Wisconsin-Nebraska is in jeopardy. Badgers' coronavirus positivity rate close to forcing a shutdown

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin’s Big Ten game Saturday at Nebraska is in danger of being canceled, according to a person with knowledge of the Big Ten schedule.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.  

The Journal Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network, has reported that quarterbacks Graham Mertz and Chase Wolf have tested positive for coronavirus.

But according to another person with knowledge of the situation who spoke to the Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin's test positivity rate is close to the threshold that would force the team to stop regular practice and competition for a minimum of seven days and then reassess the situation.

If the game is not played, it would be considered a no-contest rather than a forfeit.

Following are the Big Ten protocols that determine whether practices and games can be held.

Team positivity rate (number of positive tests divided by total number of tests administered):

• Green 0-2%
• Orange 2-5%
• Red >5%

Population positivity rate (number of positive individuals divided by total population at risk):

• Green 0-3.5%
• Orange 3.5-7.5%
• Red >7.5%

Decisions to alter or halt practice and competition will be based on the following scenarios:

Green/Green and Green/Orange: Team continues with normal practice and competition.

Orange/Orange and Orange/Red: Team must proceed with caution and enhance COVID-19 prevention (alter practice and meeting schedule, consider viability of continuing with scheduled competition).

Red/Red: Team must stop regular practice and competition for a minimum of seven days and reassess metrics until improved.