South Florida to host Illinois as scheduled

Sep 12, 2017 - 2:19 PM South Florida's home game on Friday night against Illinois will be played as scheduled.

The status of the contest at Raymond James Stadium was in question after Hurricane Irma passed through Tampa over the weekend. South Florida canceled last week's game against Connecticut as it braced for the storm.

"We are grateful that our student-athletes, staff and their families are safe and accounted for," South Florida athletic director Mark Harlan said in a prepared statement. "After consulting with university leadership and the Tampa Sports Authority, we are confident that Friday's game can proceed safely as scheduled without impacting the recovery efforts. Our thoughts remain with all of those impacted by the hurricane in Florida and elsewhere, and we express sincere gratitude to all first responders for their efforts."

While South Florida will play this week, Central Florida announced on Monday that canceled its home game against Georgia Tech and Florida International did the same with its road contest at Indiana.

In a university release, Indiana said athletic director Fred Glass agreed with FIU's decision to cancel the game "after a series of discussions with FIU officials" that began Sunday.

"Glass and FIU Athletic Director Pete Garcia have been in regular communication since Sunday about the situation, and with FIU classes being canceled, several FIU players and coaches being from the South Florida area, along with the considerable logistical hurdles to overcome in traveling to Bloomington, the decision to cancel the game was made late on Monday evening," Indiana's release said.

"The two programs plan to schedule a game between the schools at Memorial Stadium at some point in the future. All involved with IU Athletics offer their thoughts and prayers to Florida International University and all who live in areas devastated by Hurricane Irma."

The Miami-Florida State game has been postponed to Oct. 7 in Tallahassee, Fla.