Rising positive cases and other contact tracing concerns were among the reasons cited for Mississippi State postponing this week’s game with Auburn.

Athletics Director John Cohen explained how the school came to the conclusion. The SEC has said the action is consistent with SEC COVID-19 management requirements. The game is tentatively rescheduled for Dec. 12.

“Based on positive tests and those considered as close contacts, along with non-COVID injuries, we do not have the minimum number of scholarship student-athletes available for Saturday’s game against Auburn,” Cohen said. “While we are disappointed that Saturday’s game has been postponed, our priority is the health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes and staff. We will continue to follow all established protocols and evaluate the most responsible path to return to the field.”

The number of cases have spiked in recent days, including Arkansas coach Sam Pittman testing positive. Previously, Vanderbilt and Florida had games called off earlier this season, but on Monday, it was revealed that Texas A&M and LSU are also dealing with high numbers.

Therefore, the Alabama-LSU and Texas A&M-Tennessee games also appear to have chances of getting postponed.

Mississippi State ended its four-game losing streak with a 24-17 win over Vanderbilt on Saturday, but now the Bulldogs’ next games will be watched closely. They are scheduled to face No. 12 Georgia on the road on Nov. 21.

When Florida had to postpone its game against LSU, the Gators also had to postpone their next game against Missouri. The availability of playing future games will likely depend on how many players have to enter a 14-day quarantine.