FSU-Clemson game postponed after Clemson player tests positive for COVID-19

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - The Atlantic Coast Conference has announced that the FSU-Clemson game has been postponed. The game was scheduled to begin at noon.

“Our first priority is the health of our student-athletes, and I appreciate the protocols that have been put in place by FSU and the ACC to ensure everyone’s health while allowing us to play this season,” head coach Mike Norvell said. “It’s unfortunate that we will not have the opportunity to compete today, but we hope to be able to play Clemson in December. I am thankful for the support and coordination between our administration, Clemson and the ACC office. Our team will now turn our focus to hosting Virginia next week.”

The postponement follows this morning’s game conference call at which time both teams’ medical personnel were unable to mutually agree on moving forward with the game. Both teams continue to adhere to the minimum outlined protocols within the ACC Medical Advisory Group report, which is available on theACC.com (full report).

According to several reports, Clemson had at least one player test positive from a test taken on Friday. The team received the results after landing in Tallahassee and that player traveled with the team. Florida State was not comfortable proceeding with the game to due concerns of a potential spread.

The Clemson player that tested positive reportedly practiced this week while symptomatic. He had been testing negative throughout the week until Friday’s test results came through. After he tested positive, FSU medical officials were concerned he had been contagious and could have potentially infected other Clemson offensive linemen who have not yet tested positive.

It’s also important to remember that FSU is very thin along the offensive and defensive lines, with OT Devontay Love-Taylor, DT Marvin Wilson and Cory Durden all being lost for the season over the past two weeks.

FSU officials were concerned about those position groups being infected and potentially being left with even less depth across those groups than they already have.

More details regarding the rescheduled game, including ticket information, will be announced at a later date.

Dec. 12 is a potential reschedule date. Both teams have an open date for that week. Clemson was open to playing Sunday or Monday but Florida State did not agree.

The Seminoles (2-6, 1-6 ACC) and Tigers (7-1, 6-1 ACC) meet each year. Clemson has won five in a row in the series. FSU has a 20-13 advantage in the series, including a 12-5 mark at home. FSU is 17-11 against the Tigers with both teams being in the ACC.

FSU is scheduled to return to action next Saturday when they host Virginia. Kickoff and television for that game has not yet been announced.

This is a developing story. We will update this story as we learn more information.

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