Reports: Next steps, options for Sun Bowl revealed following Miami Hurricanes exit

Another bowl game is in jeopardy of getting canceled, as Washington State currently does not have an opponent for the Sun Bowl. The Miami Hurricanes withdrew from the game, dealing with COVID-19 issues within the program.

As the Sun Bowl looks for options, it may be too little too late. Just hours before Miami announced their decision, Sun Bowl executive director Bernie Olivas said he thinks they will not be able to find a replacement in time for the Dec. 31 matchup.

“I personally think it’s too late in the game unless it happened right now,” Olivas said. “Those teams that got canceled, they might be available right now. Any later than this, it would probably be impossible to get anybody but, to be honest with you, we’re counting on Miami and Washington State. As far as a backup plan — since where we are, we don’t have one because I think it’s too late to start looking for somebody and be a replacement team.”

Olivas mentioned teams whose games have been canceled, presumably meaning East Carolina, Memphis, and SMU. According to Brett McMurphy, none of those three teams will be accepting an invite to the Sun Bowl. Once their individual bowl games were called off, their seasons were as well.

According to Chris Vannini of The Athletic, the hometown UTEP Miners are not an option either. He spoke with head coach Dana Dimel once the news broke, saying his team would not be an option. UTEP has already played in a bowl game this year as well, losing to Fresno State in the New Mexico Bowl.

The Illinois Fighting Illini were a team in the running to replace Texas A&M in the Gator Bowl. However, according to Pete Thamel of Yahoo, they will not be an option for the Sun Bowl.

If Washington State is not able to find an opponent, they will end the season with a 7-5 overall record but 6-3 inside of the Pac-12. They were able to beat their arch-rivals Washington for the first time since 2012 and were winners of three out of their last four.