Texas will not accept bowl invitation if spot is available

You can count out Texas from the list of teams hoping to get into a bowl game at 5-7. The Longhorns have decided to turn down an invitation if results from the weekend make them eligible for the postseason, according to multiple reports.

By virtue of its Academic Progress Rate (APR) ranking, Texas was next in line to take a spot if either South Alabama or Louisiana-Lafayette lost Saturday.

However, the Longhorns are transitioning to a new coach after the arrival of Tom Herman, who was hired by the school after it fired Charlie Strong. Herman has been focused on recruiting with just two months to get ready for signing day. \

The decision ends the career of Texas running back D'Onta Foreman. The junior, who ran for 2,028 yards and 15 touchdowns this season, announced Thursday he would enter the NFL draft.

Northern Illinois now would have the first opportunity to play in a bowl should either South Alabama or Louisiana-Lafayette lose. California has the next highest APR and would be line if both were defeated.

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