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The first home game of the Jeff Scott era versus Bethune-Cookman has been canceled due to the MEAC canceling all of their fall sports, including football. The news was first reported by HBCU writer Kenn Rashad, and later confirmed by the conference in a press release.
USF officials told The Daily Stampede that they “are aware of the decision”, but no further comment would be made right now.
Sources are telling me that the MEAC will be making an announcement to cancel all fall sports.
— Kenn Rashad (@KennRashad) July 16, 2020
The MEAC is the third conference to cancel their fall sports seasons, with the Ivy League and Patriot League canceling theirs just days prior. According to the release by the MEAC, “a decision is yet to be made on whether fall sports schedules will be moved to the 2021 spring semester.”
Nathan Bond and Nick Simon of The Daily Stampede were able to obtain the contract details, explaining that USF “would owe Bethune-Cookman $890k if the Bulls cancel the first game prior to 9/12/2020; $465k for the second game between 9/12/2020-9/26/2026. Bethune-Cookman would owe USF $1.78 million for buying out the first game, then $930k for the second game.”
This would have been the first ever matchup between the two schools, with Bethune-Cookman slated to receive $425,000 for coming to Raymond James Stadium this season, and $465,000 for their return trip in 2026.
Much like with the uncertainty surrounding the Texas game (and buyout), lawyers will be involved before money changes hands.
For now, USF’s first home game of the 2020 season will be against Mountain West foe Nevada on September 19th.