Report: Second Big Ten team emerges with interest in playing in Gator Bowl

The search is on to replace Texas A&M in the Gator Bowl. It sounds like one 5-7 team is interested.

Rutgers is “exploring the possibility” of taking the Aggies’ place in the bowl game, according to Yahoo Sports’ Pete Thamel.

Sources: Rutgers has interest and is exploring the possibility of playing in the Gator Bowl. They have the highest-ranking APR of the available 5-7 teams (979), which *should* give them chance to play. (Illinois has an APR of 970). Rutgers also beat Illinois head-to-head.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 22, 2021

The Scarlet Knights won their first three games of the season before losing four straight. They got back on track with Illinois — which is also reportedly interested in playing in the game — and blowing out Indiana for their fifth win of the year.

But Rutgers isn’t bowl eligible since it didn’t win six games. That said, the Scarlet Knights have the best Academic Progress Rate (APR) of the remaining 5-7 teams at 979. That’s why they’re the first call to replace Texas A&M, according to Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger.

Illinois, to put it in perspective, is just behind Rutgers with a 970 APR. That gives the Scarlet Knights another advantage over the Illini as the Oversight Committee works to replace Texas A&M.

Earlier Wednesday, The Action Network’s Brett McMurphy reported Rutgers wasn’t interested in playing in the game. That adds another ripple to Thamel’s report.

The Gator Bowl is scheduled for Dec. 31. Whichever team accepts the invitation would take on Wake Forest.

Illinois coach 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….” the Illinois coach tweeted Wednesday afternoon.

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.