For once, Vanderbilt’s sterling academic record is going to have a tangible positive effect on the football program. With one of the highest Academic Progress Rates (APR) in Division I, the Commodores are in line to receive a bowl bid even if they finish the season with five wins.
With more bowl availability than actual six-win teams, the NCAA created an exemption for five-win teams to reach the postseason. Whichever bowls had unfilled slots would offer invitations to 5-7 programs based on their APR.
The APR is essentially a six-year window of academic progress for student athletes on a given team.