The Florida football team has canceled this weekend’s game against Northern Colorado due to the threat of Hurricane Irma.
Earlier in the week, the Gators announced kickoff had been moved from 7:30 p.m. ET to noon. However, after assessing the situation and incoming storm, both programs agreed canceling the game was the wisest decision.
Florida and Northern Colorado do not share a similar bye week, so the game will not be rescheduled.
A statement from Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin read:
“We have been in constant communication this week with University and government officials. As the Hurricane’s track has approached the state of Florida, it’s become obvious that playing a football game is not the right thing to do.
“The focus of our state and region needs to be on evacuations and relief efforts. There is a tremendous amount of stress currently on the roads of this state, and the availability of gas, water and other supplies are at critical levels. Playing a college football game Saturday would only add to that stress.
“Gainesville is also close to some of Florida’s heaviest traffic points this week, specifically Interstate 75, which is a key statewide evacuation route.”
Hurricane Irma has already impacted a number of college football games on this weekend’s schedule.
While many have been delayed or moved up in time, Miami decided to cancel a scheduled trip to Arkansas State due to travel concerns on the way back.
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