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PROVO — The massive floods in Texas caused by Hurricane Harvey that have already killed at least two individuals and displaced hundreds could have an effect on BYU's 2017 football schedule.
The Cougars' next scheduled date on the college football calendar was set to face Louisiana State at Houston's NRG Stadium, the home of the NFL's Houston Texans, but that decision is now very much in doubt.
Authorities were setting up NRG Park, where the stadium resides, as an emergency operations center for the floods that raised as high as 17 feet in parts of Southeast Texas. The storm system had been downgraded to tropical storm status Sunday, but was still projected to drop as much as 50 inches of rain over the Houston area by Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Several local colleges had already announced plans to cancel classes through Monday or Tuesday, and the Texans have moved preseason practices to Dallas.
SB Nation first reported Sunday morning that BYU and LSU officials were meeting Sunday to discuss the possibility of moving the game to another facility. The most active discussions appeared to be playing at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, home of the NFL's Saints, or sending both teams to LSU's campus in Baton Rouge.
Other options, such as playing in Dallas or even Provo, also remain a possibility.
“Most importantly, our thoughts and concerns are with the people in South Texas who are facing the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey. We pray for their safety and well-being at this difficult time," the BYU athletic administration said in a prepared statement Sunday evening. “Many have inquired regarding the status of the Advocate Texas Kickoff between BYU and LSU, scheduled to be played this Saturday, Sept. 2, at NRG Stadium in Houston. We are in discussions with all parties involved and continue to monitor the situation. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.
"In the meantime, please join us in praying for the people in South Texas who need our love and support.”
LSU administrator Bill Franques said during the team's weekly radio show in Baton Rouge that LSU athletic director Joe Alleva is confident the game will not be played in Houston, though no official announcement is expected until at least Monday.
“Mr. Alleva went on to say that almost certainly (the game) will not be played in Houston. He has not been told that officially, but he is almost certain the game will not be able to be played in Houston Saturday," Franques said. "It will most certainly, very certain, almost certain, that it will be moved to another venue.
“What venue that will be, he wasn’t able to say yet. Game officials have been in contact with several different venues and a decision will be made as soon as possible.”
BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe confirmed via Twitter that the schools were actively monitoring the situation to determine the best course of action for safety of fans, players and coaches involved in the game.
Cougar Nation, All parties involved are working on a solution to our scheduled game with LSU this weekend. We will announce plans when final
— Tom Holmoe (@TomHolmoe) August 27, 2017
Cougs, Pray for the people of Houston who are suffering and scared. I trust you know we'll study all the best options to work out the game. pic.twitter.com/FPqKDawSVO
— Tom Holmoe (@TomHolmoe) August 27, 2017
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake is expected to address the status of the game during his weekly press conference Monday in Provo.
President Donald Trump announced plans to visit Texas to oversee relief efforts Tuesday, after meeting with administration officials about the efforts Sunday via teleconference.
The Superdome and NRG Stadium are both owned by SMG, a Philadelphia-based management company. SMG executive vice president for stadiums Doug Thornton said in a statement from the company that the Superdome stands ready to aide the game, if it is indeed displaced.
"Obviously their preference is to play the game in Houston," Thornton said in a statement. "But we wanted them to know that New Orleans is an option if alternatives need to be considered."
The Superdome would need time to organize the event that is expected to require at least 3,000 workers for the college football games, according to The Advocate in New Orleans. Stadium officials hope to have a conclusion drawn by Tuesday regarding the game's decision.
The Cougars last played in the Superdome in 2009, a 54-3 rout of Tulane.
BYU is 1-0 after a 20-6 win over FCS foe Portland State on Saturday. LSU (0-0) was scheduled to open the season against the Cougars.
