Miami delays Sun Bowl travel plans amid COVID-19 issues

After Texas A&M dropped out of the Gator Bowl due to a COVID-19 outbreak, Miami is dealing with their own troubles in advance of the Sun Bowl. At the moment, the Hurricanes are scheduled to take on Washington State in the game on New Year’s Eve.

Originally, Miami was scheduled to arrive in El Paso for the game on the day after Christmas. According to college football insider Brett McMurphy, plans have changed.

“Miami delays Sun Bowl travel plans 4 days to arrive in El Paso day before Dec. 31 kickoff vs. Washington State, but will still play in Sun Bowl, Sun Bowl spokesperson told Action Network HQ,” tweeted McMurphy. “Miami entered into COVID protocols earlier this week.”

Elaborating, McMurphy writes that Miami remains “fully committed” to playing in the game, not expecting a situation like the Aggies went through. Instead, the Hurricanes will arrive in El Paso on December 30th — the day prior to game-day.

With Miami’s program in flux, many theorized that perhaps Washington State would instead play Wake Forest in one of the two bowls. Instead, that doesn’t seem to be the case — the Demon Deacons look to have an opponent in Rutgers.

Amid the turmoil, Sun Bowl executive director Bernie Olivas remained positive — believing Miami would make it to El Paso.

“They’re planning on being here,” Olivas stated. “We’re planning on them being here. They may not get here until a little later than planned. But that’s fine. I just thought all this was over.”

Miami may be going through some hiccups, but the Hurricanes will still get one final moment to shine in 2021.

Rutgers set to replace Texas A&M in Gator Bowl

While Miami will still be able to play in their bowl game, Texas A&M wasn’t as lucky. Instead, Rutgers will take on Wake Forest in their place — positioned to accept an invite to replace the Aggies.

“Rutgers is set to receive — and accept — a bid to the Gator Bowl to face Wake Forest, a source confirmed to The Athletic,” tweeted Nicole Auerbach. “Rutgers has highest APR score among 5-7 teams & just needs the NCAA football oversight committee to rubber stamp this on Thursday. RU will replace Texas A&M.”

Instead of the Gator Bowl having to be cancelled, they found a replacement that’ll make for one of the most interesting games of bowl season. If Rutgers can upset Wake Forest, the story will take another wild turn — but that’s what the sport of college football is all about.