SEC team withdrawing from Gator Bowl due to COVID

Texas A&M will have to skip the Gator Bowl due to a COVID outbreak. The Aggies are down too many players to be able to field a lineup.

TEXAS A&M WITHDRAWS PARTICIPATION IN TAXSLAYER GATOR BOWL DUE TO COVID-19 ISSUES

Full Press Release ⤵️ https://t.co/KsniwCVj7T pic.twitter.com/cyvH3Rb5jZ

— TaxSlayer Gator Bowl (@taxslayerbowl) December 22, 2021

The Gator Bowl matchup was supposed to feature Texas A&M vs. Wake Forest. Wake Forest and the Gator Bowl are actively seeking a team to replace Texas A&M.

Wake Forest said it is collaboratively working w/ACC, Gator Bowl officials & others leaders across intercollegiate athletics to find an opponent for No. 17 Demon Deacons to play in next Friday’s Gator Bowl

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 22, 2021

Interestingly enough, Rutgers reportedly had the first option to replace A&M but declined to participate. Some of those issues are likely related to non-bowl teams not practicing and sending players home for the holidays.

Gator Bowl could have replaced Texas A&M w/a 5-7 team based on APR, sources told @ActionNetworkHQ. Rutgers had 1st option, but declined. Other not expected to accept. “How many 5-7 teams have been practicing or are still in school? None,” source said

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 22, 2021

The Aggies’ football program has been shut down since Saturday because of the outbreak. The outbreak happened with mostly vaccinated players, according to reporter Billy Liucci.

Per Aggie AD Ross Bjork:
A&M is currently down to just 38 scholarship position players and the Ags have just 13 available scholarship players available on defense. That includes Covid, opts outs, transfers and season-ending injuries.

— Billy Liucci (@billyliucci) December 22, 2021

Texas A&M finishes the season with an 8-4 overall record. The Aggies were third in the SEC West and are the lone team to defeat No. 1 Alabama this season.