Sun Bowl reportedly closing in on replacement team to face Washington State

The 87^th Sun Bowl is looking to finalize its second team to match against the Washington State Cougars (7-5). The team that is believed to be replacing the Miami Hurricanes is the Central Michigan Chippewas (8-4), according to local area reporter Colin Deaver with KTSM 9 News.

UPDATE: Details are still being ironed out, but things are still on track for Central Michigan to come to El Paso for the Sun Bowl, sources tell KTSM. Taking a little bit longer getting all of the (many) logistics figured out. https://t.co/9CH4RbGxox

— Colin Deaver (@ColinDeaverTV) December 27, 2021

Central Michigan was set to face the Boise State Broncos in the Arizona Bowl, but Boise State was forced to cancel due to team issues with COVID-19. Miami was forced to cancel its matchup with Washington State on Sunday night.

It is unknown if the Arizona Bowl will still proceed to find two more teams with both Boise State and now Central Michigan reportedly out of the game. In a report by Sports Illustrated college football reporter Ross Dellenger, Washington State is committed to playing in the Sun Bowl. For the Chippewas, the MAC and the Arizona Bowl must both agree to allow Central Michigan to be released so they can face Washington State on Friday, December 31^st.

As expected, Washington State is committed to the Sun Bowl & would not play in the Arizona Bowl, sources confirm.

If the Arizona Bowl cannot find a replacement for Boise in the next ~24 hrs & MAC lifts Central Michigan's obligation, CMU is expected to be bound for the Sun Bowl.

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 27, 2021