In the wake of Wednesday morning’s tragedy in New Orleans, the Allstate Sugar Bowl has been postponed until Thursday. Georgia and Notre Dame had been scheduled to collide Wednesday night in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff.
The postponement was prompted by a driver plowing his vehicle into a crowded area on Canal and Bourbon Street. Reports have varied about the number of people who were killed. Some media outlets have reported that at least 10 people have died, while others have said 12 or 15.
The driver, 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, was killed in a shootout with police officers. Din Jabbar left at least 35 people injured.
The Associated Press reported today that law enforcement has discovered surveillance footage showing multiple suspects placing an explosive device in New Orleans. The FBI is investigating the matter as an act of terror and are seeking multiple suspects.
Since the AP’s report early Wednesday, authorities have ruled out that three men and one woman had anything to do with IUD explosives that had been placed near the area of the tragedy.
“Public safety is paramount,” Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley said at a presser alongside federal, state and local officials, including Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “All parties all agree that it’s in the best interest of everybody and public safety that we postpone the game for 24 hours.”
Depending on house rules, many gamblers saw their bets on the Bulldogs and the Fighting Irish cancelled. The Westgate SuperBook re-opened the line with Notre Dame as a one-point favorite (at a -105 price) with a total of 45.5.
Most other books have the Irish at -1 as well, with the total anywhere in the 45 to 46 range.
“The decision to postpone tonight’s Sugar Bowl was made in the best interest of public safety,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement. “Lives were tragically lost last night and we are appreciative that public officials and law enforcement agencies continue to work with great diligence to ensure the safety of the New Orleans community.”
Kickoff is now scheduled for Thursday at at 4:00 p.m. Eastern.