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Central Michigan earns massive pay increase moving from Arizona Bowl to Sun Bowl

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz12/28/21NickSchultz_7
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A pylon in the corner of the endzone during the 2018 Sun Bowl. (Jorge Salgado/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

A week ago, Central Michigan thought it was playing in the Arizona Bowl against Boise State. After the Broncos opted out this week, the Chippewas found a new bowl game — and are getting quite a payday for the move.

When Central Michigan was playing in the Arizona Bowl, the Chippewas were getting a $175,000 payout, according to the Detroit Free Press’ Brian Manzullo. Now that they’re in the Sun Bowl against a Power 5 opponent, that payout moves to $2.3 million.

However, Manzullo later said Central Michigan might not get the full $2.3 million. The Chippewas will still get “significantly more” than the $175,000 due from the Arizona Bowl, though.

Central Michigan went 8-4 overall and 6-2 in MAC action — tied for first in the MAC West with Northern Illinois. The Chippewas were supposed to play Boise State on Dec. 31, but COVID-19 issues within the Broncos program forced the cancellation.

That left CMU without a bowl game, and the Sun Bowl came calling four days before kickoff. In fact, there were fears Sun Bowl officials wouldn’t be able to find a replacement.

Kickoff in the Sun Bowl is coming up on Friday — New Year’s Eve — at noon ET.

Report: Replacement for Miami Hurricanes in Sun Bowl revealed

Washington State has its opponent for the Sun Bowl. 

According to KTSM-TV’s Colin Deaver, Central Michigan will replace Miami and face Washington State on New Year’s Eve at noon ET in El Paso, Texas.

News broke on Monday that Central Michigan’s opponent, Boise State, opted out of the Arizona Bowl due to COVID-19. The Hurricanes did the same over the weekend, withdrawing from the Sun Bowl due to COVID-19 issues. That prompted the Washington State program to lay down an open challenge via social media to any team willing to play them in their bowl game. For college football fans, it appears that instead of canceling the two games, we will get one between the two remaining schools.

There was a hold-up, though. Central Michigan first needed to be relieved of their obligation to The Arizona bowl by the MAC conference, according to Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger. Once that hurdle was cleared, the Arizona Bowl had to do the same and come to an agreement with the Sun Bowl committee. Dellenger, citing sources, said that agreement was likely one based on financial obligations.

It’s a done deal now, though. Central Michigan and Washington State are now scheduled to kick off Friday at noon ET.