BY KTIK AND FIRST RESPONDER BOWL STAFFS
DALLAS – Boise State’s football season ended Wednesday with a series of lightning strikes and a punch to the gut.
The First Responder Bowl at Cotton Bowl Stadium was canceled because of lightning, and the game was officially ruled a no contest. The game was suspended at 12:59 p.m. CT with 5:08 remaining in the first quarter, and Boston College holding a 7-0 lead. The game was officially cancelled at 2:20 p.m.
“In the interest of safety for our teams and fans, the 2018 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl was unable to be continued,” Brant Ringler, the bowl’s executive director said. “The decision was made after lengthy consultation with emergency personnel, both universities, ESPN and Cotton Bowl Stadium staff.”
Boise State will refund the cost of game tickets to the approximately 2,000 fans who purchased their tickets directly through the university, the school announced Wednesday night.
Boise State (10-3), which loses quarterback Brett Rypien and 15 other seniors, opens its 2019 season on Aug. 31 against Florida State in Jacksonville, Fla.
POST-GAME COMMENTS
Pete Derzis, ESPN senior vice president of ESPN Events and programming: “After more than an hour since stoppage of play, and with review of the active lightning and thunderstorm cells still in the area of the Cotton Bowl, it was determined that the game should be called. All parties were concerned about player safety first and foremost, and with that being the primary concern, as well as the fans in attendance, it was a unanimous decision to cancel the game.”
Bryan Harsin, Boise State coach: “This was an awesome week. The first responders and the bowl game were first class in every way. It was exciting to play in this venue and this opportunity. Unfortunately, we don’t control the weather. … As coaches, administrators and fans, you go out there and enjoy the game, but you have to take their safety into consideration. Those guys wanted to play. When you are a player, you are set to play. We made a sound decision, we had to make a decision and that is what you do. That is bigger than playing in the game. You have to make sure you make the right choices for your student-athletes.”
Steve Addazio, Boston College coach: “This is a first, and I’ve never seen it before. I don’t second guess anything about it. It is a first and it is disappointing, however, the decision was made for the right reasons and that is the welfare of both teams players and I totally understand that. I appreciate the fact the bowl put our and Boise’s players ahead of a lot of other things. I am not sure how many can do that. I am very appreciative for that.”
