BOISE, Idaho — The Boise State Broncos have decided to skip participating in a bowl game for the 2020 season, according to a Sunday announcement from interim director of athletics Bob Carney and head coach Bryan Harsin.
"We met with our captains this morning, and after discussions with the rest of the team, we felt it was in the best interest of our program and of the well-being of our student-athletes, both physically and mentally, to forego a bowl game this year,” Harsin said. “These young men have been through a lot this season. COVID protocols required them to be away from their families for most of the season, and they understandably want to go home and be with their families for the holidays. When they return to campus we will begin preparations for a championship season in 2021."
This announcement comes after Boise State lost to San Jose State in Saturday's Moutain West football championship.
According to a press release from Boise State University, the decision was led by Bronco student-athletes and was supported by coaches, athletics staff and Boise State administration.
A statement issued jointly by team captains Khalil Shakir, Riley Whimpey and Avery Williams said, "This is about a team decision and what the team feels is best for everyone mentally, physically and emotionally. The 2020 season has not been easy, dating back to the summer, the postponement and return of our season and then week-to-week ups and downs in dealing with COVID. We gave everything we had this season for each other and for Bronco Nation, and are proud that we made it to a championship game despite all the challenges we faced. Now, it is time for all of us to get healthy and focus on 2021."
With the Broncos opting out of a bowl game this season, they will end their season 5-2. This opt-out ends the Bronco's streak of 18 straight seasons with a bowl game appearance.
"This was an incredibly difficult decision for our student-athletes to consider. Our team represents a great group of competitors, and all of us want to compete at the highest levels,” Carney said. “Our focus over the last week was on the Mountain West Championship Game. In regards to this decision, we wanted to give our team captains a chance to speak with all our student-athletes before taking any action on the postseason. These last several months have been both exhausting and challenging for everyone involved, and I want to thank our student-athletes, coaches and support staff for all of the work that went into the most unprecedented season in college football history. I am proud of everyone involved."
