Gators pause activities due to COVID; game in jeopardy
The Florida Gators are pausing team activities due to an increase in positive COVID-19 cases among players, putting Saturday’s game against LSU in jeopardy.
UF announced earlier Tuesday five new positive COVID-19 cases among football players during the past week of testing.
Florida athletics director Scott Stricklin released the following statement:
“The University of Florida football team has experienced an increase in positive COVID tests among players this week. Out of an abundance of caution, team activities are paused as of Tuesday afternoon.
“Head coach Dan Mullen has been in communication with football players and their parents, and I have had conversations with the Southeastern Conference office, last week’s opponent Texas A&M, and this week’s opponent LSU.
“These circumstances will be re-evaluated by UF Health and the athletic department’s sports medicine staff Wednesday.”
The Gators (2-1) were scheduled to play LSU (1-2) Saturday in the Swamp.
Mullen drew widespread criticism over the weekend following his comments about packing The Swamp during the coronavirus pandemic. Mullen said he hoped UF’s administration would open up Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to its capacity —officially 88,548 — to enhance the home-field advantage against LSU.
After Saturday’s 41-38 last-second loss at Texas A&M, Mullen praised the loud crowd at Kyle Field and said it was a “major factor in the game.”
A crowd of 15,120 watched the Gators win their Oct. 3 home opener 38-24 against South Carolina. Attendance was around 800 fewer people than the school planned to allow at stadium.
BOWDEN IMPROVING
Legendary Florida State coach Bobby Bowden is improving and set to return home from the hospital after testing positive for COVID-19, according to multiple reports.
Bowden, who turns 91 next month, told the Tallahassee Democrat last week he tested positive for the novel coronavirus and was in the hospital for treatment.
“I am sure [God] answered a prayer,” Bowden said about how he was feeling this week, according to the news outlet. “I do feel better. I am doing good. I appreciate everyone’s thought.”
ELSEWHERE
UCF: The Knights’ second home game of the season against Tulane on Oct. 24 will kick off at 2 p.m. and air on ESPN2. There will be limited attendance at all UCF home games this season due to
COVID-19 restrictions. The Knights will welcome 25% capacity, limiting the crowds to a little more than 11,000.
Clemson: Quarterback
Trevor Lawrence and tailback Travis Etienne are giving Heisman Trophy voters plenty to think about. Lawrence has completed 72% of his passes for 1,140 yards and 10 touchdowns. Etienne, with 392 rushing yards and four TDs, has set a college football record with a touchdown in a 39th game, breaking a tie with two others including past Heisman winner Tim Tebow.