Bret Bielema, Illinois hoping for call to replace Texas A&M in Gator Bowl

Texas A&M had to back out of the Gator Bowl due to a Covid-19 outbreak among the team on Wednesday.

Now, there’s a chance that a 5-7 team could potentially take their place in the game. Brett McMurphy of Action Network stated that Rutgers had the option of replacing the Aggies, but turned down the chance.

Bret Bielema and Illinois could be one of the teams to fill that spot. Bielema said that he’ll be “waiting by the phone” in a recent Tweet.

Gator Bowl could have replaced Texas A&M w/a 5-7 team based on APR, sources told @ActionNetworkHQ. Rutgers had 1st option, but declined. Other not expected to accept. “How many 5-7 teams have been practicing or are still in school? None,” source said

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 22, 2021

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

— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) December 22, 2021

The Fighting Illini’s 5 wins are against Nebraska, Charlotte, No. 7 Penn State, No. 20 Minnesota, and Northwestern. We’ll see if their resume is good enough to get a chance to play in the bowl game.

If Illinois does get that call, it would play Wake Forest on Dec. 31st if the date isn’t changed. The game will be broadcast on ESPN at 12 p.m. ET if it is played.

Grant Bricker

Grant Bricker covers the B1G for Saturday Tradition. His previous stops include the Williamson Homepage and Nashville Post.