Pitt football opts out of bowl game

Pitt football has decided to remove itself from consideration for a bowl game, officially ending its 2020 season. The Panthers finished their season at 6-5 and wrapped up the season with a convincing win at Georgia Tech.

Pitt likely would have earned an invitation to a bowl with its above .500 record and teams such as Boston College opting out of playing in a bowl prior to Pitt making its decision. The invitation probably would’ve been to a lower tier bowl, but the Panthers would have almost certainly found themselves in a bowl game.

The ACC has five teams that have opted out of a bowl game as Florida State, Georgia Tech, and Virginia Tech have joined Pitt and Boston College in opting out.

The decision to not play in a bowl came after the players voted on the decision and an overwhelming majority voted not to participate. Several top Pitt players like Patrick Jones, Rashad Weaver, and Damar Hamlin had already announced their plans to enter the draft and that their seasons were done prior to Pitt officially opting out of a bowl.

This decision from the players is one that makes sense. They have spent the last few months being constantly tested, isolated, and focused solely on football. Participating in a bowl game means they would have had continue with these conditions for a couple extra weeks, which would have to be less than ideal for them.

They also would not be able to see their families during the holidays, which would be especially tough given the current state of things. A bowl game doesn’t really have much value other than just playing another game, so it feels as if the players have made the right decision by allowing themselves to enjoy time with their families and a break from both classes and football.