Jason Howeth

We're still under Nike, right? In all honestly I don't mind what the team looks like when they're still making headlines because of the unis. Hence, I'd give Nike pretty much full liberty to go to town and create whatever they want as long as the SOW is prominent. Worked out for other schools.

I don't think any of us want a real rivalry with UTSA, but it's sort of happening, clearly. I'm going with Rice, though, because it's embarrassing to be beaten by a school with so many fewer students, and one that "focuses on academics." And beaten by 20+ points each time, no less.

Welp, At least we project above our "rivals," those damned roadrunners. P.S. I live in San Antonio and UTSA fans are annoying.

Students, athletes and coaches of UAB were just notified of the statement by the President of the university through email. "Dear UAB Family, More than a year ago, UAB began the largest, most comprehensive strategic planning process in the university's history. Designed to identify areas of excellence and set priorities for investment and growth, this strategic review has empowered leaders across campus to think critically about how to best invest resources and position UAB as a premier and sustainable institution for the future. Today, we announced results of the Athletic Department's strategic planning process. In order for us to more effectively reinvest in athletic programs that are most likely to bring growth, prolonged success and national prominence to UAB, the 2014-2015 academic year will be the final season for UAB football, bowling and rifle. After an extensive review of current and future financial data, it became clear that, despite noteworthy success this season under Coach Bill Clark, investments in football were unlikely to produce a sustainable return relative to the required investment. This is especially the case with the rapidly evolving NCAA landscape and the soaring costs associated with maintaining a competitive team. UAB already subsidizes $20 million of the roughly $30 million annual Athletic Department budget, which is the fifth-largest budget and subsidy in Conference USA. We will continue to support Athletics at this level, which amounts to an institutional investment of at least $100 million over the next five years. According to expert analysis by CarrSports Consulting, UAB would have to substantially increase our operating budget and our capital investments in facilities to support an Athletic Department that fields a competitive Conference USA football team. The difference between our future Athletic Department with and without football is an additional $49 million investment on top of the $100 million UAB will already invest in Athletics in the next five years. From an operating budget standpoint alone, the difference between the scenario in which we maintain a competitive Conference USA football program and eliminate it is more than $27 million over the next five years. This does not include additional needed capital investments of $22 million for football facilities alone. These capital projects would include a field house, an indoor practice facility and a turf field, but not a stadium. We have considered many options to fill this financial gap, including through philanthropic support; but our informed analysis of current and past support and interest concluded that the gap is simply too wide. It would be fiscally irresponsible and virtually impossible to keep pace with these growing financial demands without sacrificing the financial health and sustainability of Athletics, or redirecting funds from other critical areas of importance, like education, research, patient care or student services. This decision is not about cutting the Athletics budget, but instead is about reallocating resources to more fully support and reinvest in athletic programs in which we have an opportunity to achieve a high level of success. Many of our programs have been on the cusp, and redirecting funds from football can propel them to the next level. With this strategy, I am confident that UAB's best days for Athletics are ahead. But the coming days and months will be difficult for those most affected. We couldn't be more proud of how well our student-athletes and coaches have represented the institution, even in the midst of recent, very regrettable distractions. They have earned our respect and appreciation, which makes this necessary financial decision all the more difficult. I have met with impacted student-athletes and coaches, and will meet with others affected. It is my top priority to make this transition as easy as possible. We will honor scholarships for those who choose to stay at UAB beyond this season, and we will honor coaches' contracts. When a program is discontinued, per NCAA bylaws, players who decide to leave UAB to play elsewhere will not be required to sit out of competition the following season. To those who are losing something they hold dear with this decision, I am truly sorry. I know many are saddened by this news. As a Birmingham native, a sports fan, and a UAB graduate who loves this university and its people, I am among those disappointed in the necessity of this decision. While it is the right one for the financial future of UAB Athletics and UAB as a whole, it is an agonizing one to make. I know many will be interested in following developments during this transition. For more information, and updates as they become available, I encourage you to visit www.uab.edu/athleticsplan. Very sincerely, Ray L. Watts Ray L. Watts President UAB '76"

Let's be real about all of this, though. The new DC will probably be someone McCarney has worked with in the past (not necessarily a bad thing: look at Skladany), and will probably come from a place we wouldn't even think about. Challenge to this board: Comb through Defensive coaches that McCarney has worked with in any capacity, widdle that down list by those who are either at G5 schools, OR are at P5 schools currently in lower-than-coordinator positions, and cross reference that probably small list with teams that had decently successful seasons last year and this year. There you'll find the short list of candidates. Shouldn't be hard to do all of that.

Skladany was a great DC for his time at UNT. He'll be missed for sure. Let's be real about all of this, though. The new DC will probably be someone McCarney has worked with in the past (not necessarily a bad thing: look at Skladany), and will probably come from a place we wouldn't even think about. Challenge to this board: Comb through Defensive coaches that McCarney has worked with in any capacity, widdle that down list by those who are either at G5 schools, OR are at P5 schools currently in lower-than-coordinator positions, and cross reference that probably small list with teams that had decently successful seasons last year and this year. There you'll find the short list of candidates. Shouldn't be hard to do all of that.

And on this note, has anyone heard "North Texas State" yet tonight?

Haven't been able to created this topic for a bit because of my lack of broadcast options in San Antonio. But it is here where you can vent anything and everything you want about the announcers, whether they were blatantly wrong, or hilariously mistaken. To start things off, Trevor Moore had just made a nice kick to put us up 13-10 when the cameras were on McNulty. What followed? "Trevor McNulty there..."

I actually see 4. I'm pretty sure that first dunk from the backboard cam is of Tony Mitchell.

Me thinks UNT wears down this IU defense...

Well this ruins my Pick 'Ems this week. But good for Conference USA!!! Except, let me get this straight. FIU loses to FCS Bethune Cookman 2 years in a row, and somehow starts an upset bid against UAB? I know UAB isn't all that great, but they could certainly keep FIU at bay... or so I thought.

Definitely wouldn't/shouldn't consider a man whose offensive philosophy begins with "never run the ball."

I'd love to out a beat down on a team like Virginia or Wake Forest. Teams that have had success in the past, beaten good teams at times, and even been ranked. That's who I look for. Also looking at UCF/USF on that list.

ODU just refuses to go down. 38-28 with 7 minutes left in the 4th. This Heinicke kid looks legit too, despite his early woes.

Blame it on the affluence.

i'm glad i don't see anyone particularly upset about seeing this place go. it really was a terrible thing to look at first thing when coming to the university. p.s. excuse my lack of capital letters. my shift key is broken. both of them.

I still have faith in us. I'm probably among the few though...

2/4 so far and we haven't played the 4th game. I'll take it.

This is excellent news.

The selection committee will be "fair"

For what it's worth, the line for the MTSU/WKU game is -1.5 MTSU.

I'm with you on this one. WKU played a weak Illinois team and still lost while MTSU played valiantly against a pretty decent Minnesota. With MUTS playing at home, I think they edge this one out.

We beat him into resignation. That's what UNT just did.

Actually, he didn't have insurance on the Super Bowl bet either, and these bets have actually raised his profit margins. Sure the initial hit is tough, but the influx of profit share goes through the roof. Make no mistake: Mattress Mack is one of the best businessmen in Texas and knows how to generate hype and talk about his business. Also, his loyalty to the city of Houston athletic programs is phenomenal. Truly one of the great Houstonians.