Georgia Tech had expectations to emerge from its COVID-19 pause to play Saturday at N.C. State. However, now it’s the Wolfpack that has COVID-19 issues, necessitating the game’s indefinite postponement. The ACC made the announcement Thursday.
The Yellow Jackets have now had four consecutive games postponed, the first three because of COVID-19 issues within their own team.
“The health and safety of the student-athletes on both teams is the most important factor, as I’ve said repeatedly,” coach Josh Pastner said in a statement. “We wish the best for the young men and staff at N.C. State. Our players have done a great job this week as we’ve begun to come out of our pause, and we look forward to playing games.”
After being put on pause Jan. 5, a day before their game at Notre Dame – games against Louisville and Pitt were later postponed – the Jackets began limited practice Monday. As of Thursday, the team’s plans had been to play the Wolfpack on Saturday in Raleigh, N.C.
Tech’s next scheduled game is Jan. 20, a home game against No. 12 Clemson. If the Jackets are able to play, it will be their first game since Jan. 3. Tech has now had five games postponed or canceled this season with nine played. The Georgia Tech-N.C. State game is the 17th ACC league game to be postponed this season. Going into this weekend’s games, 32 have been played.
The chances of Tech finding another game for this weekend are slim. Among ACC teams, only Duke is available to play, and Tech already has a home-and-home scheduled with the Blue Devils later in the season.