Only on AP: As Minn. waffled, NIU prepped for Holiday Bowl

[...] in less than 24 hours of frantic work, Frazier and NIU coaches knew they had what they needed most to accept a postseason bid on short notice: a motivated team.

With the Huskies having played in San Diego bowl games two of the last three seasons Frazier knew the logistics would fall into place for a game against Washington State on Dec. 27.

[...] far from impossible.

"Because we've had a relationship with (Holiday Bowl organizers), we felt this was necessary to support the bowl and support our student athletes," Frazier told The Associated Press on Saturday in a phone interview.

Earlier Saturday, Minnesota players announced they would end the boycott over the university suspension of 10 players accused of sexual assault.

Eight straight bowl appearances by NIU made Frazier's staff "seasoned veterans" when it came to bowl preparation.

Talk to me.'" Frazier said, "He took a deep breath and said, 'Sean, I've got to get my guys back and some of them are training for the pros.

NCAA rules allow bowls to select 5-7 to fill spots if there are not enough six-win teams.

Frazier said it would have cost the university $15,000-$20,000 to pay for travel expenses.