Although it could be taking place about 900 miles away, a possible volcanic eruption in Iceland could put the season opener between Penn State and UCF in Ireland at risk.
Penn State and UCF, the defending AAC champions from 2013, are scheduled to play the Croke Park Classic on Saturday, August 30, but getting there could prove to be difficult. Officials in Iceland are monitoring the developments and stability of a sub-glacial volcano following a series of small earthquakes that caused the evacuation of 500 people. If the volcano does erupt, it could fill the sky with volcanic ash that would interfere with air travel to Ireland.
According to the Associated Press, more than 100,000 flights have to be cancelled following a 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajokul volcano in Iceland. Both Penn State and UCF are scheduled to leave for Ireland next week, days before the game, so both schools are paying close attention to the developments. For now, the game is still on, and odds are the schools will find a way to get there. Fans looking to make the trip, on the other hand, could run into more troubles.