Michigan has ruled quarterback Tate Forcier ineligible for Saturday’s Gator Bowl against Mississippi State for not meeting university standards, the school announced late Thursday.

Michigan's release simply read: "Tate Forcier did not meet University standards and is ineligible to participate in the Gator Bowl."

While one can speculate that it’s because of academics, it’s strange that a player would be ruled “ineligible” because of a classroom issue just two days before a game. Typically an academic issue arises much earlier in the bowl prep timeline. However, grades were still trickling in at Michigan up until yesterday, according to Nicole Auerbach of the Michigan Daily.

Michigan's third-string quarterback is Devin Gardner, who is trying to get a medical redshirt. The backup situation looms large especially because of Denard Robinson's injury history. Obviously head coach Rich Rodriguez would be hesitant to play Gardner. Slot receiver Jeremy Gallon has actually worked extensively under center, according to Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press, so that would be a worst-case scenario option.

I’ll keep an eye on this and update as soon as more information becomes available.

UPDATE: AP sportswriter Larry Lage reports that Forcier won't play because he's academically ineligible.

Email dave.miller@nationalfootballpost.com or follow me on Twitter at Miller_Dave