UAB shutting down football program

#326
#326
Aesius said:
How long will the renewed support and enthusiasm last, though?

They lost everyone on the team and will have to start over. They may not win an FBS game until 2020.
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Without a stadium deal, I think it could be shut down again in five years.
 
#329
#329
vols-1 said:
Without a stadium deal, I think it could be shut down again in five years.
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A couple points:

1. I'm not sure Watts will be here in 5 years. Not saying a new hire would be less stingy but it's hard to imagine he/she would be more so.

2. Just heard from 2 big money people in Birmingham and signs are good that they are going to step up for a stadium.

Basically, downtown is on a tremendous upswing. The business community is highly interested in having a local football team in a first class facility. The new Barons baseball stadium has been a big success and the spot for the stadium would be adjacent.

From what I heard in the last hour - there is a real, tangible possibility for this to happen. We should know pretty soon if the money is there.
 
#330
#330
While I'm basking in the victory let me add some of the grand plan that could materialize.

An on campus stadium (or just off since UAB won't fund a cent under Watts) would create a corridor stretching from the center of campus to Bartow Arena (bball) to the football field to Regions park (see below) to Railroad Park. Include Good People Brewing across from the baseball field, new condos/apartments just off the outfield and you'd have a great sector.

Baseballparks.com names Birmingham's Regions Field Ballpark of the Year (photos) | AL.com

Birmingham's Railroad Park wins major award | AL.com
 
#331
#331
The highlight of the press conference was someone asking Watts if the costs of shutting down the program including the game buyouts (approaching 2 million) and all the PR efforts to rehab Watt's image were part of the money needed to cover football, rifle, bowling.

He first said it was an "unfair question" then suggested it was in the total. Such an ass.
 
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#334
#334
How long before UAB fields a competitive football team, though? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad they are bringing the team back, but the damage is done. How many 0-3 win seasons will they have to wade through to get back to bowl eligibility?

They took a big steaming dump on the coaches, players, students, and alumni. Heads need to roll.
 
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#340
#340
Milehigh_Vol said:
Wonder what they will do about scheduling? I'm very happy for the school and the kids!
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As much as I hate to say it, I don't think they'll be back until 2017 season. Three of their 4 scheduled would-be non-conference opponents for 2016 have already scheduled replacements. It's not impossible to schedule at this short notice, but it's very difficult.
 
#341
#341
SkidsisVFL said:
As much as I hate to say it, I don't think they'll be back until 2017 season. Three of their 4 scheduled would-be non-conference opponents for 2016 have already scheduled replacements. It's not impossible to schedule at this short notice, but it's very difficult.
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Depends on many variables - one is NCAA status; FBS requires 76 scholarship players but perhaps they will grant an exception.

CUSA has already said they would recognize UAB as a football member even if they didn't play in conference in 2016 and possibly 2017 (may play as independent and schedule many FCS teams)

In short, there are issues but it's doubtful they'll play a CUSA schedule in 2016 but entirely possible they'll play football in 2016
 
#342
#342
UTwild82 said:
How long before UAB fields a competitive football team, though? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad they are bringing the team back, but the damage is done. How many 0-3 win seasons will they have to wade through to get back to bowl eligibility?
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They've been bowl eligible once in the last 10 years. They'll manage.
 
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#344
#344
So glad this problem was corrected. It should have never taken place to begin with. Throw Vandy on their schedule next year, they could probably beat them and get a solid win against an SEC team.
 
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#345
#345
wonder how many of the old players will be back. i know a lot got accepted at other schools but i figure there are some that didn't get picked up or at least put on scholarship yet.
 
#346
#346
LouderVol said:
wonder how many of the old players will be back. i know a lot got accepted at other schools but i figure there are some that didn't get picked up or at least put on scholarship yet.
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IIRC 56 or so transferred out (shows that the talent was pretty good).

Part of the reinstatement talks with CUSA and the NCAA is about transfer waivers, regaining eligibility, etc.

The AD said they'd love to have players back but at this point they don't want to poach the teams they went to. Now if the student decides he wants to come back that's a different story.

A big issue with CUSA and the NCAA is can they accelerate scholarships beyond 25 a year to get back to the minimum FBS level without gaining a competitive advantage.
 
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#347
#347
I assume that UAB will play 2016 as an FBS transition program. They won't play a full CUSA schedule, but I imagine they'll be an OOC opponent for several CUSA teams. Their schedule will be at least 50% FCS.
 
#348
#348
volinbham said:
IIRC 56 or so transferred out (shows that the talent was pretty good).

Part of the reinstatement talks with CUSA and the NCAA is about transfer waivers, regaining eligibility, etc.

The AD said they'd love to have players back but at this point they don't want to poach the teams they went to. Now if the student decides he wants to come back that's a different story.

A big issue with CUSA and the NCAA is can they accelerate scholarships beyond 25 a year to get back to the minimum FBS level without gaining a competitive advantage.
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i would think they work out something so they can take jucos and transfers so they don't have 85 freshmen. and that way the big influx is only one year, after that you are back to normal recruiting.
 
#349
#349
bamawriter said:
I assume that UAB will play 2016 as an FBS transition program. They won't play a full CUSA schedule, but I imagine they'll be an OOC opponent for several CUSA teams. Their schedule will be at least 50% FCS.
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Yep - something along these lines. I'd like to see them play Samford, Jacksonville St, etc.


LouderVol said:
i would think they work out something so they can take jucos and transfers so they don't have 85 freshmen. and that way the big influx is only one year, after that you are back to normal recruiting.
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That will be what they are seeking from the NCAA with follow on approval from CUSA.

The big fly in the ointment is that it is clear that Ray Watts doesn't want to have anything to do with this and is doing the bare minimum. Not sure how hamstrung the AD will be in seeking relief.

The president is being a real turd on this. Staggering he still has a job - he's a horrible executive; simply horrible.
 
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#350
#350
volinbham said:
Yep - something along these lines. I'd like to see them play Samford, Jacksonville St, etc.




That will be what they are seeking from the NCAA with follow on approval from CUSA.

The big fly in the ointment is that it is clear that Ray Watts doesn't want to have anything to do with this and is doing the bare minimum. Not sure how hamstrung the AD will be in seeking relief.

The president is being a real turd on this. Staggering he still has a job - he's a horrible executive; simply horrible.
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I can't believe he just continues to take the PR disaster he's creating for himself and just add to the flames. This thing has gone from a dumpster fire to a California wildfire and he just doesn't care. He continues to look like an a**
 
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