Penn State decides against playing in a bowl game

Shortly after winning their fourth straight game, members of the Penn State football team met Saturday night and decided not to participate in a bowl game this season.

Coach James Franklin and vice president for intercollegiate athletics Sandy Barbour announced the decision late Saturday, saying it was the players’ decision to decline a bowl invitation.

“Our student-athletes have made tremendous sacrifices this season in order to play the game they love,” Barbour said in a statement. “Very few teams have handled playing during the pandemic as well as our program has, which fills me with Penn State pride. Our student-athletes will now have the opportunity for a well-deserved break to enjoy time with their families before returning for the spring semester.

“I would also like the recognize all of the coaches and support staff members who have also made numerous sacrifices of their own for our student-athletes to compete this fall and moving forward.”

Penn State (4-5), which started the season 0-5, played all nine of its scheduled games, a rare feat for college football teams during a season played amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

“I couldn’t be more proud and encouraged by how our team conducted itself during this unprecedented season. One of our four core values is a willingness to sacrifice, and our student-athletes, coaches and staff have all made incredible sacrifices both on and off the field in order for us to compete this year,” Franklin said. “This has been a challenging nine months, but we are proud of how our student-athletes have navigated these difficult times.”

After Saturday’s 56-21 home win over Illinois during Big Ten Champions Week, Franklin said he would meet with the team’s captains and seniors to make a decision about playing in a bowl game.

“As you know, we rely on our captains and Leadership Council to provide a voice for our team, and our student-athletes made the difficult choice not to participate in a bowl this year in order to spend time with loved ones,” he said. “We are fully supportive of their decision, knowing it has been many months since our students-athletes have been able to spend time with their families and the challenges they endured, both physically and mentally. This will be an opportunity for our guys to go home, see family and recharge for the spring semester.”