Finally, the University of Illinois catches a break from the NCAA.

The break extends to Middle Tennessee State. And Northern Iowa. And Eastern Illinois.

Earlier this week, the NCAA Division I Board of Directors approved a rule that allows I-A football programs to count wins over I-AA schools toward bowl eligibility. The rule takes effect in 1998.

Currently, Division I-A teams need six wins to qualify for the postseason. All the wins need to be against other I-A schools.

The old rule became a headache for strong Division I-AA teams such as Northern Iowa. The Cedar Falls, Iowa, school wants to play games against Iowa and Iowa State. But those teams can't afford to have a game not count toward their bowl eligibility.

Over time, I-A schools began phasing out games against I-AA. Only teams that were confident they could win six other games were willing to take on the smaller schools.

The new rule helps both the big-name schools who need a home game and the I-AA teams craving the exposure.

Illinois took instant advantage of the rule, finalizing a Sept. 12, 1998, game against Middle Tennessee State at Memorial Stadium.

Construction delays

The Murfreesboro, Tenn., school planned to move to Division I-A next season. But to meet I-A standards, Middle Tennessee State needed to expand 15,000-seat Johnny Floyd Stadium. The stadium expansion to 31,000 fell behind schedule, with the finish projected for early in 1999.

The game against the Blue Raiders originally went on the schedule in 1996. But when the school's move to I-A got pushed back, the Illini had to consider other opponents.

When a rule change became possible, Illinois could again think about a game with Middle Tennessee State. The contract has been sitting in Murfreesboro, awaiting the word from the NCAA.

The schools also have a 2000 game set for Champaign.

This season, Middle Tennessee State doesn't play any I-A teams. The Blue Raiders, members of the Ohio Valley Conference, are 3-4. One of their losses came to I-AA power Eastern Illinois.

In the past, Middle Tennessee State has found its way to big-time programs. The school has played Nebraska, Florida State and Texas A&M among others. Starting next season, it will try to build a schedule of mostly I-A teams.

The new rule won't allow schools to fill their schedules with Middle Tennessee States. The I-A teams can count one game every four years against I-AA toward their bowl eligibility.

But the rule makes it possible for Illinois to host Eastern Illinois or Illinois State once every four years. The I-AA programs need the money and exposure. The Illini need the easy game.

Done deals

Illinois' schedule is now set through 2000. The school won't play any nonconference national powers, at least none that it knows of.

When Washington State went on the schedule for this season, few would have guessed the Cougars were Rose Bowl contenders. And Southern Mississippi, a late addition, didn't look like a Top 25 team.

When schools schedule three, four, five years in advance, they take a chance they could run into a future power.

Next season, the Illini play the return game at Washington State. The bulk of the Cougars' starters are seniors. Star quarterback Ryan Leaf, a junior, is expected to turn pro early.

Louisville visits Champaign on Sept. 19. With Ron Cooper's job in jeopardy, the Cardinals might bring a new coach.

In '99, Illinois opens against Arkansas State, followed by San Diego State and Louisville. Those team are a combined 5-19 this season.

Bob Asmussen is a News-Gazette staff writer. His column on college football appears Saturdays throughout the season.