Opting out of bowl games has been something high-profile players have done often in recent years, and in 2020 it appears to be the trend for teams as well — potentially including Michigan State.
Bowl bids will be handed out on Sunday, and there’s a chance MSU will receive an offer to play in a postseason bowl game. However, Graham Couch of the Lansing State Journal is reporting the Spartans will turn down a bowl offer should they receive one.
Michigan State isn't playing in one, either. Similar deal. Team decision. https://t.co/zSeUAYLJCg
— Graham Couch (@Graham_Couch) December 20, 2020
MSU has yet to formally announce their postseason intentions, but many have speculated the Spartans are done for the season after this weekend’s game vs. Maryland was canceled on Thursday. A number of players have announced they’re leaving the program (either to go to the NFL or transfer) since that game was canceled, and while that doesn’t completely tell us the season is over, that does serve as a hint.
Earlier in the week, head coach Mel Tucker seemed adamant about wanting to play in a bowl game should that opportunity arise so it’s interesting to see the somewhat sudden decision to change course. However, it sounds like the players wanted to turn down that opportunity to move onto the offseason.
A number of Big Ten teams have opted out of the postseason, including Penn State who is referenced in Couch’s tweet above. So should MSU elect to play, then there would some bowl options for where the Spartans could land.
This will be something to monitor throughout Sunday, but it seems pretty clear that the Spartans’ season is officially over.
