2011 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl: Illinois Will Be Without Jason Ford, Jake Kumerow

The Interim Coaches Bowl Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl lost a little more of its luster on Friday as Illinois confirmed leading rusher Jason Ford and wide receiver Jake Kumerow will miss the bowl due to academics. Both players were deemed academically ineligible, and were disciplined by the school accordingly.

Illinois released the news on this Friday before the holidays and the information can be found below (via College Football Talk).

The loss of Ford is a particularly significant blow for the Illini. The senior led the team with 600 yards rushing and seven touchdowns, and finishes his career second behind Howard Griffith (31) on the school’s all-time list 26 rushing touchdowns.

Kumerow played in seven games in 2011 and had three catches for 15 yards on the season.

UCLA will be without Richard Brehaut due to suspension, as well. Both teams made a coaching change prior to the bowl game, with Illinois firing Ron Zook and UCLA dropping Rick Neuheisel. Should be a blast!

For the latest updates on the Fight Hunger Bowl, follow this StoryStream. For more analysis of the Illini's running back situation, be sure to check out Illinois blog Hail to the Orange.