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Cal-Stanford Big Game postponed because of wildfire smoke

BERKELEY, Calif. — The annual Big Game between Stanford and California that had been scheduled for today was postponed two weeks because of the unhealthy air quality in the Bay Area resulting from a wildfire some 150 miles to the north.

Cal announced Friday that the game would be played Dec. 1 with a noon kickoff at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley.

“First and foremost our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the tragic California wildfires,” Golden Bears football coach Justin Wilcox said in a Twitter post. “While we realize the importance of the Big Game right now, our thoughts are centered around so many who have been so deeply affected. Our primary factors in making the decision to postpone the game were centered around the health and safety of our student-athletes, fans and everyone involved in putting on the game. We look forward to seeing you in Berkeley on Dec. 1.”

This is the just the second postponement of the Big Game between Cal (6-4, 3-4 Pac-12) and Stanford (6-4, 4-3). It was delayed one week in 1963 following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The rival schools have been playing each year since 1892 with the exception of breaks during World Wars I and II.

“The entire Stanford Athletics community recognizes this has been an extremely challenging time for so many people who have been affected by the wildfires, both in the Bay Area and throughout the state. Our thoughts are with them, first and foremost,” Stanford athletic director Bernard Muir said. “We are thankful to the University of California for collaborating with us on the logistical challenges of rescheduling the Big Game, and are looking forward to playing the game on Dec. 1.”

Stanford noted the schools tried to hold off a final decision until Saturday but the forecast shows air quality isn’t expected to sufficiently improve.

The game is one of several college sporting events — including men’s and women’s basketball games — postponed or canceled due to the wildfires.

In the NFL, the Oakland Raiders were unable to practice outdoors Thursday and Friday, so they instead held indoor walkthroughs.

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NOTABLE COLLEGE FOOTBALL ON TV

Today

7 a.m.–The Citadel at No. 1 Alabama, SECN

9:30 a.m.–No. 12 Syracuse vs. No. 3 Notre Dame, NBC

11 a.m.–Indiana at No. 4 Michigan, FS1

2 p.m.–Duke at No. 2 Clemson, ESPN

3 p.m.–No. 19 Cincinnati at No. 11 UCF, ABC

6 p.m.–UNLV at Hawaii, PPV

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