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Five-win Missouri says it will not pursue a bowl inivite

The University of Missouri, one of 12 teams with a 5-7 record heading into the weekend, issued a statement Monday saying it would not petition the NCAA for bowl eligibility.

Since there are not enough 6-6 bowl eligible teams for the 80 bowl slots available, the NCAA default is to use 5-7 programs based on their Academic Progress Rates (APR). Heading into the final weekend, there are still three 5-6 programs yet to finish their seasons. At least two 5-7 teams will be used to fill bowl slots and as many as five could be selected.

Based on APR scores, Missouri would have been tied for second in APR with Kansas State, one of the 5-6 teams that will face West Virginia this weekend.

“Following this weekend’s football games, there have been significant discussions nationally concerning 5-7 teams participating in bowl games,” Missouri athletic director Mack Rhoades said. “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. Our focus remains on identifying the right leader for our program and moving forward with the transition process.

The NCAA said it will provide bowls looking for entrants a pool of teams based on the top APR schools. Bowls can chose whichever team fits their criteria.

Missouri is currently looking for a football coach to replace Gary Pinkel, who recently announced he was resigning to battle cancer.

For more Missouri news, visit PowerMizzou.com.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!

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