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A fourth bowl game involving an SEC team is now off the board after COVID-19 issues within the TCU program has forced the Texas Bowl matchup with Arkansas to be called off.
The game was set for 8 p.m. on Thursday on ESPN. Sources indicated to Pig Trail Nation that bowl reps reached out to another team, but they were unable to take TCU’s place.
This follows other cancellations of games involving SEC teams, or a team not making the trip, including South Carolina (Gasparilla), Tennessee (Liberty) and Missouri (Music City).
The news is the first negative announcement for Arkansas in recent days after the Razorbacks learned that First-Team All-SEC linebacker Grant Morgan, starting left tackle Myron Cunningham, starting right guard Ty Clary, receiver De’Vion Warren, tight end Blake Kern and running back TJ Hammond have all announced their decisions to return in 2021. The Texas Bowl could’ve been a chance to turn the page to 2021 and add to that momentum.
Arkansas finished the season with a 3-7 mark, including a four-game losing streak to end the campaign. The Horned Frogs were 6-4. Gary Patterson’s team was set to going bowling for the 6th time in 7 seasons after missing out in 2019.
Sad scene as 10 empty buses leave the football complex after the Texas Bowl cancellation. pic.twitter.com/pGyL9xq0w1
— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) December 29, 2020
The Texas Bowl officially announced the news on Tuesday:
— TaxAct Texas Bowl (@TexasBowl) December 29, 2020
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
