Christian McCaffrey will not play in the Sun Bowl

Early Monday morning, Cardinal fans woke up expecting to head off to work and were ready to start a joyful week. Then, their world may have been turned upside down. Christian McCaffrey announced that he will not play in the Sun Bowl.

McCaffrey wrote his decision on his twitter this morning. He said,

This decision most likely comes as a surprise to many Cardinal fans, but the decision is not unheard of. Days ago, LSU running back Leonard Fournette announced that he’d miss his final bowl game to prepare for the NFL draft. Both players are top ranked running backs and probably do not want to risk an injury.

Christian McCaffrey ends the year with 2,327 all purpose yards and 1,603 rushing yards, but Cardinal fans won’t see him add to those numbers against a weak UNC defense. Now, Bryce Love will lead the rushing attack. Love filled in nicely for McCaffrey against Notre Dame and has been an outstanding backup all year. The McLovin’ backfiled has come to an end, and it’s time to love Bryce Love.

Despite missing his final game, Christian McCaffrey will still be a Stanford legend, and Cardinal fans should respect his decision. The Sun Bowl never was going to define his career but last year’s Rose Bowl did. The McCaffrey era is officially over. Thanks again, Christian.