Iowa State alters plans: No fans for season opener

Iowa State will play its season opener without fans in the stand sat Jack Trice Stadium, a dramatic reversal from its announced plan Monday to allow for 25,000 fans.

“Over the weekend ,( university president Wendy) Winters teen gave our working group the approval to move forward with the plans that were jointly developed,” Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard said in a statement released by the school. “Our department announced those plans on Monday, which included allowing fans, who purchased season tickets, to attend the first game.

“President Winters teen shared with me on Tuesday evening t hat, after weighing feedback she has received from the community, she has decided to reverse the decision. As a result, we will play t he season opener without fans.”

The Cyclones open t heir season against LouisianaLafayette on Sept .12 at Jack Trice Stadium, which typically holds 60,000 fans.

Iowa State's plan to allow for up to 25,000 fans with mitigation guidelines came under sharp criticism as it was announced the same day Ames was identified as the nation' s worst corona viru shot spot. That earlier announcement also came a day after the state had been provided guidance by the White House that more drastic measures were needed to slow the spread of the novel virus within Iowa.

CENTRAL FLORIDA: Two projected starters are among 10 UCF football players who are opting out of the 2020 season due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.

Coach Josh Heupel said cornerback Tay Gowan and defensive lineman Kalia Davis, as well as backup quarterback Darriel Mack Jr., are part of the group. The others are offensive linemen Allan Adams, Lamarius Benson and Adrian Medley; defensive linemen Mason Cholewa and Kendrick Wilson, and defensive backs Elijah Benoit and Devunte Dawson. “Everybody's perspective and situation with COVID is different. They're all valid and real. It's the most unique thing that most of us have ever encountered in our lifetime,” Heupel said Tuesday.

The Knights are ranked No. 21 in the AP preseason poll.