Georgia taking extra precautions to avoid Orange Bowl cancellation
Five college bowl games have been impacted by the recent COVID-19 outbreaks, and there is no saying whether another game could be canceled this week. In light of these crazy times, the Georgia Bulldogs are determined to not let their program be the latest to have to bow out of a game.
In their first media availability ahead of the Orange Bowl in Miami, players talked about being extra vigilant ahead of their big game against Michigan in an effort to not see their own game get canceled this year.
"Definitely excited to be in Miami, but as we all know, it's a hot spot for COVID," defensive tackle Jordan Davis said, via ESPN. "We just have to make sure that we protect ourselves and wear our masks, and just enjoy the moment. Obviously, bowl week is a great time for team chemistry and getting to know each other a little bit better than we already do. We're just excited to be here and have fun in Miami."
Linebacker Nakobe Dean agreed.
"We're trying to stay safe from this new variant," he said, noting he and his teammates are trying to just "stay around each other" and not mingle with players or personnel from the other team — or anywhere, for that matter.
Texas A&M was the first team to pull out of a bowl game, withdrawing from the Gator Bowl last week because a COVID outbreak had depleted the team so badly. That game will still take place, however, with Rutgers filling in to take on Wake Forest on Friday. The Military Bowl in Annapolis, Md., and what was supposed to be the first Fenway Bowl in Boston, both set to be played this week, have now been canceled. Currently, Washington State is searching for a new opponent in the Sun Bowl after Miami just withdrew due to COVID.
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