Ad Disclosure
Report: Decision on Rose Bowl’s status as a CFP semifinal host is ‘imminent’
Published:
A decision on the Rose Bowl’s status as a College Football Playoff semifinal host is “imminent,” per a report.
That’s from the Los Angeles Times’ Sam Farmer, who adds that another Rose Bowl waiver to allow a small number of fans was rejected again on Saturday.
The game is expected to be moved, as teams from the SEC and ACC are frustrated the possibility of having to fly to California to play in front of an empty stadium.
Here’s an excerpt from Farmer’s report:
“According to individuals familiar with the discussions, the idea of keeping the game in Pasadena has lost steam. It’s up to the Pasadena City Council to decide whether to allow the “Rose Bowl Game” moniker to be used by another location.”
The appeal from Tournament of Roses officials would have permitted family members of players and coaches to be able to attend the game. However, it was denied by state health officials.
Earlier this week, Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly suggested the Fighting Irish might not play in the College Football Playoff if parents aren’t able to attend the game.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has also been out in front of this issue. He was furious at the possibility of the Tigers having to travel to California to play in front of an empty stadium.
The No. 1 seed gets the privilege of picking their bowl destination for the College Football Playoff. That’s likely to be Alabama, assuming the Crimson Tide don’t slip up against Florida on Saturday night.
That means either Notre Dame or Clemson is likely to be the No. 2 seed and would be required to go wherever the second Playoff semifinal is held.
It’s unclear if the Rose Bowl will still happen in Pasadena if it’s not a semifinal game. If they do still hold a non-CFP game, Indiana would likely get the nod to represent the Big Ten.
The final four will be announced on Sunday.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.