Report: Replacement named for Texas A&M in Gator Bowl vs. Wake Forest

Due to COVID-19 problems in the Texas A&M program, the Aggies had to pull out of the Gator Bowl, leaving Wake Forest without an opponent. Less than 24 hours later, Rutgers is preparing to come in as the replacement, according to The Athletic.

Rutgers is set to receive — and accept — a bid to the Gator Bowl to face Wake Forest, a source confirmed to @TheAthletic. 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.

— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) December 23, 2021

Wake Forest is coming off one of the best seasons in program history, getting to 10 wins for just the second time ever. Back in 2006, the Demon Deacons were able to win the ACC Championship for win No. 11 under head coach Jim Grobe. Now, Dave Clawson will have the opportunity to match the win total with a win against Rutgers.

The Gator Bowl will take place on Dec. 31 at noon ET., being one of four games to take place that day. The Arizona Bowl will kick off at 2 p.m. ET, with both College Football Playoff semifinals taking place later in the afternoon.

Since 2012, TaxSlayer has been the title sponsor for the Gator Bowl. Traditionally, programs from the ACC, Big Ten, and SEC participate in the Jacksonville, FL-based bowl game. West Virginia in 2010 was the last team not from one of those three conferences to participate, still being a member of the Big East.

Wake Forest appeared in the inaugural Gator Bowl back in 1946, defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks 26-14. This season will be the program’s second appearance, ending the 75-year hiatus.

After winning its first three games, Rutgers went 5-7 this year. The Scarlet Knights had a strong chance to replace Texas A&M since they have the highest academic progress rate (APR) among 5-7 teams, according to Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger.

Texas A&M explains Gator Bowl opt out

Texas A&M athletic director Ross Bjork explained why the Aggies would not be playing, saying the team was down to 38 scholarships. A mix of season-ending injuries, positive tests, transfers, and players opting out in favor of the NFL draft all factored in according to Bjork.

According to Ross Dellinger, Bjork told him that the Aggies had two symptomatic players receive a test on Friday and a few more on Saturday. After they all came back positive, the entire team was tested which resulted in a total of 20 positive tests in the program.

Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher commented on the situation shortly after the report was released.

“It is unfortunate, but we just don’t have enough scholarship players available to field a team,” head coach Jimbo Fisher said.