LSU RB Ridley to play in Cotton Bowl

Published Jan. 3, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

LSU coach Les Miles says running back Stevan Ridley has been cleared to play against Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl.

Ridley led the Tigers in rushing with 1,042 yards and 14 touchdowns during the regular season.

LSU (10-2) meets the Aggies (9-3) in Cowboys Stadium on Friday night.

Ridley's eligibility had been in doubt since Miles said on Dec. 22 that the running back could miss the game because of an unspecified "one-time" academic violation.

The Tigers coach also said then that LSU was appealing to have Ridley reinstated.

Miles calls the NCAA's ruling "great news" and says Ridley's teammates were pleased to learn of his reinstatement after practice Monday.