Sources: BYU Cougars to replace Liberty Flames as Coastal Carolina Chanticleers' opponent

ByCHRIS LOW
December 3, 2020, 9:29 AM

An agreement has been reached for BYU to replace Liberty as Coastal Carolina's opponent on Saturday after COVID-19 issues prevented the Flames from playing in the game, sources told ESPN.

Several Liberty players and staff members, including star quarterback Malik Willis, tested positive or were quarantined this week because of COVID-19. The Flames (9-1) had still hoped to play in the game, but school medical officials would not allow it and paused all team-related activities after Wednesday's test results were returned Thursday morning.

BYU (9-0) and Coastal Carolina (9-0) are both ranked this week in the College Football Playoff rankings. The Cougars are No. 13 and the Chanticleers No. 18. BYU, which last played on Nov. 21, had been looking for another opponent. The Cougars weren't scheduled to play again until Dec. 12 when they face San Diego State.

ESPN's College GameDay is set to broadcast Saturday from the Coastal Carolina campus.