As South Carolina was unable to play against UAB in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl on Saturday due to COVID-19 issues, the bowl game has been canceled.
“Between coaching staff members and student athletes, COVID and contact tracking have taken a toll too high to overcome,” South Carolina athletic director Ray Tanner said in a statement. “I have informed the bowl and the SEC office that we cannot play in the game on Saturday.”
UAB athletic director Mark Ingram said in a tweet that the Blazers still hoped to get into the game if a new opponent could be found, but ESPN released a statement saying “We explored some options for UAB, but in the end couldn’t identify any opportunities for them to play right now. ”
“ESPN and Conference USA are actively working to find a new opponent. Our team has earned the opportunity and privilege to play.” – @UAB_AD Mark Ingram pic.twitter.com/W4zLW7hy4p
– UAB Football 🏆 (@UAB_FB) December 22, 2020
Sources told ESPN’s Mark Schlabach that the entire offensive staff of the Gamecocks, with the exception of one coach – interim coach Mike Bobo – would not have been able to coach in the game due to positive coronavirus cases and contact tracking. Offensive analysts and graduate assistants were also unavailable.
South Carolina (2-8) was able to get through the regular season without interruptions. Bobo would coach the Gamecocks in the game in place of Will Muschamp, who retired from the program in November.
Shane Beamer was hired as South Carolina’s new head coach earlier this month.
South Carolina joins Tennessee as the second SEC team unable to play in a bowl game due to COVID-19 issues.