Texas A&M officially out of Gator Bowl
December 22nd, 2021 at 3:01 PM ^
This makes sense. Universities and the NCAA are large bureaucratic organizations. As such, they are risk averse and decision making tends to be reactionary, lagging reality. The reaction of universities to Covid has been completely over the top, irrational and not grounded in scientific reality. Their current Covid policies are a continuation of this pattern.
December 22nd, 2021 at 2:19 PM ^
While the omicron variant is less severe(all evidence right now points to this), I think the most important part is if the positive players are symptomatic or not. I think it’s time to create a criteria for fully vaccinated asymptomatic people. Have them undergo a physical exam, chest X-ray, serial temperature monitoring for x number of days(3?), and if they are truly asymptomatic, and have no radiographic evidence of Covid on X-ray, allow them to return to unrestricted activity. There is really no concrete evidence of fully vaccinated, Covid positive, asymptomatic people being a risk to anyone. It’s going to be an uphill battle to get everyone vaccinated if we don’t start to look at the vaccinated asymptomatic people in a different way.
December 22nd, 2021 at 2:48 PM ^
While the omicron variant is less severe(all evidence right now points to this),
The data from South Africa may suggest this, but the data from the UK is less promising.
December 22nd, 2021 at 3:33 PM ^
Biased to use UK data...
High comorbidity between Omicron and bad teeth.
December 22nd, 2021 at 2:55 PM ^
How about serial x-rays for a number of days. We may just end up with a team of superheroes
December 22nd, 2021 at 1:35 PM ^
Go blue.
December 22nd, 2021 at 1:36 PM ^
I'm officially getting worried.
December 22nd, 2021 at 1:45 PM ^
I assume we're going to see more bowl games cancelled going forward. They won't cancel the playoff games, obviously, but I also wouldn't be shocked if those 4 teams basically go into bubbles and don't emerge.
My outlook at this point is if the players are fully vaccinated (I'd prefer that include a booster shot) that this be treated like similar illnesses (e.g. flu) and games not be cancelled as long as the players have no/minor symptoms and otherwise seem fine. Obviously you want to limit their exposure to others but provided everyone is wearing masks when out in the public that should severely limit spread outside of the team.
It is a really thorny public health issue and I don't envy anyone involved but unlike a year ago when we didn't have a variety of measures to protect people we now have vaccines + treatments that have lowered the risk level significantly.
December 22nd, 2021 at 1:55 PM ^
I really want to see Michigan play, but if bowl season had to be sacrificed for Michigan to beat OSU, so be it. I’m a fantastic worrier, but I can’t bring myself to get upset about the best the football season in forever. They could cancel the season, name Notre Dame the national champion, and all I would remember is Haskins breaking OSU’s will.
December 22nd, 2021 at 1:55 PM ^
1. i feel like we're headed to an empty stadium playoff, and some key players not playing on both sides as the AVERAGE case scenario....
2. I feel like that adversely hurts Michigan of the 2 teams, as I think the south has generally taken a less rigid approach to COVID than most northern states AND proximity allows many georgia fans to access by car/RV far more easily.
3. F-ing dong punch if so.
4. Why did they wait until 10 days before the game to get the booster. I hope they stay isolated or the Michigan team will get hit with it too.
December 22nd, 2021 at 2:21 PM ^
1. The only way you’ll see an empty stadium is if they cancel the games. We are past the point of return on the “no fans” theory.
2. People in Florida might be disagreeing with you as our Covid numbers have been leading the country(in a bad way). I’m sure they aren’t super thrilled that a bunch of Michigan residents from the current Covid hotbed are going to be traveling to their region.
December 22nd, 2021 at 1:58 PM ^
The higher level issue (and not surprising) is the first domino has fell. It might even save OSU from a bowl loss.
Good news is that the NCAA will do anything to get the CFP playoffs played to completion even if it's moved backed a few weeks.
December 22nd, 2021 at 2:09 PM ^
Send San Diego State! Brady and the team would walk there to play another game.
December 22nd, 2021 at 2:49 PM ^
so the SEC forfiets the game? 0-1 bowl record
OH WAIT its the SEC they will get SPECIAL rules just for THEM
December 22nd, 2021 at 3:51 PM ^
Texas A and M sweeping up recruits with a meh season and no bowl (not their fault) but damn if someone doesnt need to explain this to me. Lucky thing is without a generational talent at QB they wont do anything. Best 9-3 team youve ever seen year after year.
December 22nd, 2021 at 3:57 PM ^
Waiting by the phone…. #ILL #famILLy
Brett McMurphy
@Brett_McMurphy
Gator Bowl could have replaced Texas A&M w/a 5-7 team based on APR, sources told @ActionNetworkHQ. Rutgers had 1st option, but declined. Other not expected to accept. “How many 5-7 teams have been practicing or are still in school? None,” source said
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December 22nd, 2021 at 4:06 PM ^
December 22nd, 2021 at 4:17 PM ^
Society has never been dumber, weaker or more narcissistic.