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UW opener against Michigan canceled after Big Ten moves fall sports to conference-only games

SEATTLE — The Washington Huskies were set to kick off the 2020 football season against the Michigan Wolverines at home Sept. 5, but school officials announced that the game is canceled.

This comes after the Big Ten announced it won’t play non-conference games for football and other sports this fall.

UW said this cancellation is the only change to the 2020 football season as of right now.

Officials said it was due to the coronavirus pandemic. The league made the announcement Thursday, citing medical advice, but it also added the caveat that that’s only “if the Conference is able to participate in fall sports.” To read the Big Ten’s full statement, click here.

Another Big Ten-Pac-12 matchup that is in jeopardy is the Ohio State at Oregon game on Sept. 12.

The announcement came a day after the Ivy League Conference canceled sporting events until at least January.

UW Athletics spokesman Jeff Bechthold released this statement Thursday afternoon:

Based on the Big Ten Conference’s announcement that its member schools will not play any non-conference football games this coming fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Washington’s game vs. Michigan, scheduled for Sept. 5 at Husky Stadium, has been cancelled.

For the time being, this cancellation is the only change to the 2020 football season. Additionally, plans to re-schedule the home game vs. Michigan for a later season will be announced once they're made.

“Earlier today Warde Manuel notified me of the Big Ten’s decision to play a conference-only schedule this fall, cancelling our Sept. 5 game with Michigan at Husky Stadium,” said Jennifer Cohen, Director of Athletics. “Our fans and football program have been looking forward to this game for several years, but we understand this decision was made due to the impact of COVID-19 and prioritizing the health and well-being of student-athletes. Warde and I are currently in the process of discussing details on a future return date and will provide updates as they become available.”

If any additional changes are made to the UW’s 2020 football schedule, an official announcement will be made as details become available. Season ticket holders can expect to receive an update from the ticket office in the near future.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.