(05-31-2015 05:32 PM)airtroop Wrote:  

(05-31-2015 04:49 PM)msm96wolf Wrote:  

(05-31-2015 02:26 PM)msm96wolf Wrote:  Just curious, does anyone know what the NCAA ruling will be about the return? Does UAB have to follow the rules that Charlotte by having to play FCS independent, then FBS transition, the FBS? If so, that right off the bat limits the number of scholarship players the first year. Is it even possible for UAB to comeback to FBS in 2015 by the NCAA rules? Or will waivers be needed?

Still waiting for an answer to this question. Also, FCS would not have to be in conference. UAB could be FCS independent as they try to get back to FBS status. What other schools had to do before coming FBS.

In USA's last year of FBS the Sun Belt filled their schedule as if they were full FBS, which led to a 2-11 season but gave the fans a FBS experience. It helps/helped that the NCAA allows transitional FCS programs' losses to count toward bowl eligibility.

I mentioned this before but got blown off at the suggestion but UAB could load up on P5 transfers during the FCS transitional season without the requirement for them to give up a year of eligibility, IIRC (please correct me if I'm mistaken) and if C-USA cooperates they could also play a conference schedule. To me, assuming I was correct about P5 transfer rules, it would seem to be the fastest track for UAB to become competitive.

Now, if only Watts will re-instate football at FBS, as he absolutely should, then announce his retirement at the end of the presser tomorrow, as he absolutely SHOULD.

When a program starts its transition to FBS, it is under FBS restrictions, including the year of sitting out for transfers. USA didn't have any instant-eligible players in 2011 or 2012 because of this.