The upcoming Sun Bowl promises to be an exciting event, although some key players from the Louisville football team will not be participating. As the game approaches on December 31 at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas, several Louisville players have chosen to opt out or have entered the transfer portal, reflecting a growing trend among college athletes who prioritize their future opportunities over bowl games.
A noteworthy instance of this trend occurred in 2016 when Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey missed the Sun Bowl to focus on the NFL Draft. While players in the transfer portal may still be eligible to play in bowl games under specific conditions, most typically decide to forgo these opportunities.
For Louisville, the following players have opted out of the game:
– Quarterback Brady Allen – No statistics.
– Quarterback Tyler Shough – 244 completions on 389 attempts (62.7%), totaling 3,125 passing yards, with 23 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.
– Wide Receiver Ja’Corey Brooks – 61 receptions for 1,013 yards and 9 touchdowns.
– Defensive End Ashton Gillotte – 43 tackles, including 10 for loss, and 4.5 sacks.
As for Washington, no players have opted out as of now, which could be a significant advantage for their team.
The Louisville vs. Washington game will be broadcast live on CBS, providing fans with an opportunity to catch all the action.
For Louisville players who have entered the transfer portal, statistics include:
– Running Back Keyjuan Brown – 47 rushes for 243 yards.
– Running Back Donald Chaney Jr. – 50 rushes yielding 178 yards.
– Running Back Maurice Turner – 27 rushes for 136 yards.
– Wide Receiver Jadon Thompson – Six receptions for 88 yards.
– Tight End Jamari Johnson – 13 receptions totaling 158 yards.
Despite the challenges posed by these departures, the game still promises to showcase young talent and the enthusiasm of college football, as both teams navigate the changes. Fans can remain hopeful that the spirit of competition will shine through, and the Sun Bowl will deliver an entertaining matchup.
The narrative surrounding opt-outs and the transfer portal reflects the evolving landscape of college football, where players are increasingly taking control of their futures. As the sport continues to change, it will be interesting to see how these developments shape team dynamics and performances in bowl games.