SEC Football: LSU at Florida Postponed Due to Hurricane Matthew

Oct 6, 2016; Fort Lauderdale Beach, FL, USA; A Broward B-cycle station sits shrink-wrapped prior to Hurricane Matthew. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Raucheisen/Naples Daily News via USA TODAY NETWORK
Oct 6, 2016; Fort Lauderdale Beach, FL, USA; A Broward B-cycle station sits shrink-wrapped prior to Hurricane Matthew. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Raucheisen/Naples Daily News via USA TODAY NETWORK /
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The SEC Football game between LSU and Florida this Saturday has been indefinitely postponed. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey had a conference call this afternoon with officials from both LSU and Florida and determined that the Gators would be unable to host, or travel to, a game due to Hurricane Matthew. Matthew is projected to be a Category Four Hurricane when it runs up the east coast of Florida tomorrow.

It seems incredibly trivial to speak about football when lives are at stake, but such is the burden of being a sports blogger. LSU and Florida will have the opportunity to reschedule, though when the two would be able to play is difficult to predict.

Prior to the postponement, LSU reportedly offered to host the game or travel to a neutral site. However, it was ultimately decided that the likelihood of damage from the storm, lack of available emergency personnel, and the impact of the storm on people, facilities and travel required a postponement.

Sankey said:

“The timing of this storm on a Friday and the uncertainly of its aftermath in the ensuing days make it particularly difficult to project the conditions for the remainder of the weekend as well as the opportunity for travel of teams and fans to or from Gainesville and other cities in Florida. I am appreciative of the cooperation of our universities on this matter.”

Editor’s Note:

Oct 6, 2016; Fort Lauderdale Beach, FL, USA; A Broward B-cycle station sits shrink-wrapped prior to Hurricane Matthew. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Raucheisen/Naples Daily News via USA TODAY NETWORK
Oct 6, 2016; Fort Lauderdale Beach, FL, USA; A Broward B-cycle station sits shrink-wrapped prior to Hurricane Matthew. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Raucheisen/Naples Daily News via USA TODAY NETWORK /

Hurricanes are an extremely dangerous and serious force of nature. If you are in the path of the storm you should evacuate if at all possible. Homes can be rebuilt, but death is frighteningly permanent. Stay safe out there. – Justin Melton