Maryland Athletics announced Thursday that Saturday’s football game against Michigan State has been cancelled after last Saturday’s game against No. 3 Ohio State was also cancelled. The decision was announced after 15 players and an additional seven staffers, including head coach Mike Locksley tested positive for COVID-19 over the past week. According to the statement, everyone who tested positive is in isolation, including Locksley who is isolating at home.

“I am gutted for our team and for our fans,” Locksley said. “This team is eager to play and compete and continue the growth we’ve seen this season. This virus is testing our players and coaches right now, but I have no doubt that we will emerge as a stronger unit for having gone through this together. As for me personally, I am feeling strong, with only minor symptoms. I will continue to lead this program virtually and our game preparations for Indiana will begin immediately.”

Since the initial announcement of the outbreak from Maryland Athletics on Nov. 11, 23 players and seven staff members have now tested positive. The Terps population positivity rate is currently at 14.9%. The population positivity rate measures the number of positive individuals divided by the total population at risk. According to the Big Ten Conference’s COVID-19 policy, if a team’s population positivity rate is greater than 7.5% they must stop regular practice and competition for a minimum of seven days and reassess metrics until improved.

If the Terps have another game cancelled, they will officially be eliminated from contention for the Big Ten Championship game as you must play a minimum of six games to qualify for the conference championship game. The Terps next game is scheduled for next Saturday Nov. 28 in Bloomington against No. 9 Indiana.