North Texas' COVID-19 outbreak forces Houston's 5th cancellation

Houston's Week 4 matchup has been canceled after a COVID-19 outbreak at North Texas, both schools announced on Wednesday.

North Texas noted they have four positive COVID-19 cases based on testing this week. Because of contact tracing, the program said it would be unable to field a team.

"We understand this COVID-related decision North Texas has made to not play Saturday's game," Houston's vice president for athletics Chris Pezman said in a statement. "I am disappointed for our student-athletes who have continued to focus on competing this season and were ready to play this Saturday. We will continue to work to adjust our schedule with the hopes of playing as soon as we can."

North Texas becomes the fifth season-opening game Houston has been forced to cancel in the 2020 season. The other four games that were canceled or postponed were against Rice, Memphis, Baylor, and Washington State.

Houston's next game is scheduled for Oct. 8 against Tulane.