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Update, August 23: Uh-oh.
BREAKING: Iceland raises aviation warning for Bardarbunga volcano to highest level.
— The Associated Press (@AP) August 23, 2014
BREAKING: Icelandic Met Office: Small subglacial eruption underway at Bardarbunga volcano.
— The Associated Press (@AP) August 23, 2014
Penn State says as of now it still plans to leave Tuesday night for Dublin, Ireland
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) August 23, 2014
Original, August 20: Penn State and Central Florida will be kicking off the season in Ireland next Saturday ... as long as an Icelandic volcano doesn't ruin their plans.
The risk of a volcano called Bárðarbunga erupting has increased greatly in recent days, and scientists fear that there's the possibility for an eruption soon. No, Iceland is not Ireland, but the last time an Icelandic volcano erupted, in 2010, ash from the eruption cancelled 100,000 flights in Europe. Ireland would be in the way of the ash cloud, and it could potentially keep Penn State and UCF from getting to — or getting back from — Dublin. The teams arrive in Ireland on August 27.
Of course, there probably won't be anything to worry about. However, the increased risk has been enough to get the attention of Penn State administrators.
Penn State officials & the GAA are aware of the recent seismic activity at the Bardabunga volcano in Iceland & related airline alert levels.
— Travis Johnson (@bytravisjohnson) August 20, 2014
On one hand, the canceling of what should be a fun game would be a shame, and we absolutely hope everyone stays safe. On the other hand ... how many chances do you really get in your lifetime to see a volcano cancel a football game?
Related:
Penn State-UCF = volcano, huh? Guess we'd better find a SimCity disaster for other teams too. http://t.co/TLjgpWVStj pic.twitter.com/0oKkPZYMyp
— SB✯Nation CFB (@SBNationCFB) August 22, 2014