With two D-I AA school's on Arizona State's schedule and a 6-6 record, Dennis Erickson and company will not go bowling for the 3rd straight season.
Arizona State is coming off of a miraculous win over in-state rival Arizona. After blocking a PAT in double overtime and hoisting the Territorial Cup, the Sun Devils finished the regular season 6-6. According to the NCAA, 6 wins makes you automatically bowl eligible. However, there is one caveat to the rule. If you play two FCS teams (Div. 1-AA) you must have at least 7 wins. Looking at the Sun Devils’ schedule, the team played and easily won their two FCS games demolishing Portland State (54-9) and Northern Arizona (41-20).
Coach Dennis Erickson appealed to the NCCA arguing that his team only played two FCS teams because San Jose State (a D-1 program) dropped the Sun Devils last minute to play Wisconsin. The Sun Devils were forced to find a replacement and all that was available was FCS Portland State. The NCAA did not buy this argument and denied Arizona State its waiver request and an opportunity for post-season play.
Arizona State finished the 2010 regular season with a 6-6 record and 4-5 in Pac-10 play. The Sun Devils had several opportunities to reach the 7 game mark as the team lost four games by four or less points. This is the third straight season the Sun Devils have failed to go bowling.
Looking at the bowl line-ups, there are currently 70 bowl-eligible teams with more on the brink of eligibility with a host of games this weekend.
