President Donald Trump will no longer attend Saturday's Southeastern Conference clash between No. 2 Georgia and No. 6 Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, as the game remains on schedule despite the approaching Hurricane Isaias along the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Trump announced on his social media site Friday that a major storm required the attention of First Responders and Law Enforcement, saying he would miss the "potentially unbelievable" matchup. He added that he hoped the game would go on despite the weather and promised, without details, that he would visit both teams at a later date.
Forecasters have warned of a significant surge, damaging winds, flooding and possible tornadoes before the storm weakens inland. ESPN's "College Game Day" show was moved indoors, and Alabama officials shortened campus tailgating hours and barred tents amid concerns about high winds. Tuscaloosa sits about 200 miles north of the Alabama coast, and the storm may have largely passed by the 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Georgia's travel plans remained unchanged, according to Bulldogs associate sports communications director Leland Barrow. Some coastal high school and college programs have altered schedules, and historical precedent includes Alabama postponing a 1988 game due to Hurricane Gilbert. Georgia coach Kirby Smart said the uncertainty was beyond his control and that he was focused on preparing his team.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing