To state the Arizona Wildcats are disillusioned about their season opener at Utah being canceled is an understatement.
The Pac-12 reported Friday afternoon it had affirmed a request by Utah to cancel the game because of the Utes not having the minimum number of scholarship athletes accessible to play. The game has been proclaimed a no challenge and is probably not going to be made up.
Arizona athletic director Dave Heeke released a proclamation soon after the abrogation was declared:
“Arizona Athletics respects the Pac-12 Conference’s approval of Utah’s request to cancel our football game in Salt Lake City in accordance with the Pac-12’s game cancellation policy. Our football program and athletics department have worked incredibly hard in preparation to take the field on Saturday.
“I could not be more disappointed that our players, coaches and staff will be unable to experience game day, which they have prepared months for. With that said, health and safety must continue to be our guiding principles throughout these uncertain times.
“Our athletics department and football program will continue to move forward with those guiding principles at the forefront as we prepare to host USC next weekend.”
Both Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News and Christian Caple of The Athletic have announced that Arizona and Washington attempted to arrange a game against one another—Washington’s opener at Cal was canceled on Thursday—however no agreement could be made.
Arizona is currently planned to open the 2020 season on Nov. 14 at home against USC. Extraordinary teams coordinator Jeremy Springer is as of now getting ready for that matchup.
