If the Minnesota Gophers decide to boycott the Holiday Bowl on December 27, the Northern Illinois Huskies could slide in and take their place.
Now here’s an interesting development. It’s been reported that the Minnesota Gophers have suspended 10 players prior to their December 27 Holiday Bowl against Washington State. Since then, rumors have circulated that the remaining Gophers players could possibly boycott the game in support of their teammates. But there is now some news regarding this.
Representatives from the Holiday Bowl have said they are “aware of the situation at the University of Minnesota, and are monitoring it closely.” Now a report from ESPN has come out and is saying that if the boycott stands, a potential replacement team could be named. This means regardless of what Minnesota does, we WILL have a Holiday Bowl on December 27.
That replacement team apparently looks to be the Northern Illinois Huskies. At 5-7, they would be the next team in line for a shot at the game and a decision on that could be reached by the end of the weekend.
If Minnesota boycotts Holiday Bowl, NIU would be next in line & "likely would play" if decision reached in next 48 hours, source told @ESPN
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 16, 2016
Now there are a few things that you should know about this situation. Despite their 5-7 record, the Huskies managed to win four of their last five regular season games. That includes a win over bowl-eligible Eastern Michigan.
But if they were to accept that bowl invitation, there are a few challenges. Their graduation ceremony was last weekend and some of the student-athletes have already departed from campus. Also timing could be a factor, given the idea of not having enough practices and time to prepare for Washington State.
Related Story: Minnesota Gophers boycotting all football activities
Regardless of who plays in the 2016 Holiday Bowl, you can see that game on Tuesday, December 27 beginning at 7:00 P.M. EST. ESPN will have the coverage.