Navy-Memphis football game postponed due to COVID-19 cases

The Navy Midshipmen won't play a football game for the second consecutive week. 

Navy confirmed on Tuesday that Saturday's contest versus the Memphis Tigers has been postponed due to positive COVID-19 cases at the Naval Academy and subsequent quarantines. The Midshipmen were supposed to play against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane last Saturday but had that game scrapped because of the ongoing virus outbreak. 

Navy, sitting at 3-4 overall on the campaign, hasn't played since a loss to the SMU Mustangs on Halloween. 

The American Athletic Conference is exploring options for a Navy-Memphis game this fall even though the programs do not share any common open dates.  

"We are disappointed to have to postpone a second game, however protocols and guidelines are very comprehensive both at the Naval Academy and within the American Athletic Conference," Navy athletic director Chet Gladchuk said in the official statement. "There are a number of medical personnel that have reviewed all the related issues and, in the end, an administrative decision has been made that clearly reflects the safety and welfare of all involved with both institutions."

Navy will now hope to be able to play against the South Florida Bulls on Nov. 21. That same day, Memphis will face the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks.