BREAKING: Texas A&M Backs Out Of Gator Bowl
Texas A&M's 2021 season is officially over.
The No. 25 Aggies are unable to safely play in Gator Bowl against No. 17 Wake Forest on Dec. 31 due to an outbreak of COVID-19 inside the program, as well as season-ending injuries, according to Texas A&M officials.
“It is unfortunate, but we just don’t have enough scholarship players available to field a team,” Aggies coach Jimbo Fisher said in a statement.
"It is heartbreaking for our players, coaches, staff and fans that we are not able to play in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl," Texas A&M athletic director Ross Bjork said in the same statement. "Post-season football is the pinnacle of the season and when the opportunity is lost, it hurts on many levels. As we have learned in the last 21 months of this health challenge, the well-being and safety of our student-athletes is paramount. Our players poured their heart and soul into this season and we appreciate their dedication as Aggies. Aggie football is on track for long-term success and we know that the best is yet to come."
The Aggies will finish the season with an 8-4 record, going 4-4 in the SEC. Texas A&M will not play in a bowl game for the first time since after the 2008 season, when the Aggies went 4-8 under former coach Mike Sherman.
The current streak of 13 consecutive bowl-eligible seasons is the longest in program history. Fisher is 3-0 in bowls with the Aggies.
Initially reported by TexAgs' Billy Liucci, Texas A&M football operations have been shut down since Saturday due to a substantial outbreak of COVID-19. Players were sent home for the holidays on Wednesday, but were expected to return on Dec. 26 to begin prep for the trip to Jacksonville, Fla.
Per Liucci, the outbreak occurred with mostly previously vaccinated athletes, with multiple position groups being substantially affected by the virus. Due to the number of cases, the Aggies don't have enough players for the bowl.
Currently, the Aggies have 38 scholarship position players, with only 13 available defensively.
Texas A&M was already shorthanded with several starters opting out for the 2022 NFL Draft. Among those going pro are defensive tackle DeMarvin Leal, defensive lineman Jayden Peevy, safety Leon O'Neal, offensive lineman Kenyon Green, tight end Jalen Wydermyer and running back Isaiah Spiller.
Zach Calzada elected to transfer following the regular season finale against LSU. He was 6-4 in 10 games as the team's starting quarterback, throwing for 2,185 yards and 17 touchdowns against nine interceptions. He completed 56.1 percent of his throws.
The Aggies were down to one scholarship quarterback in redshirt freshman Haynes King, who had not played since suffering a broken leg in Week 2 against Colorado. Walk-on freshman Blake Bost was expected to start in place of Calzada.
In two games, Bost completed two passes for 18 yards and an interception. Running back Devon Achane was expected to see the bulk of reps at running back. Several other Aggies were also expected to make their decision on the bowl game prior to next week.
Texas A&M is currently expected to finish with the No. 1 recruiting class on SI All-American's ranking, highlighted by 12 signees off SI99's list.
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