As a result of the two (and possibly more) positive COVID-19 tests in the Aggie program and subsequent contact tracing, No. 5 A&M's Nov. 14 matchup with Tennessee has been postponed until Dec. 12. The SEC made the official announcement Tuesday afternoon, along with word that LSU's game with Alabama had also been postponed.

“Since the beginning of COVID-19, the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches and staff has been our number one priority. Throughout the last several months, we have been reminded how important it is to be flexible and nimble, because this scenario was expected to happen. While we are disappointed we are not able to play this weekend, we are appreciative of the SEC’s foresight to build in the flexibility that allows us to reschedule the Tennessee game," A&M Athletic Director Ross Bjork said. "We currently have three active cases within our football program, including two who traveled with the team to South Carolina, and one who did not travel to South Carolina because of a positive test on November 5. The nature of away game travel (flights, meals, lodging, locker room, etc.) naturally leads to an increase in the number of student-athletes, coaches and staff who meet the criteria for mandatory quarantine based on contact tracing guidelines. We are asking everyone around our university community to stay vigilant and follow all of the safety protocols and best practices as we approach the end of the fall sports seasons.”

Coach Jimbo Fisher said there was no way A&M could have played this weekend, in large part due to contact tracing.

“First, and foremost, is the health and safety of our players in our football program. I would never jeopardize their well-being and we will continue to follow all protocols. Our football team roster has fallen below the SEC threshold in order to compete this week due to two players testing positive for COVID, the contact tracing associated with the road trip, to go along with the players who have opted out and who are injured. We look forward to getting back out there because our team has been practicing and playing well," he said.

As a result of SEC statues which quarantine players for 14 days if they are linked to a positive test through contract tracing, A&M's Nov. 21 matchup with Ole Miss now appears to be very much in jeopardy as well. In that case, the Aggies will likely play at home Dec. 19, the same day as the SEC Championship Game. If the Aggies win out and Alabama somehow loses twice during that period, then the SEC would have to find an alternative arrangement as the Aggies would be the SEC West champions.

The postponement of multiple games, including possibly two for A&M, is causing a massive juggling of the SEC schedule. It is not, however, insurmountable. LSU already has a makeup game Dec. 12, as they will play Florida. With Alabama in course for the championship game but still needing to finish its schedule, the Crimson Tide could face LSU next weekend, with Alabama's game with Kentucky being moved to Dec. 12.