Army to face West Virginia in Liberty Bowl, replacing Tennessee
Army will have the opportunity to play in a bowl game after all.
The Black Knights had been unable to find an opponent for a bowl game coming out of the weekend, but on Monday, it was announced they will face West Virginia in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Dec. 31.
Tennessee was originally scheduled to play in the game but had to drop out earlier Monday after receiving word of multiple positive COVID-19 tests among players and coaches, including head coach Jeremy Pruitt.
Army (9-2) had a primary agreement to play in the Independence Bowl, but the game was canceled Sunday after multiple teams opted out of postseason play.
Army coach Jeff Monken told ESPN's Adam Rittenberg that players were in tears Sunday when they were informed of the cancellation, believing their season would end without the chance to play another game. On Monday night, "they went absolutely bananas" upon learning they would be playing in a bowl game, Monken said during an appearance on Freddie & Fitzsimmons on ESPN Radio.
"They were desperate for an opportunity to play one more time," Monken said, before adding, "I was just humbled that people would think that much of our team and our young men to be advocates for them. Our players can't advocate for themselves. They got to just take what's offered. To have people that believe in them and think so highly of this institution and this program, really it's humbling."
