It used to be that seven losses disqualified college football teams from appearing in a bowl game. But with the proliferation of bowls, and the sponsors needed to pay for them, 5-7 teams now have to disqualify themselves.
That's what 5-7 Missouri did on Monday in announcing it would not seek permission from the NCAA to accept a bowl bid without the six wins necessary for bowl eligibility, becoming the first of the five-win teams to do so.
"Following this weekend's football games, there have been significant discussions nationally concerning 5-7 teams participating in bowl games. After careful consideration, we have decided it is not in the best interest of our football program to seek permission from the NCAA to participate in a bowl game," said Missouri athletic director Mack Rhoades in a statement. "Our focus remains on identifying the right leader for our program and moving forward with the transition process."
Missouri is looking for its next head coach after the retirement of Gary Pinkel.
There are 80 bowl berths available, including the College Football Playoff, but not enough six-win teams to fill them. The NCAA's Football Oversight Committee recommended Monday that Academic Progress Rates be a determining factor in which 5-7 teams are selected for a bowl. At least two 5-7 teams, and as many as five, will play in a bowl game depending on the outcome of games this weekend.
Nebraska has the best 2013-14 APR (985) among five-win teams. At 5-6, Kansas State can become bowl eligible with a win over West Virginia on Saturday. With a 976 APR, it's possible Kansas State will be going to a bowl regardless of the outcome of its game vs. WVU. Missouri also has a 976 APR.
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