The annual rivalry game between Indiana and Purdue was called off for the second, and final, time on Tuesday.
The two programs, which play for the Old Oaken Bucket, issued a joint statement on Tuesday to announce the cancellation of the game because of COVID-19 issues on both campuses.
The teams initially were scheduled to play Dec. 12 in Bloomington, Ind., but virus cases and contact tracing left both programs short of players. The Big Ten rescheduled the game for Friday as part of its final-week schedule.
“Upon the advice of our medical professionals and in following the guidelines and protocols established for this season, we are not able to play Friday,” the joint statement said. “As we stated last week, we know the history and tradition of this great rivalry game and how much it means to our current students, alumni and fans. Both universities worked extremely hard in an effort to play, but at this time it just isn’t possible. We are certainly disappointed that we cannot play in 2020, but look forward to seeing each other on the field next season and competing once again for the Old Oaken Bucket.”
The in-state rivals have played every year since 1920. Indiana won the 2019 game, 44-41, in two overtimes.
The season now is over for Purdue (2-4), but No. 12 Indiana could wind up with an invitation to a showcase bowl game. The Hoosiers’ only loss came on Nov. 21 to No. 4 Ohio State.
Indiana coach Tom Allen was named the American Football Coaches Association Region 3 Coach of the Year on Tuesday.
–Field Level Media