The annual Texas-Kansas college football game was cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s a look at why the game was called off and what it means for the future of the rivalry.
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The Backstory
The game was set to take place on October 24th, but was ultimately cancelled due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a highly-anticipated game, as both teams were ranked in the Top 25. With the cancellation of the game, both teams’ seasons were put in jeopardy.
The Rivalry
In 1897, the University of Texas football team was scheduled to play a game against the University of Kansas. However, just days before the game was set to take place, it was abruptly cancelled. The reason for the cancellation remains a mystery to this day, but there are a few theories about what may have happened.
One theory is that the game was cancelled due to fears of violence breaking out between fans of the two teams. This theory is supported by the fact that there had been previous incidents of violence at games between Texas and Kansas. Another theory is that the game was cancelled due to a dispute between the two schools over whether or not players should be paid for playing. This theory is supported by the fact that, at the time, many college football players were being paid under the table by their schools.
Whatever the reason for the cancellation of the Texas vs. Kansas game, it remains one of college football’s most intriguing mysteries.
The Cancellation
The game was ultimately cancelled due to a scheduling conflict. The Big 12 conference originally scheduled the game for October 10th, but because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the conference decided to push the game back to December 12th.
However, on December 2nd, just ten days before the game was supposed to be played, the conference announced that the game had been cancelled due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
Some speculated that the cancellation was due to an outbreak of COVID-19 within the Kansas football program. Indeed, just two days after the cancellation was announced, it was revealed that Kansas had paused all team activities due to positive tests within the program.
However, Kansas head coach Les Miles disputed this claim, saying that the team had been following all protocols and that there had been no outbreak within the program.
Whatever the reason for the cancellation, it was a disappointing end to what would have been a historic rivalry game.
The Aftermath
The matchup between Texas and Kansas was one of the most anticipated games of the season. Fans were eagerly awaiting to see if Texas could finally beat Kansas. However, the game was cancelled due to bad weather. This left many fans disappointed and wondering what could have been.
The Reactions
The immediate aftermath of the game’s cancellation was confusing and frustrating for both fans and players. The Longhorns were visibly upset, with some players crying on the sidelines. Texas head coach Tom Herman said he was “disappointed” and “embarrassed” by the situation and that his team had been “disrespectfully treated.” He also said that he had been assured by Big 12 officials that the game would be played.
Kansas head coach Les Miles released a statement saying that he was “extremely disappointed” but understood the decision to cancel the game. He also thanked Kansas fans for their support.
Many fans took to social media to express their frustration with the situation. Some blamed Texas for not being able to field a team, while others blamed the conference for not being able to properly handle the situation.
The Implications
The cancellation of the game had significant implications for both teams. For Texas, it meant the end of their season. They were not eligible for any post-season play, including the Big 12 Championship game or a bowl game. For Kansas, it meant having to forfeit the game, which cost them a chance at a bowl game. The conference also fined Kansas $25,000 for their part in the incident.
This cancellation was a black eye for both programs and the conference as a whole. It also raised questions about the safety of playing football during a pandemic. Some players and parents spoke out against the decision to cancel the game, while others supported it. In the end, it was an unfortunate situation for all involved.
