UNDATED (AP) — Illinois coach Bret Bielema has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss his team’s game at No. 18 Iowa on Saturday.
Bielema said he was tested for the coronavirus Monday night after developing mild symptoms during the day. He said he is vaccinated and received a booster shot last week. Bielema said without elaborating that he would be as present as possible for Saturday’s game through technology.
In other college football news:
—Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte urged Texas fans on Tuesday not to “splinter or pull apart” but rather support first-year football coach Steve Sarkisian and the players during the program’s worst losing streak in 65 years. Del Conte wrote in his weekly newsletter that Sarkisian is “building a culture” and has the full support of the athletic department. Texas is 4-6 and has lost five in a row.
— Athletic director Whit Babcock says Virginia Tech and football coach Justin Fuente have mutually agreed to part ways. The move is effective immediately, with two games left in the season. Fuente, in his sixth season in Blacksburg, Virginia, compiled a 43-31 record.
— Clemson leading receiver Justyn Ross will miss this week’s game against No. 13 Wake Forest with a foot injury. Tigers coach Dabo Swinney said Tuesday Ross has dealt with a stress fracture in his foot most of the season. The coach says Ross will need a screw in his foot and will likely undergo surgery this week. Ross had 46 catches for 514 yards and three touchdowns this season.
—The Big 12 issued a public reprimand and fined Baylor $25,000 because fans stormed the field before time expired in the No. 11 Bears’ 27-14 victory Saturday over Oklahoma, and then again after the game was actually over.
