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For the first time since the September 11 attacks, a nationwide halt to all flights has created widespread disruption, with college football travel among the many areas impacted. The Federal Aviation Administration implemented the ground stop at 3:54 p.m. ET on Tuesday, citing a communication problem, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who announced the move via social media. The stoppage affected every Air Route Traffic Control center, and the FAA has launched an investigation into the cause.
With numerous college football programs in the midst of traveling for upcoming games, coaches and administrators are scrambling to find alternative arrangements. One of the most prominent matchups affected is Duke's visit to No. 7 Miami, but the Blue Devils have already landed safely, as reported by ESPN's Andrea Adelson. Both teams are on the ground for the crucial ACC showdown, and the conference has confirmed that all its games will proceed as scheduled.
Teams Still Stranded as of 5:28 p.m. ET
While Duke and Miami are set, several other teams remain in limbo. The Big 12 programs Baylor, Kansas State, Utah, and Arizona State are still awaiting clearance, as are SEC members Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Texas. In the Big Ten, Minnesota, Purdue, and Washington have yet to secure safe passage, and Group of Five teams Oregon State, Wyoming, and North Texas are also affected. The ACC's visiting teams are all on the ground, but the broader question of how long the grounding will last looms large.
The duration of the flight ban remains uncertain, leaving teams and conferences in a state of flux. While some programs have found safe harbor, others are stuck waiting for the situation to resolve, with the potential for further changes at any moment.
Game Preview: Duke at No. 7 Miami
Despite the travel chaos, the showdown between Duke (7-2, 6-1 ACC) and Miami (8-1, 6-0 ACC) is still set for Saturday, Nov. 14, at noon ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The game will be televised on ESPN. Miami leads the all-time series 16-5, and in their last meeting two years ago, the Hurricanes defeated the Blue Devils 53-32 behind a strong performance from Cam Ward. Duke's 32-point output in that game suggests the Blue Devils can compete if they tighten up their defense.
Miami enters the matchup after a controversial 31-24 loss to Notre Dame, their first defeat of the season. Duke, meanwhile, is riding high after a 41-3 rout of rival NC State, a game in which the Blue Devils' defense allowed just three points. Over their last two games, Duke has surrendered only five points, with Nate Sheppard emerging as a versatile weapon on both sides of the ball.