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Reports broke late Saturday that the USC Trojans football team were set to decline any postseason bowl bid they may receive.
SOURCES: #USC Opting NOT TO PLAY in Bowl Game❕@USCScoop #FightOn pic.twitter.com/5mGLo7uXPv
— Scott Schrader (@Scott_Schrader) December 20, 2020
The Trojans will end their season on a sour note if that's the case, leaving the field for the final time after losing the Pac-12 Championship Game to Oregon on Friday night.
Clay Helton and Mike Bohn each released quotes on the matter:
USC opts out of bowl game, per school statement it was “a decision that was reached collectively today by the USC medical team, the Trojan players and staff, head coach Clay Helton and athletic director Mike Bohn.” Quotes from Helton & Bohn: pic.twitter.com/ONk837zXct
— Ashley Adamson (@AdamsonAshley) December 20, 2020
USC finishes the season at 5-1 after finishing the regular season undefeated. Through a tough and challenging season, it wasn’t the ending they wanted, but certainly, the Trojans put forth enough to be proud of during this season.
The coronavirus pandemic put enough challenges on the table not only for each individual player, coach, staff and family member but also for opponents as each Pac-12 team had to deal with either their own COVID-19 issues or their opponents. Short notices were the new norm and flex scheduled opponents a casual term to hear.
It’s a hard way to end the year, but you certainly have to respect the decision of the coaches, players and staff.
FIGHT ON