Why is Liberty vs. Appalachian State game canceled? Exploring the reason and latest updates

The Liberty Flames were set to square off in a Week 5 matchup versus the Appalachian State Mountaineers, but the game was canceled due to weather concerns in North Carolina

The Appalachian State Athletic Department released a statement regarding the game on Friday morning.

"App State's home football game scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28, against Liberty is canceled due to severe weather impacts to App State, the town of Boone and surrounding areas caused by Hurricane Helene. The game will not be rescheduled."

Hurricane Helene is a Category 4 storm that has left destruction in its wake since making landfall at 11:00 p.m. ET in Perry, Florida.

Liberty has started their season with a 4-0 record through their first four games, topping the East Carolina Pirates in Week 3. Appalachian State is 2-2 to this point of the season and was looking to pull off an upset but unfortunately things have turned after cancellation.

Both teams will essentially have an open Week 5, with Liberty looking ahead to their Week 6 matchup against the Florida International Panthers.

Appalachian State will look ahead to next week's game versus the Marshall Thundering Herd, as the Mountaineers will travel to Huntington, West Virginia.

Stanford vs. Clemson matchup facing weather issues following Appalachian State - Liberty cancellation

The Stanford Cardinal will travel to Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina, to take on the Tigers in Week 5.

This matchup was also in jeopardy due to Hurricane Helene, as Stanford's original team flight was canceled on Thursday.

Reports indicated the team will attempt to travel on Friday to make it in time for the game on Saturday. Stanford and Clemson's matchup is set for a 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff.

The Tigers have been on a roll since their 34-3 loss to Georgia in the season opener, posting back-to-back wins for a record of 2-1.

Clemson dominated App State in Week 2, topping the Mountaineers 66-20 in the win. The Tigers followed that up with a 59-35 win over NC State in Week 4 after an open Week 3

The Cardinal are also 2-1 after a loss in their season opener, coming off a 26-24 win last week against the Syracuse Orange.