First FBS football game of 2021 canceled due to COVID issues

Last year, COVID-19 wreaked havoc on college football, forcing the cancellations of dozens of games across the country.

However, so far this season, things have gone relatively smoothly, with no COVID cancellations at the FBS level thus far in 2021.

That has all come to an end, though. Per reports on Tuesday evening, this week’s Cal-USC game has been called off due to COVID issues within the Cal program:

Can confirm @wilnerhotline report: Cal-USC canceled, related to COVID cases at Cal. Team experienced more positive cases after roughly two dozen tested positive last week.

— Kyle Bonagura (@BonaguraESPN) November 9, 2021

Cal-USC game is off.Bears can’t play. First FBS game off this season bc Covid issues https://t.co/pzE43Fnknk

— Jon Wilner (@wilnerhotline) November 9, 2021

Cal had COVID issues last week, losing to Arizona with a short-handed squad. Now, the Bears apparently can’t play this week.

Per ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura, Cal has a 99% vaccination rate:

Cal has a 99% vaccination rate among its players.

— Kyle Bonagura (@BonaguraESPN) November 9, 2021

Of course, vaccines don’t stop positive tests, as breakthrough cases are possible. The Bears are apparently dealing with around 2 dozen positive cases of COVID at the moment.

Adam Spencer

Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.