Bowl game slated for Christmas Eve canceled due to COVID-19
College football’s Bowl Season lost the game originally slated for Christmas Eve with a late Thursday night announcement.
Hawaii announced late Thursday that the Rainbow Warriors were forced to withdraw from the EasyPost Hawaii Bowl. The program cited raising issues with COVID-19, along with the number of season-ending injuries and transfers.
“We are disappointed that we did not have the opportunity to close our season playing the Memphis Tigers in the Hawaii Bowl, said head coach Todd Graham. “I want to thank our players who gave it their all and were focused on the prospect of winning a bowl game this season. We came together as a unit and expected to make this a win; however, as competitive as we are and as much as we wanted to play the game, especially for our seniors. The decision was made that this game would put too many student-athletes at risk, with COVID-19 being rampant. We also want to thank our fans who we were looking forward to having in the stadium on Christmas Eve.”
Hawai‘i will not participate in EasyPost Hawai‘i Bowl.
“The recent surge in COVID-19 cases has forced us to not participate in the game. We are disappointed for our players, coaches, and fans.”- Athletics Director David Matlin.
➡️ https://t.co/OxL5Nbbltu pic.twitter.com/oRNm9osiJV
— Hawaii Football (@HawaiiFootball) December 24, 2021
The Hawaii Bowl was the only bowl game slated for Christmas Eve. If all things go smoothly, Georgia State and Ball State will face off in the Cramton Bowl on Christmas Day.