Virus Blamed for Illness

A virus caused the intestinal problems that struck more than two dozen Duke football players and Coach Fred Goldsmith last weekend and later apparently spread to Florida State’s team, a spokeswoman for the Duke University Medical Center said. . . . The Southeastern Conference said it has reached agreements to send teams to the Peach, Cotton and Outback bowls for the next four years. . . . It’s not clear exactly how many more games No. 17 Texas A&M; must win to qualify for a bowl appearance after forfeiting one of its two victories because it used an ineligible player. If the Aggies wins five more games, Athletic Director Wally Groff said, they’ll appeal to the NCAA to have the forfeit lifted. . . . Michigan will file its report on the suspension of safety Marcus Ray with the NCAA next week, Athletic Director Tom Goss said. Ray, suspended since Sept. 17, is under investigation for allegedly having contact with an agent. . . . New Mexico junior linebacker Ryan Taylor, one of the best defensive players in the Western Athletic Conference last season, apparently has quit the team, Coach Rocky Long said.