Barstool Arizona Bowl canceled after Boise State pulls out due to COVID-19
Dec 27, 2021, 7:29 PM | Updated: 7:46 pm
The 2022 Barstool Arizona Bowl was canceled on Monday due to a COVID-19 spike within the Boise State Broncos’ program, the bowl announced.
— The Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl (@theARIZONABOWL) December 28, 2021
The game in Tucson between Boise State and the Central Michigan Chippewas was originally scheduled for noon on Friday.
Earlier on Monday, the Broncos pulled out of the bowl game due to COVID-19 issues, confirmed Action Network’s Brett McMurphy and Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger.
Barstool founder Dave Portnoy tweeted Monday that the Arizona Bowl was seeking a replacement for Boise State.
As a result of the cancelation, Central Michigan will now travel to El Paso to take on the Washington State Cougars in the Sun Bowl — which is also slated to be played on New Year’s Eve — after the Miami Hurricanes opted out due to coronavirus problems in their program.
— Washington State Football (@WSUCougarFB) December 28, 2021
The Chippewas had already traveled to Arizona.
Central Michigan earned an invite after an 8-4 season, including a 6-2 record in conference play. Led by head coach Jim McElwain, the Chippewas closed the season on a four-game winning streak.
As for Boise State, the Broncos earned bowl eligibility after a 7-5 season.
In an up-and-down year, Boise State picked up two wins on the road against ranked opponents in BYU and Fresno State. However, the Broncos lost in their last game, falling to San Diego State.
