Just a short time ago we noted how a handful of schools along with their conferences are monitoring Hurricane Matthew and its potential impact on Week 6 games, although all were cautiously optimistic that the games would go of as planned. At least one high-ranking officials in one of the states involved, however, has her doubts.
At a press conference Tuesday, South Carolina governor Nikki Haley declared a state of emergency ahead of the hurricane’s expected impact on her state later on this week. While acknowledging that the decision will ultimately be made by the school and the SEC, Haley stated that she “can’t imagine” the Georgia-South Carolina game being played as scheduled Saturday night.
“It’s a complete decision based on the schools,” Haley said according to The State. “As of now I can’t imagine that happening but certainly we’re going to continue to watch this. I would love nothing more than to see this take a right-hand turn and go out to sea. As it looks right now, we’re looking at Friday afternoon into Saturday being pretty brutal.
In a statement, the athletic department said that "[w]e are in communication with the National Weather Service” and that "[o]nce forecasts call for action, we will use all means necessary to inform the public.”
If the game is delayed, it’s unclear when or even if it would be made up. South Carolina has a bye in Week 7, but Georgia’s isn’t until the following Saturday. According to UGA athletic director Greg McGarity via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “Georgia, South Carolina and the SEC office had yet to have discussions about contingency plans for the game.”