Sports

South Carolina Backs Out, Gasparilla Bowl Canceled

Sources close to the South Carolina football team say the Gamecocks will not play in this weekend's bowl game in Tampa.

South Carolina has opted not to play in Saturday's bowl game against UAB.
South Carolina has opted not to play in Saturday's bowl game against UAB. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

TAMPA, FL — UAB's scheduled meeting with South Carolina in the Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa Saturday reportedly is not happening. Sources close to the South Carolina football program say the Gamecocks have backed out of the game, citing COVID-19 concerns.

Reports from the bowl officials say the game has been canceled.

A local sports radio station in South Carolina, 107.5 FM, reported that COVID-19 issues within USC’s coaching staff will prevent the team from being healthy enough to travel and play.

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According to JC Shurburtt of The Big Spur, a South Carolina staff member recently tested positive, and due to contact tracing, most of the coaches are in quarantine.

This leaves UAB without an opponent for Saturday's Gasparilla Bowl, which was scheduled to kick off at noon.

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UAB's 2020 season is now officially over, as the Blazers look to 2021 and kicking off the season in their new stadium downtown.

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