Tigers’ game vs. UT Martin canceled
Memphis football lost another game on its schedule when UT Martin informed the athletic department Monday that it won't be able to play the game scheduled for Nov. 21 at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
This is the second nonconference game canceled for Memphis. Purdue canceled its Sept. 12 home game with the Tigers after the Big Ten canceled all nonconference football games in July. The Big Ten eventually suspended its football season until the spring.
The Ohio Valley Conference, which UT Martin is a part of, announced Friday it was postponing all conference games for fall sports because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
OVC football member schools had the option to play up to four nonconference games if they desired.
According to the contract between the schools, Memphis agreed to pay UT Martin $325,0000 for the game. Because UT Martin was unable to play, it would have to pay a cancellation fee of $650,000.
However, the agreement can be terminated if the game becomes impossible to play because of “unforeseen catastrophes or disasters beyond the control of either party.”
Memphis is down to 10 games this season with five home games. They have just two nonconference opponents in Arkansas State (Sept. 5) and Texassan Antonio (Sept. 26). With UT Martin off the schedule, the Tigers have a bye week in September, October and November. In a statement, the Tigers athletic department said that it will consider “all options for a potential replacement and will provide further updates when available.”