Another school football game is off the September 12 program due to COVID-19 disorders, a sign of disruption for schools waiting to end an fall season.
The opening of the East Carolina house opposite Marshall has been postponed, the ECU announced Thursday. A date has been set to catch up, but officials at any of the schools expect the adjustment to be postponed outside the conference. The Pirates play in the American Athletic Conference, while Marshall plays in Conference USA.
“We are disappointed that we cannot welcome Marshall for our season opening, but our most sensible priority remains the fitness and protection of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, enthusiasts and our community,” said ECU Sports Director Jon Gilbert. in a report.
East Carolina reported several COVID groups on campus last week, leading school officials to move all undergraduate courses online this week. The Pirates will now open their season on September 26 opposite AAFC’s opponent in Central Florida.
Gilbert said he still expects a limited number of enthusiasts to attend if national and local rules permit. Thundering Herd is scheduled to open at home on September 19 in opposition to Appalachia state.
Earlier this week, Virginia Tech and the state of North Carolina saw the opening of the Atlantic Coast Conference scheduled for September 12 postponed for two weeks.