Tragedy in New Orleans delays Sugar Bowl, next Penn State CFP opponent. Here’s what we know
Officials have postponed Wednesday night’s Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame for at least one day, after a man drove a pickup truck through a crowd in New Orleans’ French Quarter, killing at least 10 people and injuring at least 30 more early on New Year’s Day.
The College Football Playoff quarterfinal to determine Penn State’s next opponent is now to be played 4 p.m. Thursday.
“We have been in consultation with ESPN, with the College Football Playoff, with the Southeastern Conference, with the University of Georgia, with Notre Dame,” Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley said during a Wednesday press conference. “All parties agree it’s in the best interest of everybody in public safety that we postpone the game for 24 hours. Work is fast about to set up a safe, efficient and fun environment for tomorrow night.”
The FBI is reportedly investigating the attack as an act of terrorism. An Islamic State group flag was found in the truck.
According to reports, the driver was identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen from Texas. Police said he sped through a crowd along Bourbon Street, renowned for its bustling nightlife, around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday when revelers were still celebrating New Year’s Day.
The attacker was killed in a firefight with police.
The current home of the Sugar Bowl, Caesars Superdome, is less than a mile from that site.
Officials postponed the game after two improvised explosive devices were found near the attack site. Security also swept the Caesars Superdome.
“Obviously, we wish we weren’t here for this reason today,” Hundley said. “The Sugar Bowl committee has a 90-year history of being a good corporate citizen for the city of New Orleans, and that’s why this tragedy hurts us as much as anybody right now. So our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families as we all work through this.”
Barring any significant changes, the winner between Notre Dame and Georgia will advance to take on Penn State in the Orange Bowl at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 9. The Nittany Lions cruised past Boise State, 31-14, Tuesday night to advance.
Officials from the Orange Bowl did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
This story was originally published January 1, 2025 at 3:54 PM.
