ESPN cancels bowl game after South Carolina is unable to play
South Carolina was set to play in the Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa despite a 2-8 mark, but COVID-19 issues within the Gamecocks football program meant that the team was forced to withdraw from the game against UAB.
ESPN owns and operates the game and was tasked with finding an alternate opponent for the Blazers with the Gamecocks ruled out. However, it decided to cancel the game altogether, it announced on Tuesday.
“We looked into a number of options for UAB, but ultimately could not identify any opportunities for them to play at this time,” Gasparilla Bowl executive director Scott Glaser said in a statement. “We are appreciative of the many supporters in the community, including our new title sponsor – Union Home Mortgage, and look forward to staging the game in 2021.”
The Blazers are 6-3 on the season. Their last game was on Dec. 18 in the Conference USA Championship Game, when they defeated Marshall 22-13 for their 2nd league crown in 3 seasons.
Since returning from a 2-season hiatus, UAB is 34-16, including a 22-6 mark in C-USA. It has finished either alone in 1st or tied for 1st in the C-USA West Division each of the past 3 seasons.
Welp…missed out on a chance to wrap up a 3-8 season on a bowl win. Tell me you dont think that whoever wins whatever wont have an asterisk next to their name. The CFP for certain.
Agreed, but I think its safe to say this probably won’t be the last cancellation we see
YES!! There is a God!!
Either Kentucky, Ole Miss, Miss St or Arkansas should give up their spot for UAB. None of us earned the right to play in a bowl game with a losing record. I’d say either Miss St or Arkansas as they only have 3 wins each.
Any team with a 2-8 or 3-7 record should not be allowed to play in a bowl. The large number of bowls are finally being reduced to a lower number…more should be eliminated…it will elevate the quality of play and maybe more than a few fans attend.