Bowl Eligible? South Carolina looking to host 1st bowl game

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Organizers of the annual college all-star game held in South Carolina are confident the contest known as The Medal of Honor Bowl will become the state’s first traditional bowl game now that the Confederate flag no longer flies on Statehouse grounds.

Game chairman Tom McQueeney said Thursday he’s had positive talks with the NCAA in recent weeks about going forward with its new format for December 2016. The NCAA lifted its ban on South Carolina hosting predetermined championships with last month’s decision on the Confederate flag.

The all-star game was played the past two years and was not subject to NCAA sanctions.

Organizers need to find conference affiliations and a network. McQueeney said organizers are talking to several leagues about tie ins including the Atlantic Coast Conference and Southeastern Conference.