UNLV-Colorado State football game called off; Rams could face Wyoming in rematch

The Mountain West Conference is reportedly considering looking to the recent past to fill gaps in schedules. 

The UNLV Rebels confirmed on Wednesday that they won't face the Colorado State Rams on Saturday because of positive COVID-19 tests and subsequent contact tracing. UNLV athletic director Desiree Reed-Francois said in the prepared statement:

"Based on four positive COVID-19 test results in our football program, the resulting contact tracing, and consulting with our medical and epidemiology experts, UNLV will not travel this weekend for its scheduled game at Colorado State and has informed the Mountain West and Colorado State.

"Over the past six weeks, more than 2,600 tests have been administered to UNLV football student-athletes, coaches and staff with a positivity rate of less than 0.6 percent. Unfortunately, with a surge in cases in the Las Vegas community and despite the efforts of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff to adhere to health and safety protocols, the decision to not play this weekend is in the best health and safety interests of all involved."

The winless Rebels (0-4) are next scheduled to play the Wyoming Cowboys on Nov. 27. 

Colorado State, meanwhile, might still have a full dance card this weekend. As Kyle Bonagura noted for ESPN, a Thursday showdown involving Wyoming and the Utah State Aggies was also canceled, and the Mountain West could have Colorado State face Wyoming in a rematch of the Nov. 5 game that the Rams won 34-24. 

A rematch wouldn't count toward the official conference standings. The schools could also schedule non-league opponents. 

The Colorado State-UNLV matchup is likely to be moved to the week of the conference championship game that takes place on Dec. 19. 

Neither school has an open date through Dec. 12.