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Michigan State's football game at Maryland canceled for 2nd time

December 17, 2020
<p>Maryland linebacker Fa’Najae Gotay tackles freshman running back Brandon Wright (26) during the game Nov. 30, 2019, at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans beat the Terrapins 19-16.</p>

Maryland linebacker Fa’Najae Gotay tackles freshman running back Brandon Wright (26) during the game Nov. 30, 2019, at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans beat the Terrapins 19-16.

Photo by Sylvia Jarrus | The State News

Second time's the charm?

Nope.

Maryland and Michigan State, for the second time this college football season, will not be playing due to COVID-19 issues within the Terrapin football program, Maryland Athletics announced in a release Thursday.

The announcement, according to the release, came from guidance and advice from the university medical staff.

Three out of the seven scheduled Big Ten games for this weekend have now been canceled, which is the most in any week this season.

Originally slated to play on Nov. 21, Maryland Athletics canceled that first matchup early that week due to positive COVID-19 test results within the program.

Now, MSU and Maryland's seasons, unless either team gets selected to play in a bowl game, will be over.

"This has been a season of promise and of adversity," Maryland Head Coach Michael Locksley said in a release. "Our team has demonstrated a tremendous work ethic, resolve and displayed Maryland pride throughout this unique season. We have battled two opponents each week, the team we matched up with on the field and COVID. Together, we experienced tremendous highs and we are deeply disappointed that we will not be able to test ourselves on the field against Michigan State."

According to the release, between Dec. 10-16, Maryland had 15 student-athletes and six staff members test positive for coronavirus.

The student-athlete numbers alone surpassed the Big Ten test positivity rate of 2.4%. Maryland Athletics stated in the release that all individuals are in designated isolation spaces.

Maryland has had multiple games canceled this season, namely the program's matchups with Michigan State, Ohio State and the University of Michigan.

If MSU doesn't play in a bowl game, the Spartans will finish the season with a 2-5 record. Maryland will finish 2-3 on the year.

Maryland has had 154 positive test results between athletes and staff to date.

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