The devastating impact of Hurricane Harvey on the state of Texas has forced several college programs to consider relocation options for upcoming football games.
But the AdvoCare Classic in Arlington, Texas, between Florida and Michigan at 3:30 p.m. Saturday won’t be affected.
“It’s time. It’s exciting. Looking forward to the trip to Dallas,” UF coach Jim McElwain said Monday, before turning his thoughts to the devastation in Houston. “We feel for those people. It’s real life happening down there.”
Houston is about a four-hour drive south from Arlington.
Officials from BYU and LSU were reportedly in contact with ESPN on whether or not to move their neutral-site game — the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff — from NRG Stadium in Houston. The game is scheduled to kick off Saturday at 9:30 ET.
Two potential sites for the game to be relocated to are LSU’s Tiger Stadium or New Orleans’ Mercedes-Benz Superdome according to SB Nation. The report also cites a source who says both schools are interested in moving the game to another city.
BYU director of athletics Tom Holmoe tweeted out Sunday afternoon: “Cougar Nation, All parties involved are working on a solution to our scheduled game with LSU this weekend. We will announce plans when final.”
The Houston Cougars moved their football practices two and a half hours away to Austin.
Hurricane Harvey, which made landfall Friday as a Category 4 hurricane, dumped 24 inches of rain in the first 24-hours leaving thousands without power and forcing many people from their homes. Two people have died so far from the storm, which is expected to remain in the Houston area over the next four days.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This is a ploy by Coach Mac since Michigan hasn’t named their starters. I am confident Coach Mac is playing along. This early in the season both teams will be finding out a little more what they have. I am more cconcerned about the players and their mindset. No more suspensions gentleman …please.
No way that Michigan and Florida should play this game as scheduled. How in the world can they play a football game 4 hours away with all this devastation? All the resources of state should be used for the victims of this tragedy. There are more important things in life than football.