Clemson vs. Florida State noon game postponed after player’s COVID-19 diagnosis

Saturday’s Clemson at Florida State noon football game has been postponed, the Atlantic Coast Conference announced. The Florida at Vanderbilt football game was shown instead.

The Clemson Tigers learned Friday one of their players had tested positive for COVID-19, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press.

The postponement came after the Saturday morning regular game conference call, when the two teams’ medical personnel could not agree on moving forward with the game, the ACC said.

ALSO READ: Clemson coach: QB Lawrence will not start vs. Notre Dame after testing positive for COVID-19

The person spoke to the AP anonymously, saying the postponement stemmed from a positive test Clemson received Friday after traveling to Tallahassee. That unidentified player had tested negative on campus this week despite displaying symptoms.

Another person with knowledge of the decision told AP that Florida State officials were informed late Friday night that the Tigers had an offensive lineman return a positive test earlier in the day. The person said Clemson officials told Florida State that the Tigers player had taken part in practice and meetings throughout the week while showing symptoms.

Clemson’s Athletic Director said they have followed the ACC’s protocol to prepare for the game and they are disappointed with the postponement.

We are disappointed that we will not be able to play today’s game against Florida State. Clemson has followed all of the ACC's protocol in preparation for this game. We look ahead to returning to action next week against Pitt for Senior Day and Military Appreciation Day. https://t.co/5VJK44iOjL
— Dan Radakovich (@ClemsonDRad) November 21, 2020

The Seminoles’ head coach said in a statement they hope to play Clemson in December.

“Our first priority is the health of our student-athletes, and I appreciate the protocols that have been put in place by FSU and the ACC to ensure everyone’s health while allowing us to play this season,” head coach Mike Norvell said. “It’s unfortunate that we will not have the opportunity to compete today, but we hope to be able to play Clemson in December. I am thankful for the support and coordination between our administration, Clemson and the ACC office. Our team will now turn our focus to hosting Virginia next week.”

The SEC announced that the Florida at Vanderbilt football game, originally airing on ESPN, will now air on ABC at noon in place of the Clemson at FSU game.

The Associated Press has contributed to this story.