EAST LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) — Michigan State Football won't be playing in the bowl game this season, but will instead prepare for the 2021 season, according to head football coach Mel Tucker.
“We have decided as a program that the best decision for our team is to prepare for the 2021 season," Tucker said. "I’m proud of the players for the way they handled themselves during this difficult and challenging year. They endured a season unlike any we have had before and worked hard to remain diligent in following all of our safety protocols. Our players have been on campus since re-arriving in June and deserve the chance to go home and take some time away from football."
Without heading on to the bowl, the current MSU football season has come to an end.
Michigan State says it will not accept a bowl invitation, ending the 2020 season pic.twitter.com/Hxr8NIlmof
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 20, 2020
“There are many positives to take away from this year and build on for the future, and I know Coach Tucker and his team are already looking forward to an offseason of improvement and preparation for 2021," said MSU Athletic Dir. Bill Beekman. "There’s an exciting future ahead for Spartan football.”
Read coach Tucker's complete statement below:
“First and foremost, I would like to thank our medical staff for everything they have done for our program this season. We were extremely fortunate and grateful to have had the opportunity to play football this fall.
We have decided as a program that the best decision for our team is to prepare for the 2021 season. I’m proud of the players for the way they handled themselves during this difficult and challenging year. They endured a season unlike any we have had before and worked hard to remain diligent in following all of our safety protocols. Our players have been on campus since re-arriving in June and deserve the chance to go home and take some time away from football.
Even though our season has come to a close, the time that we have had to work with the players in practice and coach in games has been invaluable for us in establishing our culture. We’re looking forward to relentlessly working this offseason in preparation for the 2021 season. The future is bright for Michigan State football. Go Green!”
