Washington State issues statement on Sun Bowl situation

Just after Washington State found out that Miami had withdrawn from the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, the Cougars athletic director and new head coach each issued a statement on the situation. As COVID-19 issues continue to create chaos during bowl season, Washington State hopes to find a new opponent in time to play.

Athletic director Pat Chun was the first to release a statement, which was published on the Washington State football account.

“It is disappointing news that the University of Miami is unable to participate in the 2021 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl,” the statement read. “We will work with the Pac-12 Conference and the Sun Bowl Association to hopefully find a replacement opponent for the game.”

Immediately following the statement’s release, new Washington State head coach Jacob Dickert – who took over after two seasons as defensive coordinator under Nick Rolovich – tweeted a response backing his bosses sentiment.

“Our team is in El Paso and willing to play any opponent,” Dickert tweeted. “Our team just wants one more chance to finish this storied 2021 season.”

With multiple teams missing bowl opponents and the precedent set when 5-7 Rutgers replaced Texas A&M in the Gator Bowl, there is no shortage of potential matchups which could be made. The bowl game is set to be played on New Year’s Eve at noon ET.

More on Miami’s Sun Bowl withdrawal

According to Brett McMurphy of the Action Network, the Miami Hurricanes have withdrawn from the Sun Bowl against Washington State. McMurphy is also reporting that it is “unknown” if a replacement will be found for the Cougars, despite their public efforts this evening. They arrived in El Paso Sunday but could be turning back around to Pullman before the original game date arrives.

Bowl games have been getting canceled over the past few days, with the Sun Bowl possibly being the latest. Positive tests have been popping up through multiple programs, reducing the number of scholarship players available to play in the game. The Fenway Bowl and Military Bowl were each cancelled on Sunday after the Hawaii Bowl was cancelled less than 24 hours before its scheduled start time on Christmas Eve.

Miami will end the season with a 7-5 record and will now be under the leadership of Mario Cristobal. Their next football game will take place on Sept. 3, 2022 against Bethune-Cookman. If Washington State is unable to schedule an opponent, the era of Jacob Dickert as full-time head coach would also open on the day against Idaho.