SMU-TCU rivalry game off due to COVID-19

The annual football game between Texas rivals SMU and TCU scheduled for Friday night is off — at least for now — because of the coronavirus.

TCU athletic director Jeremiah Donati announced that an unspecified number of players and support staff tested positive for COVID-19, causing the change in schedule. “These individuals were notified immediately and are currently abiding by CDC protocols,” Donati said. “No one is currently facing serious health issues, and we intend to continue our enforcement of strict standards to protect the program and our community. Everyone’s health and safety remains our top priority. We share in your disappointment, but firmly believe we will be ready to resume football activities soon.”

Donati said the athletic department will “continue to follow prevention and testing” protocols and plans to be ready to host the Big 12 Conference opener against Iowa State on Sept. 26.

Whether the Horned Frogs and SMU will make up the game remains to be seen, with Donati saying both programs will “monitor dates” as the season progresses to determine whether there is an opening on the schedule. The game was to be played in Fort Worth.

The teams play their annual rivalry for the Iron Skillet traveling trophy, and this was to be the 100th meeting between the North Texas teams. The Mustangs beat the Horned Frogs last year, 41-38, to break a seven-game losing streak in the series.

SMU, which plays in the American Athletic Conference, was set to open its season Saturday afternoon against Texas State. –Field Level Media ()