By TOMMY REZAC
The Music City Bowl between Missouri and No. 15 Iowa that was scheduled for Wednesday has been canceled because COVID-19 issues left the Tigers unable to play.
Missouri athletic director Jim Sterk made the announcement Sunday afternoon after the Tigers saw increase of COVID cases within their program.
Mizzou head football coach Eli Drinkwitz allowed his players go home for the holiday break, but says that is not to blame for the cancelation.
"For us to be belittled or beleaguered on social media, or for players to be challenged because they went home for Christmas is unfair," Drinkwitz said. "If they want to direct that at anybody, as the head coach, you can place the blame on my shoulders. But, our players didn't do anything wrong."
Mizzou has paused all football activities through Jan. 2.
Iowa’s regular-season finale against Michigan on Dec. 19 was also called off after the Wolverines had COVID issues. Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz says it’s unfortunate to see the Hawkeyes’ season end this way.
"On behalf of our whole team, it's extremely disappointing to end our season this way," Ferentz said. "This is two games in a row now where we haven't been able to get to the finish line. So, it's certainly disappointing."
Iowa ends the 2020 season with a 6-2 record, while Mizzou finishes at 5-5.
The Music City Bowl, which was to be played in Nashville, Tenn., is the second bowl called off since the postseason lineup was set on Dec. 20, joining the Gasparilla Bowl.
Missouri is now the third SEC team that has had to pull out of its bowl game, joining Tennessee and South Carolina. Overall, 18 bowl games have been canceled this season.
