Florida Atlantic-Georgia Southern game postponed

Florida Atlantic postponed its football opener Saturday at Georgia Southern because of a coronavirus outbreak.

The two schools hope to reschedule, FAU said Friday.

Eleven people in the FAU program tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week. The school declined to specify how many of the positive tests involved players, coaches or staff.

SEC releases policies for players, schedules

On Friday, Southeastern Conference announced minimum thresholds of available players in order to play a scheduled game as well as policies for cancellations and postponements related to COVID-19.

Teams must have 53 scholarship players available, including seven offensive linemen, including a center, one quarterback and four defensive linemen.

If a school needs to call off a game regardless of those minimums, the institution can request the game be rescheduled — or deemed a no contest if rescheduling isn’t possible — by presenting data outlining reasons an institution cannot participate. The final decision on whether a game is canceled or postponed rests with SEC commissioner Greg Sankey.

Deion Sanders close to taking college job

According to several reports Thursday, Deion Sanders is close to being hired as the head coach at Jackson State. School officials have issued denials that a decision has been made.

A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame who has also been hailed as one of the greatest college players of his era, the 53-year-old Sanders is in his fourth year as offensive coordinator at Trinity Christian in Cedar Hill.

N.C. State to allow parents at its opener

North Carolina State University said Friday it has received permission from the state to allow up to 350 fans to attend its Saturday home football game against Wake Forest.

An executive order from Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper presently limits outdoor gatherings to 50 people. The public health department said it would allow two family members per player to attend football games up to 350 people if the college follows certain health protocols.

The public health department guidance requires fans to wear masks and practice social distancing. It prohibits schools from offering alcohol or concessions.

But not all schools are planning to allow fans into the games. Duke won’t allow parents to attend Saturday’s home game against Boston College.