The BBVA Compass Bowl on Sunday thanked WKU fans for their interest and apologized the bowl was unable to extend the Toppers a bid, soon after news broke that Southern Methodist and Pittsburgh would meet in the game.

The announcement comes in the wake of a week in which WKU students, alumni and fans have directly lobbied the bowl via social media in hope of an at-large bid.

“Your enthusiasm and the support you have shown your team has been tremendous,” an official post on the BBVA Compass Bowl’s Facebook fan page read. “While our conference agreements may have prohibited us from extending you an invitation your efforts did not go unnoticed. 

“Our staff has read every email, wall post and tweet. Congratulations on a winning season and best of luck next year.”

The Birmingham, Ala., bowl traditionally pits a team from the Big East Conference against a team from the Southeastern Conference.

But because the SEC didn’t have enough eligible teams, the bowl picked SMU of Conference-USA, a conference with which the BBVA Compass Bowl has secondary ties.

The Toppers appeared a likely possibility for an at-large berth in the game throughout much of the week.

But Houston’s loss to Southern Mississippi in the C-USA Championship on Saturday ended the Cougars’ BCS hopes, and ensured the C-USA would have a team in position for the BBVA Compass Bowl.

The Herald will provide updates throughout the night regarding WKU’s bowl hopes.