COVID-19 strikes, Pitt vs. Georgia Tech postponed

Pitt announced Thursday afternoon that its game against Georgia Tech has been postponed to Dec. 12 due to COVID-19 concerns:

The game was originally scheduled to be played Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

“We are fortunate to have an outstanding group of doctors and medical professionals providing us daily consultation in this challenging environment,” Director of Athletics Heather Lyke said Thursday. “Following their recommendation, our football program will pause all activities. Our protocols have prepared us to anticipate and manage these circumstances. Our top priority will always be the health and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches and staff.” 

Pat Narduzzi also addressed the development just hours after he delivered what was his pre-game media availability for Georgia Tech.

“While I know our team was excited and prepared to play a game on Saturday, this is the right and responsible decision for our student-athletes and staff,” Narduzzi said. “We have great doctors at Pitt and they have given us the very best guidance throughout this entire pandemic. Our team knows we’ve had to be agile this year. We will continue to assemble virtually until we’re given the green light.” 

Todd Stansbury, Georgia Tech's Director of Athletics, released an official statement on the postponed game. The statement indicated Georgia Tech's football team lacked enough players at 'certain positions' to field their team this weekend due to injuries, positive COVID-19 tests, and contact tracing:

As of Thursday evening, no indication from Pitt has been given to suggest an outbreak has occurred amongst the team. Pitt's football program has played six consecutive games since September without a single player having to miss a game due to COVID-19 complications.

Pitt's next game is currently scheduled Nov. 21 against Virginia Tech at Heinz Field.