The Military Bowl in Maryland featuring Boston College and East Carolina University and the inaugural Fenway Bowl in Boston between the University of Virginia and Southern Methodist University were the latest college football games to be cancelled due to COVID-19 outbreaks.
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Coronavirus cases were reported in Boston and Virginia programs, pushing their respective games. Four games, including these two, have been affected in the past week by a rise in COVID-19 cases across the United States.
Boston College Director of Athletics Pat Kraft said that the team did not have enough players available for the Monday game.
“Unfortunately, due to cases of COVID-19 rising within our program since our arrival, along with season-ending injuries, opt outs and transfers, we just do not have enough players to field a team. We are disappointed not to be able to finish the season together as a team, but the health and safety of our program is our highest priority,” Kraft said.
Describing it as a ‘terrible situation’, Military Bowl’s president and executive director Steve Beck said, “We appreciate everyone who worked so hard to try to make the game happen. Of course, the health and safety of the players and coaches is top priority. The decision not to play is understandable, but disappointing.”
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The Military Bowl Parade and the Military Bowl Tailgate Festival, scheduled for Monday morning, also are canceled.
Meanwhile, University of Virginia team was ‘extremely disappointed’, Athletics Director Carla Williams said.
“We appreciate all of the hard work by our team and coaching staff. They earned this bowl invitation, and it is unfortunate they will not be able to compete in the game to complete the season,” she said. “We regret how this also impacts our fans who were planning on attending the game as well as the SMU program and its fans.”
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The Hawaii Bowl that had to take place between the hosts and University of Memphis on Christmas eve was cancelled. Texas A&M University withdrew from the Gator Bowl contest against Wake Forest University on New Year’s Eve. Rutgers University will replace Texas A&M in the game.
