COVID issues force Miami to opt out of Sun Bowl – WQKT Sports Country Radio

Miami will not be able to participate in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl against Washington State because of COVID-19 issues, the school announced Sunday. The Sun Bowl Association said it is looking for an opponent to face Washington State in the game still scheduled for Friday. “It is very disappointing that COVID is taking a toll on so many college football teams and bowl games,” bowl executive director Bernie Olivas said in a statement. “As of this moment, the 2021 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl game has not been cancelled, although the University of Miami has withdrawn from the game. We are currently looking for a possible replacement-team, in the hopes of having one to compete against Washington State.” Miami deputy athletics director/chief operating officer Jennifer Strawley said the number of COVID-19 cases affecting the team’s roster made it impossible to play because the Hurricanes don’t have enough players to safely compete. Miami last week had delayed its departure for the game until the day before kickoff in an effort to be able to play. Washington State arrived in El Paso, Texas, on Sunday for the game. Miami is the third ACC team to be unable to play its bowl game, joining Boston College (Military Bowl) and Virginia (Fenway Bowl) in making announcements Sunday.