Idaho ineligible for 2014 postseason after low APR scores
Idaho won't be going bowling in 2014 if it's eligible.
The Vandals were banned from postseason play after it didn't meet the NCAA's APR threshold. The APR is the Academic Progress Rate and is a multi-year measurement based on athlete retention and their progress towards graduation.
However, it's a stretch to say that Idaho would have been bowl eligible in 2014 anyway. In 2012 and 2013, Idaho has finished 1-11.
According to the Spokane Spokesman-Review, the school found out its final appeal to the NCAA was denied on Thursday. It first found out about the possibility of a postseason ban in November.
"We respect the NCAA's rules and take full responsibility for these penalties,” a statement from Idaho Athletic Director Rob Spear said. “We are disappointed that the progress already made and the changes we began implementing in 2011 to correct the academic deficiencies were not fully recognized."
Maybe the NCAA will set up an ineligi-bowl between Idaho and UNLV at the end of the season? The Rebels were banned from the postseason because of low APR scores earlier in the month. But unlike Idaho, UNLV went to a bowl last season, losing to North Texas in the Heart of Dallas Bowl.
All Idaho seniors who didn't lose points on their APR in their careers are free to transfer to other schools without penalty. Idaho coach Paul Petrino met with the team on Saturday.
“From what I came out of this morning’s meeting is I feel all the seniors will return,” Petrino said.
Idaho is a football-only member of the Sun Belt Conference in 2014. After the WAC's disintegration following the 2012 season, the Vandals were an independent in 2013.
UNLV and Idaho are the first two schools banned from the postseason for APR violations. Could there be more? CBS Sports reported other teams could be penalized as well.
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is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @NickBromberg
