INDIANAPOLIS — The Old Oaken Bucket game will not be played Saturday as the Indiana and Purdue football programs deal with COVID-19 cases.
IU athletic director Scott Dolson and Purdue athletic director Mike Bobinski released a joint statement Wednesday afternoon saying they are "disappointed" they had to cancel the rivalry game that has been played every year since 1919.
"We both understand the history and tradition of one of the best rivalries in college football, but the safety and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches and staff is our primary priority," Dolson and Bobinski said. "We will continue to monitor the situation on both campuses and listen to the advice of our medical professionals."
On Tuesday, IU paused football activities and Purdue canceled practice due to positive COVID-19 tests in each program.
IU won last year's game 44-41 in double-overtime at West Lafayette.
