The NCAA rejected a petition from the Liberty Bowl to allow it to invite Alcorn State and Heisman Trophy-contending quarterback Steve McNair to the Dec. 31 game.
The NCAA cited two reasons:
* To qualify for a Division I-A bowl, a team must have at least six victories against I-A teams. Alcorn doesn't even play I-A teams.
* Division I-AA has a championship game and the Braves (5-2) might qualify to play in it.