As the government and the Department of Transportation drop the ball, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy remains the only federal service academy affected by the government shutdown. Merchant Marine athletics photo

The partial shutdown by the federal government has forced a change in the University of Rochester's homecoming football opponent for this Saturday.

Rochester was originally scheduled to play the United States Merchant Marine Academy on Oct. 12 at 1 p.m. This is Meliora Weekend at Rochester, the traditional gathering of alumni, family, and friends. University officials anticipate between eight and nine thousand visitors.

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Alfred State, a provisional Division III member of the NCAA, has agreed to replace USMMA as the opponent for Saturday's game.

This means Merchant Marine will be without an opponent for the second consecutive week. Coaches have not worked since the shutdown began.

"I am pleased that Alfred State will be here this weekend," said George VanderZwaag, the university's director of athletics and recreation. "I am especially grateful to athletics director Jennifer Enke and head football coach Mick Caba at Alfred State for understanding our situation."

As one of five federal academies, the Merchane Marine Academy was affected by the shutdown. Civilian employees at the Academy were furloughed. This included coaches and administrators in the athletic department among other portions of the school. The Academy's game at RPI this past Saturday was postponed. Merchant Marine is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation.