Portland State University's gridiron plans hit a snag as a whooping cough outbreak forced them to cancel their Saturday football faceoff against South Dakota – a hiccup that throws both team schedules off-kilter. Pertussis, which is the medical term for whooping cough, dealt its blow just two days before the big game, exposing numerous players and prompting a joint decision between the schools to prioritize health over points on the board, as reported by KGW.

Fans who were looking forward to the action at Hillsboro Stadium will unfortunately not see a reschedule of the match, and ticket refund details will be tackled at a later date, PSU officials stated; moreover, other PSU Vikings remain unscathed in terms of serious illness, a relief in light of the circumstances, the contagious nature of the ailment which primarily attacks the lungs was spotlighted and whereas no incline toward severe symptoms have been reported by PSU, the match was still scrapped, Sports Illustrated and KPTV has said.

Looking ahead, PSU Vikings aim to visit the Boise State Broncos next weekend, and the Broncos are keeping their eyes peeled, monitoring PSU's health episode closely. "We are aware of Portland State's decision to cancel their game against South Dakota due to health and safety protocols," a Boise State representative said, confirming their vigilance in a statement chronicled by Sports Illustrated.