening. The program will turn its attention to Cal and the 123rd Big Game next Friday.”
Washington State athletic director Pat Chun said in a statement, “We are saddened for not only our student-athletes, coaches and staff, but those within the Stanford program, who have worked so hard preparing for this weekend. …
“We have built health and safety protocols in consultation with campus, Pac-12 Conference, NCAA, local, state and federal guidelines, and continue to follow them, ensuring that the safety of all Pac-12 student-athletes, coaches and staff continues to be our top priority.”
Cougars coach Nick Rolovich added in a statement, “I’m disappointed for our team and our players. They have battled through so much this year. We had a good week of practice and were excited to play this game. I recognize the pain they feel with this lost opportunity but this 2020 football team is a resilient group of young men.”
The Cardinal-Cougars game is the 17th to be postponed in the Football Bowl Subdivision this week, two more than last week. Another Pac-12 game slated for this week, Arizona State at Colorado, previously was canceled.
Washington State (1-1, 1-1) is next scheduled to play rival Washington next Friday.
