COVID sacks Aggies - not coming to Gator Bowl

[Charles Hunter]

From News4Jax 
https://www.news4jax.com/sports/2021/12/22/texas-am-unable-to-play-in-gator-bowl-due-to-covid-outbreak/

Texas A&M has withdrawn from next week's TaxSlayer Gator Bowl because of COVID-19 issues, putting the annual showdown in Jacksonville in limbo.

The game is trying to find a replacement opponent, Gator Bowl sports president Greg McGarity said, and plans to make a decision within the next 48 hours on if it is possible to hold the game on Dec. 31 at TIAA Bank Field.

McGarity said that everything is in play right now, including looking at 5-7 teams or teams that have already competed in a bowl game.

The Business Journal pointed out

This year's Sun Bowl between Washington State and the University of Miami may also be in jeopardy as the Hurricanes are also dealing with an outbreak.

Maybe Washington State would come here?

[jaxlongtimer]

ESPN reports that Rutgers is the leading candidate to replace Texas A & M due to best academic standing among 5-7 record teams.

[thelakelander]

They found that replacement pretty quick.

[Charles Hunter]

How much will it hurt preparation that Rutgers hasn't had any practice sessions since just before their November 27 loss to Maryland?
Anyway, it should bring some New Jerseyites (and others in the Tri-State Area) to town for a couple of days.

[JaxJersey-licious]

Normally would be glad for the State University of New Jersey to have this opportunity gifted to them but it's a big fat NO for me for so many reasons, the obvious ones are that all players have scattered and that this Wake Forest program is no joke (as FSU fans will attest) and had over a month to practice and condition themselves but on top of that:

• Some of their more productive players have either already de-committed from the program or pare prepping for the upcoming NFL Combines and Draft


• Not only are potential players in upheaval so is the coaching staff. They just let go of their D coordinator and many others are still awaiting their fate or making other plans
• And about all that fat-assed Gator Bowl payout money the program gets? The conference stipulates that must be split up with the other members of the Big 10! And I'm guessing there are not a lot of Rutgers alumni and fans willing to cancel expensive New Year's Eve plans to see their team perform as glorified tackling dummies
• New Jersey has become a Covid hotbed over the last month. These athletes and coaches haven't been tested in a month. If enough players and staff test positive and they can't field a team this time Wake and the Gator Bowl will be shit out of luck

I'd prefer either Florida or UCF (winner/loser) of their bowl game today be the Wake Forest opponent for a (consolation/bonus) game in their own home state. The primary idea of being invited to a bowl game for a power conference team is to prove to football fans and potential recruits that your program is competitive in a highly competitive conference but this invite will prove none of that for Rutgers short of an unlikely upset win.

[jaxlongtimer]

^ I get the sense the NCAA influenced the outcome of this even if they don't participate in the proceeds of the game.  I read where the NCAA also is allowing bowls to delay their games up to January 10th if they want but I gather the Gator Bowl and/or Texas A&M wasn't interested in that option for whatever reason (e.g. things may be worse then based on predictions by CDC, etc.).

[tufsu1]

They found that replacement pretty quick.

Rutgers said no at first - and then changed their mind the next day

[MusicMan]

Just curious, where the FSU Seminoles even called?  Seems like a way better alternative IMO.....

[JeffreyS]

Just curious, where the FSU Seminoles even called?  Seems like a way better alternative IMO.....

Probably not, a rematch of two ACC teams from earlier this year.

[MusicMan]

They would bring a lot of ticket buyers.....

[Charles Hunter]

Besides the rematch, perhaps their Academic Progress Rate wasn't high enough. I can't find a listing of the 2021 APR online, apparently the NCAA has not released the numbers for this year.

[MusicMan]

I'd bet it's as good as Mississippi State.

[Charles Hunter]

I'd bet it's as good as Mississippi State.

Irrelevant.  The APR only comes in for looking at teams with losing records for bowl games. At the end of the season, Mississippi State had a winning record at 7-5, while the Seminoles were 5-7. The comparison would be FSU vs Rutgers; just guessing, but I'd bet Rutgers Academic rating is higher.  I don't know if it played into the decision or not, but the Business Journal article noted that Rutgers continued to hold practice after their final season game.

[Charles Hunter]

Jax is getting good talk from the announcers today, and the pictures should make Visit Jacksonville happy.  And ... no (so far) downtown shots with the Landing.

Looking at the stands - is this a reduced capacity game?  I haven't been watching other bowl games to compare attendance, but ... wow ... lots of empty seats.

[BridgeTroll]

Considering the short notice... Rutgers fans represented...WF not so much...