Boise State football game canceled by COVID-19 for second time in 5 days
The Boise State football team’s game at UNLV has been canceled, the Mountain West announced Wednesday evening.
The Broncos were scheduled to face the Rebels on Friday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, but the conference announced around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday that the game was canceled based on advice from medical personnel at both universities.
“Based on guidance from medical personnel and epidemiologists, Friday’s football game between UNLV and Boise State has been canceled and will not be rescheduled,” the conference said in a statement. “Both medical teams have been in communication in order to understand the full picture of COVID issues in our region.”
It’s the second week in a row that Boise State (4-1, 4-0 MW) has lost a game to COVID-19. The Broncos’ contest against undefeated San Jose State (4-0, 4-0) was canceled just 5 hours before kick off on Saturday.
“We had been preparing for this game and were looking forward to playing UNLV,” Boise State football coach Bryan Harsin said in a statement released Wednesday evening. “It’s disappointing not to be able to play the game, but we’ll turn our attention to playing our next opponent.”
Boise State could face more challenges next week. If Central District Health’s Board of Health approves a new COVID-19-related order Friday, sports activities that don’t allow for 6-foot spacing will be prohibited in Ada County. Boise State would need to seek an exemption from the Board of Health to resume activities, CDH spokesperson Christine Myron told the Idaho Statesman.
“Based on recommendations from medical personnel, it was determined that the Boise State-UNLV game would not take place,” interim Boise State Athletic Director Bob Carney said in Wednesday’s statement. “We feel for the student-athletes, coaches and fans of each program, but the most important thing in times like these is listening to the experts. That was what transpired in this decision coming to fruition.”
It’s the second time in the past three weeks that UNLV (0-5, 0-5) has seen a game canceled. The Rebels’ contest at Colorado State on Nov. 21 was canceled after four UNLV players tested positive.
Boise State is scheduled to wrap up the regular season on the road Dec. 12 at Wyoming. The Cowboys traveled to Las Vegas last Friday and beat UNLV 45-14.
This story was originally published December 2, 2020 at 6:56 PM.
