((HT: CBS Sports/Solomon))
Jon Solomon wrote another stellar piece on the future of the UAB Athletics program- and their thinking, through the CarrSports Report, is that they'll be fine. But there are a few issues with their report.
The biggest issue is the idea that they'll be retained by Conference USA- which would be a violation of the conference's own by-laws.
From the piece:
UAB is projected to lose roughly $2 million per year in NCAA and Conference USA revenue starting in 2015-16. That includes annual payouts of $900,000 in C-USA TV revenue, $800,000 from the College Football Playoff, and $40,000 in C-USA bowl money. Carr projected a flat $800,000 from the playoff each year even though it's expected the payouts will increase.
The financial projections assume UAB will remain a C-USA member -- a value the study shows is $657,000 annually as a non-football member -- but many people believe that's unlikely to happen since C-USA's current bylaws require playing football for membership. UAB projects $350,000 per year in NCAA men's basketball tournament units from C-USA, $260,000 a year from a C-USA revenue growth supplement, and $40,000 a year from the C-USA men's basketball tournament.
The school seems to be banking on the idea that they can broker the lost football games from 2015 and lessen their make-goods: which, frankly, is a misconceived idea. Any school that might be looking for a 2015 game probably already has a schedule mapped out. And any school that is REALLY looking for a game, probably, can handle their own negotiating.
Thanks for asking, though...
There's nothing in it for the seeker- except doing President Ray Watts a solid.
And that's got to be a small group of Presidents and Athletics Directors...
There is the further assumption that people will return (or new donors will emerge) with football gone. In the south, that would be a rarity indeed. A school that had football that now does not, but will be adding cross country and track and field doesn't seem like a fair swap for donor dollars.
For the record, Solomon says CarrSports got a little under $80,000 for their wisdom using VCU, Wichita State, and the American Athletic Conference as their benchmarks for thought when it comes to UAB's future.
The HQ would think that UAB is destined for a conference like the Atlantic Sun for their sports since they're more interested in saving dollars rather than investing. That latter notion would send them to the American, the Missouri Valley, or the Atlantic-10. But cost-cutting moves like wiping out the band don't give mid-major basketball conferences reasons to be all that enthusiastic about level of competitiveness.
Tommy Spina caught up with former UAB football booster Justin Craft about the demise of the program and what can be done from here- if anything
((HT: CW21/MYTV68 Birmingham))
Showing posts with label Conference USA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Conference USA. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Friday, December 19, 2014
Now Former UAB Coach Bill Clark is Conference USC Coach of the Year
((ht: al.com))Congratulations to Bill Clark who got one season to coach the University of Alabama-Birmingham and had begun the process of turning the program around.
A 6-6 record and the 1st Bowl Eligible Blazer team in 10-years was enough to get Clark Coach of the Year honors in Conference USA.
And the vote wasn't close. He won in a landslide.
Clark now finds himself out of work and hopefully he'll land a gig. He deserves it for what he did at UAB.
Many of Clark's assistants and several players have already found new homes as the Blazers have shut down the football operation.
Clark has not.
But the award recognizes the good work he did and in the cyclical world of College Football it should be enough to warrant a job. Even if it's as an assistant.
Let's hope that happens.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Morning Wrap: Report--UAB Football Could Easily Be Self Sufficient
((ht: sports.vice.com))Interesting story that we came across this morning from the folks at Vice Sports. The story--written by Andy Schwarz, talks about the demise of UAB football and how the financial numbers were spun to make it look like the school was losing money.
And if you read the whole thing, it explains a lot.
Schwarz talks in detail about the CarrSports report, which UAB president Ray Watts used as his excuse/reason for dropping football.
The Carr report talked about cost and revenues going up, but as Schwarz rightly points out, it assumes a rise in costs that don't actually exist. Rather, those "increased" costs are primarily just the school charging itself for something that does not in the real world cost themselves anything. A school does not "bring in" money from a scholarship athlete, but there's no cost involved either because the student is there. If so, the billing is just "Charging themselves" for the classes said student attends.
Think about it for a second.
How can a school say they are losing money on something they don't actually pay for?
Yeah...exactly.
Read the full story from Vice Sports RIGHT HERE, it explains a lot.
Yes, we have done budgeting before and we fully understand that expenses are given and taken from different budgets. It's done for tax and accounting purposes. We know that. And we know the cost of buying equipment, building facilities and travel expenses add up. But in this case, the cost appears to be covered.
Numbers...or expenses/costs are amazing things, particularly for organizations or businesses that bring in large amounts of money. You can shuffle things around, charge yourself for things if you need to. And claim it as an expense.
It's a legitimate claim, businesses do it all the time.
Here's an example for you: We spent some time working at CNN in our past. CNN is a rather large organization with multiple show teams that all work for the same company. But the show teams, if they wanted a live shot or video from an affiliate, were billed for the cost of acquiring it.
Mind you the money came from the same place. But it was billed to the show team.
Yes, a separate budget.
Trust us when we say it is complicated. But it's all in how you spin it too.
The point here is much simpler. UAB, if they so chose, could easily justify the cost of football if that was in their best interest. The money that appears to be coming in is money they "Technically" is enough to cover what they "out of pocket" are spending.
Yes, we know, it's a different budget. But as Schwarz points out and rightfully so, UAB is looking to grow. Yet it cut it's highest profile PR arm. And that will lose them a very profitable conference affiliation. They will not be able to stay in Conference USA without football.
But the state Board of Trustees is willing to live with that. The reason: It ends the vendetta that certain members had against the Blazers. It gets rid of any potential competition from a school that had a chance at becoming just that.
It meant something had to give. And in this case it was the UAB Blazers football team.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
No Bowl For UAB, Bentley Gives Political Response
((HT: Montgomery Advertiser))
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley attempted to weigh in on the whole blowing up of the UAB program...
And, in true political fashion, we have this response...
The HQ thinks that the comparison he is TRYING to make has to do with the Lowder instance at Auburn. But Lowder acted independently of the rest of the Board of Trustees and, since Bentley is governor, he is naturally predisposed to getting the information that the BoT is going to do whatever it is going to do. So, whatever... And there's no bowl game in the deal for UAB as well... the Armed Forces Bowl seemed to be the only bowl with an open spot and they gave it to Pitt- which makes close to zero sense, but the HQ is quite aware that no bowl game will touch this situation. We only wished that Florida deferred in the Birmingham Bowl and gave them their spot... UAB and Middle Tennessee were the two teams bowl eligible in Conference USA So, here's the presser that killed three teams at once FOSG Trent Butler anchored coverage at the time ((HT: WIAT-TV))
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley attempted to weigh in on the whole blowing up of the UAB program...
And, in true political fashion, we have this response...
The HQ thinks that the comparison he is TRYING to make has to do with the Lowder instance at Auburn. But Lowder acted independently of the rest of the Board of Trustees and, since Bentley is governor, he is naturally predisposed to getting the information that the BoT is going to do whatever it is going to do. So, whatever... And there's no bowl game in the deal for UAB as well... the Armed Forces Bowl seemed to be the only bowl with an open spot and they gave it to Pitt- which makes close to zero sense, but the HQ is quite aware that no bowl game will touch this situation. We only wished that Florida deferred in the Birmingham Bowl and gave them their spot... UAB and Middle Tennessee were the two teams bowl eligible in Conference USA So, here's the presser that killed three teams at once FOSG Trent Butler anchored coverage at the time ((HT: WIAT-TV))
UAB Sends Out FAQ On The Numbers, Still Doesn't Add Up...
((HT: ESPN))
First and foremost, the four-letter addressed the dissolving of the football program at UAB over the weekend- and, pretty much, exposed President Ray Watts as getting caught in his word choice in his part of the interview.
Here's the piece from Gene Wojeciechowski
Hire, Craft, and Jimmy Filler have maintained all along they were never asked about contributing to save the program when they had pledges on hand to work forward in a solution to save the squad.
Yet UAB continues to poke the bear- on their own website:
WHAT ABOUT SATURDAY’S ESPN GAMEDAY STORY WHICH CONTENDED THAT UAB OFFICIALS NEVER MET WITH TOP DONORS AND REJECTED A $5 MILLION CERTIFIED CHECK? IS THAT ACCURATE?
We understand that some of our alumni are frustrated with this decision, but making false statements designed to further inflame the situation is extremely unfair to everyone, including the players. We met with our biggest donors before we made this decision, and also studied past and current giving. The financial support was simply not there. A $5 million certified check was not presented to us, let alone a commitment for the $50 million that would be required to sustain football over the next five years.
While they claim they met with their biggest donors, Hire, Craft, and Filler don't come forward and agree with that assessment. The $5-million was a pledge and not a check-in-hand so we see where the school is in that crafted remark.
The HQ would wholeheartedly disagree with the notion in this paragraph:
WHAT ROLE DID THE UA SYSTEM BOARD OF TRUSTEES PLAY IN THIS DECISION? DID ANYONE FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ENCOURAGE OR PRESSURE UAB TO DO THIS?
This decision was UAB’s to make just as in all other parts of our university‐wide strategic planning process. This decision was the product of a campus wide strategic review, and involved months of research, data collection and analysis. We referred to current and future financial data. We consulted highly knowledgeable experts and advisors from CarrSports Consulting to inform our planning. All signs pointed to the same decision – football is not sustainable in a model that best protects the financial future and prominence of the athletics department.
What could be more prominent in the state of Alabama than a football program...???
Just asking...
Kevn Scarbinsky caught up with Filler who called out Watts on AL.com
Filler said Saturday that neither Watts nor anyone from his office contacted him after either announcement, and it's not as if Filler is a stranger to Watts. Filler said that shortly before Watts became the UAB president, the two men met to discuss a fund-raising project. Watts wanted Filler to help raise money for a $40 million heart rehabilitation center that would include coaches' offices, Filler said.
"They know who I am," Filler said. "They just wanted to kill the football program."
Here's CBS42's look at President Watts presser and his word choice
First and foremost, the four-letter addressed the dissolving of the football program at UAB over the weekend- and, pretty much, exposed President Ray Watts as getting caught in his word choice in his part of the interview.
Here's the piece from Gene Wojeciechowski
Hire, Craft, and Jimmy Filler have maintained all along they were never asked about contributing to save the program when they had pledges on hand to work forward in a solution to save the squad.
Yet UAB continues to poke the bear- on their own website:
WHAT ABOUT SATURDAY’S ESPN GAMEDAY STORY WHICH CONTENDED THAT UAB OFFICIALS NEVER MET WITH TOP DONORS AND REJECTED A $5 MILLION CERTIFIED CHECK? IS THAT ACCURATE?
We understand that some of our alumni are frustrated with this decision, but making false statements designed to further inflame the situation is extremely unfair to everyone, including the players. We met with our biggest donors before we made this decision, and also studied past and current giving. The financial support was simply not there. A $5 million certified check was not presented to us, let alone a commitment for the $50 million that would be required to sustain football over the next five years.
While they claim they met with their biggest donors, Hire, Craft, and Filler don't come forward and agree with that assessment. The $5-million was a pledge and not a check-in-hand so we see where the school is in that crafted remark.
The HQ would wholeheartedly disagree with the notion in this paragraph:
WHAT ROLE DID THE UA SYSTEM BOARD OF TRUSTEES PLAY IN THIS DECISION? DID ANYONE FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ENCOURAGE OR PRESSURE UAB TO DO THIS?
This decision was UAB’s to make just as in all other parts of our university‐wide strategic planning process. This decision was the product of a campus wide strategic review, and involved months of research, data collection and analysis. We referred to current and future financial data. We consulted highly knowledgeable experts and advisors from CarrSports Consulting to inform our planning. All signs pointed to the same decision – football is not sustainable in a model that best protects the financial future and prominence of the athletics department.
What could be more prominent in the state of Alabama than a football program...???
Just asking...
Kevn Scarbinsky caught up with Filler who called out Watts on AL.com
Filler said Saturday that neither Watts nor anyone from his office contacted him after either announcement, and it's not as if Filler is a stranger to Watts. Filler said that shortly before Watts became the UAB president, the two men met to discuss a fund-raising project. Watts wanted Filler to help raise money for a $40 million heart rehabilitation center that would include coaches' offices, Filler said.
"They know who I am," Filler said. "They just wanted to kill the football program."
Here's CBS42's look at President Watts presser and his word choice
Saturday, December 6, 2014
UAB Bowling Found Out They Were Gone That Morning
((HT: WVTM-TV Birmingham))
The HQ has been chronicling all the asinine maneuvers that the Alabama Board of Trustees has put over on the Alabama-Birmingham Athletic Department- with the help of UAB President Ray Watts.
Sadly, at the Friday on campus rally, head bowling coach Michelle Crews thinks she might have done herself in when she responded to the Carr Sports report.
These are her first comments since the dissolving of her program
Alabamas13.com WVTM-TV Birmingham, AL
The HQ would recommend seeing the team practice at home or catching a tourney in their time left to show your support for them as well...
We hope the all find homes and can represent schools that will support properly.
The HQ has been chronicling all the asinine maneuvers that the Alabama Board of Trustees has put over on the Alabama-Birmingham Athletic Department- with the help of UAB President Ray Watts.
Sadly, at the Friday on campus rally, head bowling coach Michelle Crews thinks she might have done herself in when she responded to the Carr Sports report.
These are her first comments since the dissolving of her program
Alabamas13.com WVTM-TV Birmingham, AL
The HQ would recommend seeing the team practice at home or catching a tourney in their time left to show your support for them as well...
We hope the all find homes and can represent schools that will support properly.
Friday, December 5, 2014
Another Round Of Examples Of What UAB Is Leaving Behind Without Football
((HT: MyFoxAL/Britton Lynn))
You have already seen our coverage of the protests last night at Bartow Arena where the University of Alabama-Birmingham student body made the first of, what the HQ hopes is, a zillion points showing the stupidity of the Alabama Board of Trustees in disbanding the football, rifle, and bowling teams on campus.
But we found a cool feature by Britton Lynn over at MyFoxAlabama showcasing one of the team captains- a junior linebacker who is going to go from linebacker to defender of our freedoms.
Here's the story of Cadet Derek Slaughter
And you may have noticed an athlete in a wheelchair who has been front and center of all the protests on campus.
It is UAB tight end Timothy Alexander- and, yes, we said "athlete in a wheelchair."
His story reminds us all of what really is important- just like Cadet Slaughter's story...
((HT: CBS Sports))
A third example is a must read from AL.com's Alex McDaniel as she introduces us to the heartbreak of Birmingham local Brandon Prince- caring for his hospitalized dad when he heard the news.
These are the kind of athletes and persons UAB is getting rid of...
Good job...
You have already seen our coverage of the protests last night at Bartow Arena where the University of Alabama-Birmingham student body made the first of, what the HQ hopes is, a zillion points showing the stupidity of the Alabama Board of Trustees in disbanding the football, rifle, and bowling teams on campus.
But we found a cool feature by Britton Lynn over at MyFoxAlabama showcasing one of the team captains- a junior linebacker who is going to go from linebacker to defender of our freedoms.
Here's the story of Cadet Derek Slaughter
And you may have noticed an athlete in a wheelchair who has been front and center of all the protests on campus.
It is UAB tight end Timothy Alexander- and, yes, we said "athlete in a wheelchair."
His story reminds us all of what really is important- just like Cadet Slaughter's story...
((HT: CBS Sports))
A third example is a must read from AL.com's Alex McDaniel as she introduces us to the heartbreak of Birmingham local Brandon Prince- caring for his hospitalized dad when he heard the news.
These are the kind of athletes and persons UAB is getting rid of...
Good job...
Morning Wrap: UAB Student Blackout Dominates Hoops Game
((ht: wiat.com))
The #FreeUAB movement in Birmingham continued Thursday night as students and the Football team were featured attractions at the mens basketball team beat Morehead State at Bartow Arena.
Chanting Free UAB and holding signs saying Fire Ray Watts, the students were very visible, dressed entirely in black.
The football players were overwhelmed with the support received and took to the court during the first half of the game to express their gratitude.
While the students said this is only the beginning, they plan continuing the protests as long as they are able.
The Blazers football team was dissolved just four days earlier in what the school termed a "Financial Decision". The team finished the season 6-6 and bowl eligible for the 1st time in 10-years though it appears they will not get a bowl opportunity. Conference USA has more teams that finished bowl eligible than bowl spots.
UAB's only chance would be as an at-large choice and no bowl game seems to be willing to take them on and the publicity that may go along with it.
More on Thursday night's protest from WIAT-TV in Birmingham:
The #FreeUAB movement in Birmingham continued Thursday night as students and the Football team were featured attractions at the mens basketball team beat Morehead State at Bartow Arena.
Chanting Free UAB and holding signs saying Fire Ray Watts, the students were very visible, dressed entirely in black.
The football players were overwhelmed with the support received and took to the court during the first half of the game to express their gratitude.
While the students said this is only the beginning, they plan continuing the protests as long as they are able.
The Blazers football team was dissolved just four days earlier in what the school termed a "Financial Decision". The team finished the season 6-6 and bowl eligible for the 1st time in 10-years though it appears they will not get a bowl opportunity. Conference USA has more teams that finished bowl eligible than bowl spots.
UAB's only chance would be as an at-large choice and no bowl game seems to be willing to take them on and the publicity that may go along with it.
More on Thursday night's protest from WIAT-TV in Birmingham:
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
UAB Has To Add Sports To Stay Division I; More Premeditation Evidence Coming Forward...???
((HT: MyFoxAL/WBRC-TV))
The NCAA requires 14 Division I sports teams (with at least six men's sports) to stay eligible for Division I status. With the football program dissolved, UAB is down to five men's sports. The CarrSports Consulting folks recommended men's cross country and track as the sports to add to stay up on that level.
Staying in Conference USA will remain an uphill fight since their by-laws mandate football for membership.
From the press release that UAB put out with the announcement:
In eliminating football, UAB will be better positioned to invest in programs where the institution can be sustainably competitive on a conference and even national level. Funds from discontinued programs will be redirected to more fully support UAB's priority sports and build those into championship programs.
“We are not looking to reduce the athletic budget, but instead to reallocate our resources to remaining athletic programs,” Watts said. “This strategic plan will give us our best chance to win championships and national prominence. Many of our programs have been on the cusp, and funds redirected from football can propel them to the next level. The best days for UAB Athletics are yet to come.”
The HQ would LOVE to know what sports are a priority on campus in President Watts' view IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA OTHER THAN FOOTBALL!!!
Alan Collins was in front of a group of angry students protesting in front of the admininstration building for another day
John Archibald, in his Al.com column, brings forth more evidence that some combination of the CarrSports folks, the Board of Trustees, and President Watts were in on this for a long time and it had to do with the contract with Legion Field:
The contract in 2010 ran for four years, until the end of UAB's 2013 football season.
But this spring, UAB asked for a different deal. And though it irked some city workers, UAB got what it wanted. A one-year contract to play at Legion Field.
"This Agreement shall have effect for a period of one (1) year beginning at the start of UAB's 2014 football season (July 21, 2014) and ending at the conclusion of UAB's 2014 football season (December 15, 2014)."
Draw your own conclusion there...
And Birmingham Mayor William Bell was told by Watts last week that there was nothing to worry about...
So much for that idea...
The NCAA requires 14 Division I sports teams (with at least six men's sports) to stay eligible for Division I status. With the football program dissolved, UAB is down to five men's sports. The CarrSports Consulting folks recommended men's cross country and track as the sports to add to stay up on that level.
Staying in Conference USA will remain an uphill fight since their by-laws mandate football for membership.
From the press release that UAB put out with the announcement:
In eliminating football, UAB will be better positioned to invest in programs where the institution can be sustainably competitive on a conference and even national level. Funds from discontinued programs will be redirected to more fully support UAB's priority sports and build those into championship programs.
“We are not looking to reduce the athletic budget, but instead to reallocate our resources to remaining athletic programs,” Watts said. “This strategic plan will give us our best chance to win championships and national prominence. Many of our programs have been on the cusp, and funds redirected from football can propel them to the next level. The best days for UAB Athletics are yet to come.”
The HQ would LOVE to know what sports are a priority on campus in President Watts' view IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA OTHER THAN FOOTBALL!!!
Alan Collins was in front of a group of angry students protesting in front of the admininstration building for another day
John Archibald, in his Al.com column, brings forth more evidence that some combination of the CarrSports folks, the Board of Trustees, and President Watts were in on this for a long time and it had to do with the contract with Legion Field:
The contract in 2010 ran for four years, until the end of UAB's 2013 football season.
But this spring, UAB asked for a different deal. And though it irked some city workers, UAB got what it wanted. A one-year contract to play at Legion Field.
"This Agreement shall have effect for a period of one (1) year beginning at the start of UAB's 2014 football season (July 21, 2014) and ending at the conclusion of UAB's 2014 football season (December 15, 2014)."
Draw your own conclusion there...
And Birmingham Mayor William Bell was told by Watts last week that there was nothing to worry about...
So much for that idea...
UAB Football: Tristan Henderson Speaks Publicly
((HT: OTL on ESPN))
The most emotionally raw video that came out of UAB when President Ray Watts announced the dissolving of the football program was the confrontation among the players and Watts himself.
Tristan Henderson's voice was the loudest...
The 26-year-old Iraq vet was a tight end for the team and made a point to go after Watts- personifying the anger of the squad.
His is the voice we remember the most and he was a guest on "Outside The Lines" to talk about the dissolving of the program
Henderson's voice will always be the voice the HQ remembers the most- and we hope it always will be
The most emotionally raw video that came out of UAB when President Ray Watts announced the dissolving of the football program was the confrontation among the players and Watts himself.
Tristan Henderson's voice was the loudest...
The 26-year-old Iraq vet was a tight end for the team and made a point to go after Watts- personifying the anger of the squad.
His is the voice we remember the most and he was a guest on "Outside The Lines" to talk about the dissolving of the program
Henderson's voice will always be the voice the HQ remembers the most- and we hope it always will be
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Long Live UAB Football: President Kills Program- The Press Conference
((HT: MyFoxAlabama/WBRC-TV))
So, as it turns out, it wasn't JUST football...
To satisfy Title IX guidelines, it is football, rifle, and bowling that are going away at Alabama-Birmingham.
President Ray Watts came in through a back door and had this press conference
Players were involved in a heated discussion with President Watts and UAB VP of Finance G. Allen Bolton, Jr. and Watts was cussed at when he exited the fieldhouse where they gave their dissertation.
Conference USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky released a statement:
“We are aware of the study but disappointed with the decision to discontinue the sport of football at UAB, particularly because of its effect on the lives of the student-athletes and coaches that have worked so hard to restore the quality of the program. We don't fully understand the decision, nor agree with it, but do respect it and the authority of the UAB Administration to make it.
As a conference, we will move forward in our pursuit of excellence in athletics and academics, with the primary goal of providing a positive educational experience for all of our 5,000 student-athletes. Our universities have invested in athletics, and in facilities to support athletics, and are focused on their student-athletes and the contribution college athletics makes on their campuses and in their communities.
UAB has been a contributing member to the Conference since its inception and has expressed a strong interest in remaining a member, a topic that the Conference's Board of Directors will take up in the months ahead. The Conference's current bylaws require all members to sponsor football.”
Head coach Bill Clark released a written statement:
"This is one of the most difficult days that I have had to endure in my personal as well as my coaching career.
I am absolutely heartbroken for my players and my assistant coaches. These coaches and players have done a tremendous job and have worked extremely hard for this university, to achieve six wins and be bowl eligible.
I want to pay a special tribute to our many loyal fans for all the support hey have given us this season and especially, during these last few challenging weeks.
Sometimes we as people do not understand why certain things happen; however my faith tells me that God has a plan for the lives of our players, my coaching staff, and for me and my family.
I am grateful for the opportunity I have had here at UAB and making so many new relationships during my time here.
There is no doubt in my mind that we were in the process of building something special at UAB. This goes further than our football program, the athletics department, or the university as a whole. This team is Birmingham - we represent Birmingham and this community.
It is unfortunate that it has come to this. But again, it is a decision that has been reached and I must respect it and will move forward.
Thank you Birmingham and the UAB Community for everything you have done for our players, this coaching staff and me personally."
The issue now for UAB is to find a conference that will accept them without football- and that will be an interesting quest.
More when we know more...
So, as it turns out, it wasn't JUST football...
To satisfy Title IX guidelines, it is football, rifle, and bowling that are going away at Alabama-Birmingham.
President Ray Watts came in through a back door and had this press conference
Players were involved in a heated discussion with President Watts and UAB VP of Finance G. Allen Bolton, Jr. and Watts was cussed at when he exited the fieldhouse where they gave their dissertation.
Conference USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky released a statement:
“We are aware of the study but disappointed with the decision to discontinue the sport of football at UAB, particularly because of its effect on the lives of the student-athletes and coaches that have worked so hard to restore the quality of the program. We don't fully understand the decision, nor agree with it, but do respect it and the authority of the UAB Administration to make it.
As a conference, we will move forward in our pursuit of excellence in athletics and academics, with the primary goal of providing a positive educational experience for all of our 5,000 student-athletes. Our universities have invested in athletics, and in facilities to support athletics, and are focused on their student-athletes and the contribution college athletics makes on their campuses and in their communities.
UAB has been a contributing member to the Conference since its inception and has expressed a strong interest in remaining a member, a topic that the Conference's Board of Directors will take up in the months ahead. The Conference's current bylaws require all members to sponsor football.”
Head coach Bill Clark released a written statement:
"This is one of the most difficult days that I have had to endure in my personal as well as my coaching career.
I am absolutely heartbroken for my players and my assistant coaches. These coaches and players have done a tremendous job and have worked extremely hard for this university, to achieve six wins and be bowl eligible.
I want to pay a special tribute to our many loyal fans for all the support hey have given us this season and especially, during these last few challenging weeks.
Sometimes we as people do not understand why certain things happen; however my faith tells me that God has a plan for the lives of our players, my coaching staff, and for me and my family.
I am grateful for the opportunity I have had here at UAB and making so many new relationships during my time here.
There is no doubt in my mind that we were in the process of building something special at UAB. This goes further than our football program, the athletics department, or the university as a whole. This team is Birmingham - we represent Birmingham and this community.
It is unfortunate that it has come to this. But again, it is a decision that has been reached and I must respect it and will move forward.
Thank you Birmingham and the UAB Community for everything you have done for our players, this coaching staff and me personally."
The issue now for UAB is to find a conference that will accept them without football- and that will be an interesting quest.
More when we know more...
DEVELOPING: UAB To Announce The End Of Football Today
((HT: Al.com/Scarbinsky))
At some point today, it is expected that UAB President Ray Watts will announce the end of the football program.
Funny thing is, according to AL.com's John Talty, is that the football program looks like it was a proftable one.
The football program posted a slim positive margin of $24,222 in a time frame of Oct. 1, 2013 to Sept. 30, 2014, according to the U.S. Department of Education's Equity in Athletics data
Yes, it's heavily subsidized. The HQ knows that...
But in an interview with Barnett Wright, former university President and founder of the football program, Scotty McCallum, said it shouldn't be a Board of Trustees decision to make:
"This is not the Board of Trustees' decision," said McCallum, who was instrumental in the first UAB football team taking the field in 1991. "The decision should be made by the (UAB) president and the faculty members at the university. It's ridiculous for the Board of Trustees to even think about dropping it."
At the same time, what the HQ- and a lot of you out there- already think was publicly divulged by Talty in an interview with UAB Football booster Jimmy Filler. Filler is the head of the UAB Football Foundation. The Foundation is set to donate $5-million to the efforts of keeping football around, but Filler claims to Talty that no one ever called him to discuss the matter once he came to the fore and the idea is two decades old to blow up the program:
Filler doesn't believe the study will have any impact on whether the program folds or not. Instead, he says, its fate was sealed as far back as 1991 when former UAB coach and athletic director Gene Bartow advised the NCAA to investigate Alabama's basketball program. In the letter to the NCAA, published by The Los Angeles Times in 1993, Bartow wrote that several former Alabama football coaches had been penalized by the NCAA and that they were "trained" by legendary Alabama coach Bear Bryant.
Filler believes Paul Bryant Jr., the son of Bear Bryant and a member of the Board of Trustees, has been trying to kill UAB's program for years as a "vendetta" for Bartow's letter. Filler has battled Bryant Jr. and the rest of the board for years to try to get UAB a new football stadium with little success.
"Coach Bartow was a dear, close friend of mine. He said this (would) happen," Filler said. "He said it two weeks before he passed that they wanted to kill UAB athletics. My good friend and dear man was 100 percent right."
There is talk that President Watts will make a public announcement of the university's intentions when it happens...
May his God help him if he does with the reaction he will receive on campus...
Here was the look this morning from campus as students were set to march again:
((HT: MyFoxAL.com))
At some point today, it is expected that UAB President Ray Watts will announce the end of the football program.
Funny thing is, according to AL.com's John Talty, is that the football program looks like it was a proftable one.
The football program posted a slim positive margin of $24,222 in a time frame of Oct. 1, 2013 to Sept. 30, 2014, according to the U.S. Department of Education's Equity in Athletics data
Yes, it's heavily subsidized. The HQ knows that...
But in an interview with Barnett Wright, former university President and founder of the football program, Scotty McCallum, said it shouldn't be a Board of Trustees decision to make:
"This is not the Board of Trustees' decision," said McCallum, who was instrumental in the first UAB football team taking the field in 1991. "The decision should be made by the (UAB) president and the faculty members at the university. It's ridiculous for the Board of Trustees to even think about dropping it."
At the same time, what the HQ- and a lot of you out there- already think was publicly divulged by Talty in an interview with UAB Football booster Jimmy Filler. Filler is the head of the UAB Football Foundation. The Foundation is set to donate $5-million to the efforts of keeping football around, but Filler claims to Talty that no one ever called him to discuss the matter once he came to the fore and the idea is two decades old to blow up the program:
Filler doesn't believe the study will have any impact on whether the program folds or not. Instead, he says, its fate was sealed as far back as 1991 when former UAB coach and athletic director Gene Bartow advised the NCAA to investigate Alabama's basketball program. In the letter to the NCAA, published by The Los Angeles Times in 1993, Bartow wrote that several former Alabama football coaches had been penalized by the NCAA and that they were "trained" by legendary Alabama coach Bear Bryant.
Filler believes Paul Bryant Jr., the son of Bear Bryant and a member of the Board of Trustees, has been trying to kill UAB's program for years as a "vendetta" for Bartow's letter. Filler has battled Bryant Jr. and the rest of the board for years to try to get UAB a new football stadium with little success.
"Coach Bartow was a dear, close friend of mine. He said this (would) happen," Filler said. "He said it two weeks before he passed that they wanted to kill UAB athletics. My good friend and dear man was 100 percent right."
There is talk that President Watts will make a public announcement of the university's intentions when it happens...
May his God help him if he does with the reaction he will receive on campus...
Here was the look this morning from campus as students were set to march again:
((HT: MyFoxAL.com))
Sunday, November 30, 2014
DEVELOPING: Done, Done, and Done: UAB Blowing Up Football
In one of the more transparent power plays by a Board of Trustees in recent memory, the University of Alabama Birmingham has fired its Athletic Director and will shutter its football program.
The "when" is the only question...
Joe Schad caught up with Clark after the game as well, and Clark was not optimistic at all: "I think it's going to happen," said Clark, who led UAB to a 6-6 record in his first season at the school. "Unless something changes before the weekend ends, I think it's over. I think the odds are very high it ends this week. To shut the doors? That's sad."
Dan Wolken over at USA Today has some more information: With UAB's football future hanging in the balance, a person close to the decision-making process told USA TODAY Sports that athletics director Brian Mackin has given indications the program will shut down this week and that Mackin is working on a separation agreement from the university. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the conversations were supposed to be private. Mackin did not return multiple calls and text messages seeking comment.
Clark is meeting with his president tomorrow, via his Twitter:
Contrary to news, We haven't heard any decision about our program. We are still fighting!
Here's head coach Bill Clark after becoming bowl eligible yesterday- the irony is inescapable...
Obviously, more when we know more, but the HQ hopes the UA Board of Trustees is happy with themselves...
The "when" is the only question...
Joe Schad caught up with Clark after the game as well, and Clark was not optimistic at all: "I think it's going to happen," said Clark, who led UAB to a 6-6 record in his first season at the school. "Unless something changes before the weekend ends, I think it's over. I think the odds are very high it ends this week. To shut the doors? That's sad."
Dan Wolken over at USA Today has some more information: With UAB's football future hanging in the balance, a person close to the decision-making process told USA TODAY Sports that athletics director Brian Mackin has given indications the program will shut down this week and that Mackin is working on a separation agreement from the university. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the conversations were supposed to be private. Mackin did not return multiple calls and text messages seeking comment.
Clark is meeting with his president tomorrow, via his Twitter:
Contrary to news, We haven't heard any decision about our program. We are still fighting!
Here's head coach Bill Clark after becoming bowl eligible yesterday- the irony is inescapable...
Obviously, more when we know more, but the HQ hopes the UA Board of Trustees is happy with themselves...
Saturday, November 29, 2014
ICYMI: Western KY Ends Unbeaten Run for Marshall 67-66 in OT
((ht: foxsports.com))
You can call a football game that starts with a pre game brawl crazy. But what do you call a game that started that way and ended on an overtime 2-point conversion making the final score 67-66?
That scenario played out Friday in Huntington, West Virginia as Western Kentucky put an end to Marshall's unbeaten run this season, beating the Thundering Herd by a point.
Western Kentucky QB Brandon Doughty threw for 8 TD's (Yes, 8) which topped the 7 thrown by Marshall QB Rakeem Cato.
The 8 TD's for Doughty gave him the lead for most TD passes in the FBS with 44.
Leon Allen ran for 237 yards and 2 scores for the Hilltoppers as well.
But the game did not end until the second O.T when after scoring last in the period, Hilltopper Head Coach Jeff Brohm decided to go for the 2-point conversion and the win. He did that because his kicker got hurt earlier in the game.
Doughty completed the conversion, hitting Willie McNeal in the end zone to win the game, give the announce team and statisticians a breather.
The loss for Marshall ends their unbeaten run at 11. The Thundering Herd were trying to become outsiders who got into the College Football playoff.
That idea ended sometime Friday afternoon.
Highlights from FOXSports:
You can call a football game that starts with a pre game brawl crazy. But what do you call a game that started that way and ended on an overtime 2-point conversion making the final score 67-66?
That scenario played out Friday in Huntington, West Virginia as Western Kentucky put an end to Marshall's unbeaten run this season, beating the Thundering Herd by a point.
Western Kentucky QB Brandon Doughty threw for 8 TD's (Yes, 8) which topped the 7 thrown by Marshall QB Rakeem Cato.
The 8 TD's for Doughty gave him the lead for most TD passes in the FBS with 44.
Leon Allen ran for 237 yards and 2 scores for the Hilltoppers as well.
But the game did not end until the second O.T when after scoring last in the period, Hilltopper Head Coach Jeff Brohm decided to go for the 2-point conversion and the win. He did that because his kicker got hurt earlier in the game.
Doughty completed the conversion, hitting Willie McNeal in the end zone to win the game, give the announce team and statisticians a breather.
The loss for Marshall ends their unbeaten run at 11. The Thundering Herd were trying to become outsiders who got into the College Football playoff.
That idea ended sometime Friday afternoon.
Highlights from FOXSports:
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Morning Wrap: Memphis Loses to Christian Brothers
The Memphis Tigers didn't exactly get off to a rousing start for their college basketball exhibition opener.
The Tigers somehow managed to lose to Division II Christian Brothers University 74-70 in overtime.
No really, it appears Christian Brothers is apparently an actual school.
Thankfully for Memphis it was a game that won't count in the standings, but it does not bode so well for a Conference USA powerhouse team that sure, lost some talented players this offseason, but should still be able to win a game like this.
We post this partially because of our surprise, though apparently Christian Brothers is a strong D-II team and like we said earlier, just because we really never have heard of them.
Here are your last couple minutes and post game from the Brothers their ownselves:
The Tigers somehow managed to lose to Division II Christian Brothers University 74-70 in overtime.
No really, it appears Christian Brothers is apparently an actual school.
Thankfully for Memphis it was a game that won't count in the standings, but it does not bode so well for a Conference USA powerhouse team that sure, lost some talented players this offseason, but should still be able to win a game like this.
We post this partially because of our surprise, though apparently Christian Brothers is a strong D-II team and like we said earlier, just because we really never have heard of them.
Here are your last couple minutes and post game from the Brothers their ownselves:
Saturday, November 8, 2014
UAB Looking To Blow Up Football...???
((HT: AL.com))
The answer is: Probably...
And you find it more from the quotes of the higher-ups in the University these days than those of us who normally float the idea in the first place...
Evidence
((HT: CBS42 Birmingham))
More Evidence...
Nick Birdsong has this statement from AD Brian Mackin
"Like all areas across our campus, the Athletic Department is working on a strategic plan to maximize our resources and drive excellence. This process is critical to ensuring the best days of UAB Athletics are yet to come for our students, alumni, fans and community. "Coming out of this process, we will know what it takes -- from the institution, as well as supporters including our donors -- to best support our programs. My staff and I, and our consultants -- Carr Sports Consulting, a trusted adviser and expert in college athletics -- have invested a great deal of care in undertaking a department-wide strategic plan. As we close in on completing this initiative, we will make informed decisions that are supported by data and expert analysis. It would be premature to speculate about pending results, but I firmly believe this approach will lead to the most exciting era in UAB Athletics."
That paragraph was sent out after the university President, Ray Watts, said this earlier in the week:
More than a year ago, UAB began the most comprehensive campus-wide strategic planning process in our history, calling for the 10 schools, College of Arts and Sciences, Honors College, Information Technology, Research Administration, and other units to develop individual strategic plans, set priorities and implement long-term goals.
"Within that framework, the Athletic Department is conducting a full strategic review of its programs. The Athletic Department has engaged outside experts and is exploring a full range of options - not all of which will be implemented - to reach its desired results of sustained excellence."
Former UAB players have met with Watts to discuss their concerns, and AL.com's Kevin Scarbinsky had this point:
New coach Bill Clark's original contract is for three years only when most college head coaches have deals that run for a minimum of four or five years, and UAB has no non-conference football games scheduled beyond 2016.
Which is flat strange...
Alternatives...
Not many...
Jon Solomon of the Birmingham News wrote an article in 2009 as UAB was pursuing their own football stadium not names Legion Field. The numbers back then weren't pretty when it came to the profit and loss ratios of the Blazers football program.
From 2006 to 2009, UAB reported just as much football revenue from the university ($6.55 million in subsidies) as it got from donors ($6.53 million). And that doesn't factor in student fees that went for athletics and increased 30 percent over those four years.
Good for UAB if enough companies will consistently pony up for the stadium. But projections are just that.
UAB projected in its 2009 athletics budget that the football program would receive $935,552 in university subsidies, rather than the $2 million it actually received. Overall, UAB projected a $1.1 million loss on football; it turned out to be $1.7 million.
Solomon followed up that piece five years later with the numbers back in February of 2014 that outlined that a lot of Alabama schools are heavily subsidized. UAB's numbers were up in the five year gap between our paragraphs. There's a good graph in their as well...
The UAB athletics department received $1.4 million less in institutional support during the 2013 fiscal year, resulting in a rare decrease of total subsidies directed to Blazers sports even as student fees climbed.
UAB received $18.1 million in total subsidies for sports in 2013, down from $18.7 million a year earlier, according to the athletics department's latest NCAA financial report. This marked the first time subsidies have decreased during the eight years AL.com/The Birmingham News has charted the university's athletics finances.
The Blazers had a long day hosting Louisiana Tech to even out their schedule at 5-5, losing 40-24.
Here's Kyle Sappington going against the Bulldogs special teams
UAB and Hawai'i are two looking at the same dark tunnel and it will be interesting to see how they come out the other side.
The answer is: Probably...
And you find it more from the quotes of the higher-ups in the University these days than those of us who normally float the idea in the first place...
Evidence
((HT: CBS42 Birmingham))
More Evidence...
Nick Birdsong has this statement from AD Brian Mackin
"Like all areas across our campus, the Athletic Department is working on a strategic plan to maximize our resources and drive excellence. This process is critical to ensuring the best days of UAB Athletics are yet to come for our students, alumni, fans and community. "Coming out of this process, we will know what it takes -- from the institution, as well as supporters including our donors -- to best support our programs. My staff and I, and our consultants -- Carr Sports Consulting, a trusted adviser and expert in college athletics -- have invested a great deal of care in undertaking a department-wide strategic plan. As we close in on completing this initiative, we will make informed decisions that are supported by data and expert analysis. It would be premature to speculate about pending results, but I firmly believe this approach will lead to the most exciting era in UAB Athletics."
That paragraph was sent out after the university President, Ray Watts, said this earlier in the week:
More than a year ago, UAB began the most comprehensive campus-wide strategic planning process in our history, calling for the 10 schools, College of Arts and Sciences, Honors College, Information Technology, Research Administration, and other units to develop individual strategic plans, set priorities and implement long-term goals.
"Within that framework, the Athletic Department is conducting a full strategic review of its programs. The Athletic Department has engaged outside experts and is exploring a full range of options - not all of which will be implemented - to reach its desired results of sustained excellence."
Former UAB players have met with Watts to discuss their concerns, and AL.com's Kevin Scarbinsky had this point:
New coach Bill Clark's original contract is for three years only when most college head coaches have deals that run for a minimum of four or five years, and UAB has no non-conference football games scheduled beyond 2016.
Which is flat strange...
Alternatives...
Not many...
Jon Solomon of the Birmingham News wrote an article in 2009 as UAB was pursuing their own football stadium not names Legion Field. The numbers back then weren't pretty when it came to the profit and loss ratios of the Blazers football program.
From 2006 to 2009, UAB reported just as much football revenue from the university ($6.55 million in subsidies) as it got from donors ($6.53 million). And that doesn't factor in student fees that went for athletics and increased 30 percent over those four years.
Good for UAB if enough companies will consistently pony up for the stadium. But projections are just that.
UAB projected in its 2009 athletics budget that the football program would receive $935,552 in university subsidies, rather than the $2 million it actually received. Overall, UAB projected a $1.1 million loss on football; it turned out to be $1.7 million.
Solomon followed up that piece five years later with the numbers back in February of 2014 that outlined that a lot of Alabama schools are heavily subsidized. UAB's numbers were up in the five year gap between our paragraphs. There's a good graph in their as well...
The UAB athletics department received $1.4 million less in institutional support during the 2013 fiscal year, resulting in a rare decrease of total subsidies directed to Blazers sports even as student fees climbed.
UAB received $18.1 million in total subsidies for sports in 2013, down from $18.7 million a year earlier, according to the athletics department's latest NCAA financial report. This marked the first time subsidies have decreased during the eight years AL.com/The Birmingham News has charted the university's athletics finances.
The Blazers had a long day hosting Louisiana Tech to even out their schedule at 5-5, losing 40-24.
Here's Kyle Sappington going against the Bulldogs special teams
UAB and Hawai'i are two looking at the same dark tunnel and it will be interesting to see how they come out the other side.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Cupcake Saturday: LaTech RB goes 99-Yards for TD
Safe to say, Saturday September 6th won't go down as a day of amazingly competitive college football.
Yeah, sure, there were a few good games (USC/Stanford, Oregon/Mich. St, Ohio St/VaTech), but most of the games...were blowouts.
There were a few amazing plays and a lot of dull ones.
One of the best: How about Kenneth Dixon of Lousiana Tech....he lines up deep in his own end zone, takes the pitch, makes two moves and goes untouched...99 yards for the TD.
Tech would beat the Ragin' Cajuns 48-20...
Yeah, sure, there were a few good games (USC/Stanford, Oregon/Mich. St, Ohio St/VaTech), but most of the games...were blowouts.
There were a few amazing plays and a lot of dull ones.
One of the best: How about Kenneth Dixon of Lousiana Tech....he lines up deep in his own end zone, takes the pitch, makes two moves and goes untouched...99 yards for the TD.
Tech would beat the Ragin' Cajuns 48-20...
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Strange Moves: Reports Surface Frank Haith to Leave Mizzou for Tulsa
It's not often coaches leave a "Power" conference to move backwards.But that's exactly what soon-to-be former Missouri head basketball coach Frank Haith appears to be doing. Multiple reports say Haith will leave the SEC East Division Tigers and replace Danny Manning at Conference USA's Tulsa.
There are conflicting reports as to why Haith would step down. CBSSports.com cites a source saying he bailed after a disappointing 2013-14 season where the fanbase seemingly turned on him for that and a team that had some off the court issues. That same source said if he tanked with the Tigers this season, Haith would be done.
Read the CBSSports.com story RIGHT HERE
The departure of Haith raises more eyebrows in the perception of SEC Basketball. It comes on the heels of Cuonzo Martin leaving Tennessee for the University of California and Tony Barbee being let go at Auburn. And the question by some is "All these coaches are black". In the SEC, it's a legitimate question.
But there's some explanation as well. Barbee did little to nothing at Auburn during his tenure there. Haith struggled at Missouri, but the reason behind him leaving can only be explained by him. As for Martin, that's the one we and many others question. Tennessee made it to this years Sweet16 in the NCAA Tournament and despite a "Non-Dominant" regular season, the Vols were a tough out in the SEC Tournament and the team nobody wanted to face in the NCAA's. Yet Martin had to endure a "Fire Cuonzo Martin" website and a petition with 30,000 signatures calling for his removal in Knoxville.
But what about Haith?
Time will tell. Could he be running? Could he be tired of being questioned at Missouri? Could Mizzou be headed for trouble? All legitimate questions. All because a coach left the green pastures of the SEC for the less green pastures of Conference USA. And for all the questions, there aren't a whole lot of answers.
What sayeth you?
Sunday, January 19, 2014
BUZZER BEATER: Terrence Williams' Throw Down Is A Winner For Charlotte Over North Texas
This one may not be as emphatic as Arkansas' Michael Qualls over Kentucky Tuesday night but it's just as effective.
With the game tied at 74 Charlotte's Terrence Williams had the ball in his hands with two seconds to go and went hard to the basket. Williams just beat the clock with his shot from point blank to win it for the 49ers 76-74.
Here's the highlights. Williams' game winner occurs at 1:53
Thanks Charlotte 49ers Athletics
"Our final play was not anything scientific on the coach’s part." Charlotte head coach Alan Major said. "It’s not anything crazy, X's and O's, or tricky type deal, that was your best ball handler making the best decision late in the game."
Williams led the 49ers with 16 points, Willie Clayton had 12 points and 12 rebounds for Charlotte.
With the game tied at 74 Charlotte's Terrence Williams had the ball in his hands with two seconds to go and went hard to the basket. Williams just beat the clock with his shot from point blank to win it for the 49ers 76-74.
Here's the highlights. Williams' game winner occurs at 1:53
Thanks Charlotte 49ers Athletics
"Our final play was not anything scientific on the coach’s part." Charlotte head coach Alan Major said. "It’s not anything crazy, X's and O's, or tricky type deal, that was your best ball handler making the best decision late in the game."
Williams led the 49ers with 16 points, Willie Clayton had 12 points and 12 rebounds for Charlotte.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Two More Bowls With 40-Plussers In Memphis and El Paso
((HT: ESPN))
Logan be Logan and questions, the HQ is sure, will arise about Bud Foster now after what happened in El Paso as UCLA took Virginia Tech from one end of the field to the other in the Sun Bowl.
Brett Hundley ran for 86 yards on one score- good enough to be the longest in Bruin history...and his 387 yards of total offense is the best in school history as well...
Here's Ralph with your wrap
((HT UCLA Athletics))
In Memphis, it was confirmed that Miss State head coach Dan Mullen still has plenty to learn about coaching decorum and the code in the Liberty Bowl- winning 44-7. With the game in hand, Mullen decided to run a trick play to try and get more points on the board.
Thankfully, for karma's sake, it didn't work up 34 at the time...
Here's the game for you to judge
Dak Prescott, pretty much, had his way with the Rice defense- who learned that Conference USA football and Ess-E-Cee football are completely and totally different despite a tremendous year...
Here's Prescott completing a 65-yarder late in the second quarter as Rice's defense over-pursues Jameon Lewis
Logan be Logan and questions, the HQ is sure, will arise about Bud Foster now after what happened in El Paso as UCLA took Virginia Tech from one end of the field to the other in the Sun Bowl.
Brett Hundley ran for 86 yards on one score- good enough to be the longest in Bruin history...and his 387 yards of total offense is the best in school history as well...
Here's Ralph with your wrap
((HT UCLA Athletics))
In Memphis, it was confirmed that Miss State head coach Dan Mullen still has plenty to learn about coaching decorum and the code in the Liberty Bowl- winning 44-7. With the game in hand, Mullen decided to run a trick play to try and get more points on the board.
Thankfully, for karma's sake, it didn't work up 34 at the time...
Here's the game for you to judge
Dak Prescott, pretty much, had his way with the Rice defense- who learned that Conference USA football and Ess-E-Cee football are completely and totally different despite a tremendous year...
Here's Prescott completing a 65-yarder late in the second quarter as Rice's defense over-pursues Jameon Lewis
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