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Rutgers to replace Texas A&M in Gator Bowl vs. Wake Forest

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 12/23/21

It has barely been 24 hours since Texas A&M pulled out of the Gator Bowl due to a COVID-19 outbreak that has plagued the team. But there a replacement to face Wake Forest in Jacksonville, Florida, has already emerged.

ESPN reported the NCAA Division I Football Oversight Committee would meet Thursday to decide on a team to replace the Aggies, looking at both team record and Academic Progress Rate (APR) to determine the best suitable opponent.

NJ.com first reported Wednesday night that Rutgers was the favorite to fill in at the Gator Bowl. The Scarlett Knights indeed got the bid.

Better late than never

The Scarlet Knights are going BOWLING pic.twitter.com/cJw3mrqsCu
— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) December 23, 2021

ESPN also reported that Illinois has expressed a desire to fill in at the Gator Bowl and that Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan, an Illinois alum, was pushing for his alma mater to get the bid.

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