Saturday’s football game between UNC and Charlotte has been canceled after several key members of Charlotte’s team were placed under quarantine due to COVID-19 testing protocols.

In an announcement, Charlotte revealed that several members of its offensive line were placed into quarantine following the university’s COVID-19 contact tracing protocols, essentially depleting that unit. Although only one player tested positive out of 200 tests administered to the Charlotte program, contact tracing caused several players to go into quarantine.

“We’re extremely disappointed to have to cancel our game at North Carolina. While I know our team is heartbroken, due to the number of players in quarantine, we could not safely play,” said Charlotte athletic director Mike Hill. “We very much appreciate the University of North Carolina having scheduled this game with us. Unfortunately, we do not share any common open dates to reschedule.”

Last week, UNC opened up the 2020 season with a 31-6 win over Syracuse in an empty Kenan Stadium. In its opening game, Charlotte lost to Appalachain State, 35-20.

“We’re disappointed we won’t have a chance to play this weekend, but completely understand and appreciate Charlotte’s transparency,” Mack Brown said in a statement. “We were looking forward to competing against Coach [Will Healy’s] group. As you know, we’re good friends so I hate this for him and his team. Hopefully, everyone affected is okay and we wish them the best as they move through the season.”

UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham echoed Brown’s statement, saying they knew cancellations would be a possibility this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also added that UNC is looking to use its bye week to schedule another opponent.

“We are looking at opportunities to add an opponent on Saturday, September 26, which is currently scheduled as an open date,” Cunningham said.

Per ACC rules in 2020, a potential non-conference game scheduled for September 26 must be played in North Carolina.

Featured image via ACC Media.

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