Dec. 01--Illinois' football season might not be over.
The NCAA Division I Council ruled Monday that the Football Oversight Committee will use Academic Progress Rate scores to fill bowl slots because of a shortage of eligible six-win teams.
Between two and five teams with 5-7 records will play in the record 40 bowls this season as only 75 teams have reached six victories, with three more having a chance to do so this weekend.
Nebraska has the highest APR among five-win teams at 985, followed by Kansas State (976), Missouri (976), Minnesota (975), San Jose State (975), Illinois (973) and Rice (973). Kansas State can finish 6-6 with a win Saturday against West Virginia, while Missouri announced Monday it would decline any bowl invitation.
A spokesman said Illinois had not decided whether it would accept a bowl bid.
"We will continue to monitor the situation and when appropriate talk with the Big Ten office and our staff before making a decision," the spokesman said.
The Illini closed the regular season Saturday with a 24-14 loss to Northwestern. That morning, Illinois removed the interim tag from coach Bill Cubit and agreed to a two-year contract.
Illinois is also searching for an athletic director after Mike Thomas was fired Nov. 9. Paul Kowalczyk is serving as interim AD, and Barbara Wilson is the interim chancellor.
Player leaving: Sophomore running back Kendrick Foster tweeted his intention to transfer from Illinois. He was buried on the depth chart most of the season but received playing time in the final few games and performed well, finishing with 79 yards on 15 carries with one touchdown.
sryan@tribpub.com
