After suffering a 24-point loss on November 27, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights were under the impression that their season was over. Weeks later, Greg Schiano and his team got the surprise of a lifetime when they were invited to play in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against despite having a losing record.
“This is an exciting time for Rutgers,” Schiano said, according to ESPN.
“I’m so happy for our players to be able to experience a great bowl game atmosphere. Anytime you can go out and test yourself against the country’s top talent, it creates a tremendous opportunity for our players to grow and develop.”
Rutgers will step in for the Texas A&M Aggies, who finished the season with an 8-4 record a win against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Texas A&M Aggies Head Coach Jimbo Fisher cited injuries and recent COVID-19 outbreak as the reasons for his team’s decision to forego their bowl game.
The Scarlet Knights will face off against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on December 31 in Jacksonville, Florida. Wake Forest enter this year’s TaxSlayer Gator Bowl with a record of 10-2 and an ACC Atlantic Division title.
“Our outstanding group of seniors deserves this proper send off as we compete for a championship next week,” Wake Forest Head Coach Dave Clawson said.
“[Rutgers] coach Greg Schiano does a great job and I have tremendous respect for him and his staff. We expect a very tough game against a talented and well-coached team.”
