Leading rusher Jason Ford will miss the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl because he is academically ineligible, Illinois announced Friday. Redshirt freshman wide receiver Jake Kumerow did not qualify academically.
Ford ran for 600 yards on 155 carries, a 3.9-yard average, and seven touchdowns this fall. He finishes his career 1,962 career rushing yards, which ranks 16th on the all-time Illinois rushing list, and 26 career rushing touchdowns, which is second in the Illinois record book behind Howard Griffith (31).
Senior Troy Pollard and freshman Donovonn Young will be Illinois' experienced running backs for the bowl game.
Kumerow had three catches for 15 yards this season, all in the finale vs. Minnesota.
Herb Gould started with the Sun-Times in 1977 and has covered several teams, including the Blackhawks. He is a long-time beat reporter covering the Fighting Illini and the Big Ten for the Sun-Times.
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