Days before Old Oaken Bucket game, Purdue, IU cancel football practices due to COVID-19

(WISH) — Purdue and Indiana universities’ football programs Tuesday canceled practices to review concerns about COVID-19.

Purdue and eighth-ranked IU are scheduled to face off Saturday in the annual Old Oaken Bucket game, the last game for the regular season. Purdue has a 2-4 record for the season, while IU holds a 6-1 record. The game is set to start with limited in-person attendance at 3:30 p.m. in Bloomington.

Purdue said it’s reviewing recent COVID-19 test results.

IU cited a rise in positive coronavirus tests. Players, coaches and staff underwent coronavirus testing, the team said in a news release issued Tuesday night.

Indiana State Department of Health reported Tuesday that 5,447 additional Hoosiers have tested positive for COVID-19, for a total of 392,663. In addition, the state recorded 124 more deaths, putting the Indiana death toll from the coronavirus at 6,109.

Scott Dolson, IU vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics, said in the release, “The health and safety of our students, coaches and staff is paramount. In consultation with our medical experts, we decided this is the appropriate decision at this time. We will continue to assess the situation moving forward.”

In other Big Ten coronavirus news Tuesday, Michigan football canceled its game scheduled for Saturday against Ohio State after seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases.