Senior safety Hunter Bates won't play in the Gator Bowl because of a back injury, according to Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald, who also the former all-state performer from Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., has played his last game for the 'Cats.

"It's an unfortunate deal," Fitzgerald said.

Bates was a backup safety and special teams performer who missed the last six games of the season with the back injury.