Hurricane Florence Could Affect College Football Games

As Hurricane Florence rapidly intensifies, officials are monitoring the storm's path for potential changes in this week's college football schedule.

According to the National Hurricane Center's 5 p.m. advisory, Florence had strengthened to a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. Florence, which could become a Category 5 hurricane by today, is expected to make landfall along the Carolinas coast on Thursday.

That could put Wake Forest's home football game against Boston College at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in jeopardy, as well as home games Saturday for North Carolina (Central Florida, noon) and N.C. State (West Virginia, 3:30 p.m.). Duke is scheduled to travel to Waco, Texas, to meet Baylor at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

Other games scheduled for Saturday include East Carolina at Virginia Tech (12:20 p.m.), Southern Mississippi at Appalachian State (3:30 p.m.), Elon at William & Mary (6 p.m.) and Guilford at Davidson (7 p.m.).

A&T has the week off after moving to 3-0 with a victory over Gardner-Webb. Greensboro College also has an open date.

Several schools have issued statements:

North Carolina

"University of North Carolina Department of Athletics staff will be closely monitoring developments with Hurricane Florence and will make decisions about the September 15th home football game against Central Florida and other athletic events based on consultation with the appropriate state, local and campus authorities. Decisions will be based on the safety of the teams, officials, fans and others traveling to attend the game."

As of now, no decisions have been made regarding changes in the athletics schedule for the week. Several meetings were to take place on Monday, with updates as necessary.

N.C. State

"N.C. State Athletics is closely monitoring the forecast for Hurricane Florence related to potential impacts on upcoming home events, as well as away travel for its teams and student-athletes.

"Specific to the N.C. State vs. West Virginia football game on Sat., Sept. 15, N.C. State Athletics is in regular communication with representatives of West Virginia Athletics, the ACC, meteorologists, and regional emergency management services. The Mountaineers' ability to safely travel to Raleigh on Friday as planned will be one of a number of considerations this week."

Wake Forest

"Wake Forest university and the Atlantic Coast Conference office continue to monitor the progress of all weather-related issues as they pertain to athletic events this week. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, fans and the lives of those in the path of this storm. Please monitor all Wake Forest social media accounts for updates and future notifications."

Contact Brant Wilkerson-New at 336-373-7008.

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