LOOK: Bret Bielema makes hilarious advance for potential Gator Bowl admission

Bret Bielema is trying to sneak his squad into a bowl game. While Illinois just missed out on being bowl eligible by one win, Bielema is making his case for the Fighting Illini to be the replacement for Texas A&M in the Gator Bowl.

Waiting by the phone…. #ILL #famILLy https://t.co/0xb9eoKU3U

— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) December 22, 2021

Originally, the Gator Bowl was scheduled to be played between Texas A&M and Wake Forest. But after halting team activities late last week after multiple positive COVID-19 cases, the Aggies revealed Wednesday they would be opting out of the Gator Bowl. Now, the Demon Deacons are left opponent-less.

Moreover, college football insider Brett McMurphy reported that of all the 5-7 teams, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights had the first option — which they declined. Now, Bielema is throwing his team’s name in the hat for the game.

Furthermore, McMurphy added that the Fighting Illini would play in the game if they’re asked.

“Illinois (5-7) would play Wake Forest in Gator Bowl, if asked, source told Action Network HQ,” tweeted McMurphy. “Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson said his team needs to know by Friday if opponent can be determined.”

It’s why Bret Bielema opted to shoot his shot over social media. And who knows, maybe it’ll get Illinois into a bowl game in his first season after all.

More on Gator Bowl, Texas A&M

The resurgence of COVID-19 has effected the entire nation, cancelling sporting events left and right. Now, Texas A&M is seeing an abrupt end to their season. An outbreak of COVID taking them out of the Gator Bowl.

“Due to a combination of COVID-19 issues within the program, as well as season-ending injuries, the Texas A&M football roster is not in a position to safely participate in the upcoming Dec. 31 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against Wake Forest,” announced the school via Twitter.

On Tuesday, wrenches were thrown in the plans of the Aggies when Billy Liucci of TexAgs.com revealed multiple sources have informed him Texas A&M shut down all operations since Saturday due to an outbreak of COVID-19. While Liucci added the outbreak is among mainly vaccinated players, he also stated certain position groups were “hit particularly hard.”

Afterwards, the team was meeting via Zoom to prepare for a Dec. 31 bowl appearance against Wake Forest. However, it’s all come to a crashing halt for the Aggies.

Now, Texas A&M will receive no closure for an uneven 2021 season. As for the Gator Bowl, Dellenger reports that the search is one for a replacement — but it could only happen if another team is forced to cancel.