Newz Forum: FOOTBALL: Dolphins-Steelers now delayed; college games change

MIAMI -- Four college football games set for Florida this weekend were postponed or had their start times moved Friday as Hurricane Jeanne threatened the state's east coast.

And the Miami Dolphins said they may consider delaying Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, depending on the storm's course. Coach Dave Wannstedt said the hurricane could postpone the game until Monday or Tuesday.

The hurricane is expected to hit Florida this weekend, most likely Sunday morning.

Florida moved its Southeastern Conference game against Kentucky in Gainesville to 11:30 a.m. EDT Saturday. The game had been scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

Florida Atlantic canceled its Saturday home opener against Illinois State in Fort Lauderdale. Officials from both schools said they hope the game can be rescheduled for later in the season.

Florida International University's home opener was postponed when Western Kentucky determined it was better for its athletes not to travel to Miami this weekend. The game was rescheduled for Nov. 20.

In Daytona Beach, Bethune-Cookman moved up its kickoff time three hours to 10 a.m. for Saturday's home opener against Norfolk State. It was the second time the game had been moved forward. Earlier this month, Hurricane Frances canceled the Wildcats' season opener with Savannah State in Jacksonville.

A decision by the Dolphins on whether to play Sunday could come as late as Saturday. The Steelers were flying to Miami on Friday, one day early, to beat the storm.

While landfall near Miami isn't out of the question, the National Hurricane Center's projected path has the storm most likely striking more than 100 miles north of Pro Player Stadium. Still, the Miami area could be hit with strong wind and rain.

The Dolphins' opening game against Tennessee was moved up one day because of Hurricane Ivan. One week earlier, the NFL forced the Dolphins to travel to New Orleans for an exhibition game after players balked at leaving their families in the path of Hurricane Frances.

[Edited on 9/25/2004 by Gibbs Baby!!!]

Delay could be merely a matter of hours

Hurricane Jeanne forced the postponement of Sunday's game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins.

The game has not been rescheduled, but ESPN's Hank Goldberg reports that the NFL is considering playing the game Sunday night at 8:30 or Monday night.

The decision to postpone the game was made after the Dolphins discussed the matter with the NFL, Dolphins president Eddie Jones said Saturday. Team and league officials were monitoring the hurricane.

"The Commissioner's office has asked the two teams to consider the larger public safety issues to determine when the game can best be played," Jones said in a statement.

The Steelers flew in to South Florida on Friday, a day early, because of the hurricane.

Hurricane Jeanne is the latest in a string of weather problems that have plagued the Dolphins this season.

Miami's opening game against Tennessee was moved up one day and played on a Saturday because of Hurricane Ivan.

One week before that, the NFL forced the Dolphins to travel to New Orleans for an exhibition game after players balked at leaving their families while in the path of Hurricane Frances.

ESPN