Affected By COVID-19 Cases, Miami Pulls Out Of Sun Bowl Game Against Washington State

CORAL GABLES, FL — Because of COVID-19 cases affecting its players and pandemic protocols in place, the University of Miami football team has pulled out of the 2021 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl against Washington State, Miami Athletics announced Sunday night.

The game was scheduled for New Year’s Eve in El Paso, Texas.

Jennifer Strawley, the Hurricanes’ deputy director of athletics and chief operating officer, said the university was “extremely disappointed” that the team is unable to participate in Friday’s game.

“But due to the number of COVID-19 cases impacting our roster we do not have enough student-athletes to safely compete, and the health and safety of our student-athletes will always be our top priority,” she said. “This team worked hard all season to earn a bowl invitation and my heart goes out to our student-athletes, especially our seniors.”

Washington State players had already arrived in Texas when UM announced it wouldn’t be playing in the bowl, the Miami Herald reported.

“We regret the impact this has on the Washington State program and their postseason experience,” Strawley said.

The Sun Bowl Association is looking for another opponent for Washington State, ESPN reported.

"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"As of this moment, the 2021 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl game has not been cancelled, although the University of Miami has withdrawn from the game.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."

UM ends its 2021 season with a 7-5 overall record.