Univ of South Alabama Adds Football

[TexasTerror]

From the South Alabama student fishwrap...what's the word from those folks on this board in Alabama? Obviously, USA would have to be an FCS program for atleast two years before making the move up to the Sun Belt...

NCAA Football question 'reopened'
Jason Shepard

Editor In Chief
Issue date: 9/24/07 Section: News

In a recent meeting with SGA President Jennifer Edwards, University of South Alabama President Gordon Moulton has "officially reopened the question of NCAA Football at South Alabama," according to Edwards.

Plans are still in a exploratory phase, as some of the details for a concrete proposal are still being worked out, such as negotiating agreeable arrangements with the City of Mobile for use of Ladd Peebles Stadium and other support. However, developments are expected to move quickly. The administration may announce as early as this week a set of definite plans and goals needed to be met to bring NCAA Football to USA.

The administration is considering a student referendum in order to gauge student support. NCAA Football may be accompanied by an increase in student fees, according to Edwards.

If football is going to happen, the administration wants it to happen quick.

"They want a definite 'yes' or 'no' answer by the first of December," Edwards said.

http://media.www.usavanguard.com/media/storage/paper973/news/2007/09/24/News/Ncaa-Football.Question.reopened-2988316.shtml

[TexasTerror]

Reads from the institution on the last attempt to get football...

http://www.southalabama.edu/fsenate/football.html

[BearsCountry]

Well they got the facility and conference membership. Hopefully South Alabama gets football.

[Eyes of Old Main]

I don't see this happening. USA tried this a few years ago and couldn't muster but a couple thousand folks that would put down a deposit on season tickets ($100 if I remember right). They have had good basketball and baseball teams more often than not and what few fans they have don't support it. They have almost no campus atmosphere since everyone is either a commuter student or lives off campus. And most of all, their alumni already all have season tickets to Alabama and Auburn. How would they work the scholarships considering they had to drop mens soccer a few years ago to keep balance with Title IX? I have no connection to South Alabama other than living here in Mobile, but I see no way they can make this work.

[TexasTerror]

Mobile Press-Register
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
By KIM SHUGARTSports Reporter

The University of South Alabama is again exploring the possibility of adding football to its intercollegiate athletic program.

USA President Gordon Moulton told the Press-Register Monday that a study is under way to determine if the interest is now high enough and the timing is right for football at South Alabama.

USA Athletics Director Joe Gottfried, a longtime advocate for bringing football to the school, said he supports Moulton's decision to revisit the football issue.

If South Alabama adds football, the Sun Belt Conference would have 10 of its 13 members playing the sport.

http://www.al.com/sports/press-register/index.ssf?/base/sports/1191317314222490.xml&coll=3&thispage=1

[walliver]

Does the Sun Belt automatically allow teams to add football and then play in the conference?

With the moratorium in place, would there be any guarantee USA would ever be allowed to play in FBS?

[TexasTerror]

Does the Sun Belt automatically allow teams to add football and then play in the conference?

With the moratorium in place, would there be any guarantee USA would ever be allowed to play in FBS?

USA would have to start in FCS regardless and they would not even be ready to make the move up to FBS until the moratorium was over...

The NCAA is meeting this month with what to do about teams that used to be what was I-AAA that add football at the request of Charlotte. It's an interesting conversation piece as more what were I-AAAs look into football...

[brownbear]

I know people have asked this before, but can a school just start football at the FBS level?

[TexasTerror]

I know people have asked this before, but can a school just start football at the FBS level?

Nope....you wouldn't want to do that anyway due to the scholarship-related issues. The system is good though the NCAA is looking into tweaking it, especially for schools that already play a full compliment of Div I schools without having a football program...

[dbackjon]

Nope....you wouldn't want to do that anyway due to the scholarship-related issues. The system is good though the NCAA is looking into tweaking it, especially for schools that already play a full compliment of Div I schools without having a football program...


I will bet that the NCAA will make an exception for potential start-ups like Charlotte and USA, as long as they declare a plan to go FBS within a short time period.

[TexasTerror]

I will bet that the NCAA will make an exception for potential start-ups like Charlotte and USA, as long as they declare a plan to go FBS within a short time period.

We'll find out soon when the NCAA meets later this month. Not sure you'd want to jump so quickly as you build up the scholarships and such...

[TexasTerror]

Comes down to the students...

By GEORGE R. ALTMAN
Staff Reporter

The immediate fate of a University of South Alabama football team depends on how many students sign a petition saying they're willing to pay more activity fees, a university spokesman said Tuesday.

"There are many considerations, but a crucial one is that the students themselves must demonstrate overwhelming support," said spokesman Keith Ayers.

At least 2,000 students must by Nov. 10 sign a petition in support of a new football program and an activity fee increase from $103 to between $203 and $253 per semester.

http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/119261326098310.xml&coll=3

[TexasTerror]

South Alabama cleared another hurdle...I really think that football is going to happen at USA and that's good for them, good for the Sun Belt -- maybe not so good for some FCS schools that may have been eyeing the SBC...

SGA: Football petition hit goal
Thursday, November 01, 2007
By GEORGE R. ALTMAN
Staff Reporter

Student leaders at the University of South Alabama said they have collected the required signatures on a petition in support of a new football program, but the university's president said Wednesday that he will gauge alumni and community support before making a recommendation to trustees.

"It's going to take a strong show of support from all of our constituents to make that happen," said USA President Gordon Moulton, who said he was encouraged by the number of petition signatures.

"That will be one -- and I do emphasize one -- of the strong indicators," said Moulton, whose plan would use student fee money to cover much of the program's cost.

USA officials required 2,000 signatures on petitions expressing support for football and willingness to pay an additional $100 to $150 each semester in activity fees. Student Government Association President Jennifer Edwards said Wednesday that goal has been met.

http://www.al.com/press-register/stories/index.ssf?/base/news/1193909146174920.xml&coll=3

[TexasTerror]

It's still moving along...

Moulton will take football proposal to USA board
Friday, November 30, 2007By GEORGE R. ALTMAN

University of South Alabama President Gordon Moulton said Thursday that he will ask trustees, when they meet next week, to launch an intercollegiate football program.

"At this point in time, I think the information that we've been able to gather ... is more than conclusive for me to say to trustees that I'm going to recommend this," Moulton said.

Trustee approval of the new program and its budget at the Dec. 6 meeting would start a process that could result in USA fielding an NCAA football team by 2009.

Dr. Steven Stokes, chairman pro tempore of the board, said he favors a new football program and believes other trustees feel the same.


http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/1196418255307080.xml&coll=3

[brownbear]

Could they start a football program by 2009? That seems really soon if they haven't even officially announced they are starting football.

[TexasTerror]

Could they start a football program by 2009? That seems really soon if they haven't even officially announced they are starting football.

2009 would be the year they have all their kids redshirt and play a few scrimmages and such...2010, they'd hit the gridiron...

[Fresno St. Alum]

TT, would S.Alabama have to start out in the FCS for a couple of years like FAU&FIU before going to the Sun Belt or will they just jump right in?

[TexasTerror]

TT, would S.Alabama have to start out in the FCS for a couple of years like FAU&FIU before going to the Sun Belt or will they just jump right in?

Yep, FCS for a few years...

USA getting football would pretty much derail any hopes of other schools (namely Texas State - San Marcos, Jacksonville St and Georgia Southern) getting into the conference as the SBC would have 10 football schools (with USA and WKU joining the fray).

Conference has three non-FB schools (UALR, New Orleans and Denver), but I do not forsee them cutting those schools...

[MplsBison]

Perhaps not cutting them, but certainly Denver wants out.

[brownbear]

I'm assuming that USA would start their jump up in 2011 when the moratorium ends. Can they just play one year in FCS, or is there a minimum stay?

[Jiggs]

Looks like USA football is on the way..

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2007/12/south_alabama_to_start_1a_foot.html

[Jiggs]

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2007/12/south_alabama_to_start_1a_foot.html

[GannonFan]

Wow - quick turnaround - although to be successful in the Sun Belt you don't really need to do much.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Any chance on Gateway membership a la WKU? Just a thought... or maybe the SLC as an associate...

[danefan]

Can they start in FBS immediatly? Or do they have to play FCS first?

[Franks Tanks]

Doesnt Alabama already have there quota of sub-par FBS schools with Troy and UAB?

[bandit]

Good news, and really a no brainer. They already have a nice stadium in Mobile, correct? It will be fun to see how they develop. Would be a nice rivalry with Troy and perhaps Jacksonville State.

[dbackjon]

That was quick!

[Tim James]

Good news, and really a no brainer. They already have a nice stadium in Mobile, correct? It will be fun to see how they develop. Would be a nice rivalry with Troy and perhaps Jacksonville State.

Is that the stadium where they play some college all star game every year ?

[bandit]

I don't know about the all-star game, but I know the GMAC Bowl is in Mobile, so I'm assuming that's the stadium USA will use...

[CollegeSportsInfo]

With such a quick push, one must almost assume that since they are a member of the Sunbelt, that football will be included as well.

Best of luck.

[MplsBison]

http://www.laddpeeblesstadium.com/stadium.asp


I suppose they think that Mobile is far enough away from Bama and Auburn and that Pensacola (Mobile and Pensacola are very close and together make up about a million people) is far enough away from Florida State that they can build their niche on the Gulf coast.

[nwFL Griz]

It's called Ladd-Peebles Stadium, the GMAC Bowl and the Senior Bowl are played there.

[bandit]

Looks like a nice stadium. According to Wikipedia it holds 40,646.

[MplsBison]

http://www.usajaguars.com/fls/8300/Football/Timeline.pdf?SPSID=99695&SPID=12275&DB_OEM_ID=8300

[TwinTownBisonFan]

This makes a ton of sense. Given their position, a rivalry with Troy seems very likely. could help give sun belt football a bit more character.

that part of the country is college football crazy, the stadium is ready to go... should have happened five years ago.

Congrats to USA.

[Fresno St. Alum]

Good luck to S.Alabama always good to see another school add football no matter what level.

[Fresno St. Alum]

If Jacksonville St. & Texas St. move to FBS maybe they could work out a deal where Jax St. goes to the Belt & UALR goes to another conference Texas St. goes and New Orleans goes to another conference. Summit seems like they could take on 2 more since their commish said that 12 was not the limit for the conference. OVC could take 1 but they'd have to change their football rule. Denver to the Sky or the WCC.

Not likely but an option.

[MplsBison]

It'd be nice to have UNewOrleans in the Summit IF Centenary is serious about staying.


No use for the northern teams to travel all the way down to LA for just one game.

[TwinTownBisonFan]

UALR would be a good fit for Summit
I dont know about any of the others involved

[Fresno St. Alum]

then they could have 12 football members in the Belt so they could have a meanless title game on espn2. Hey at least they'd be on tv. If the SLC got UTSA, Lamar, or TAMU-CC to start football they could take UNO or UALR since they would still have 8 for FB

[appfan2008]

http://www.usajaguars.com/fls/8300/Football/Timeline.pdf?SPSID=99695&SPID=12275&DB_OEM_ID=8300

I dont know much about the school but this link says they expect 15,000 in average attendance... is that plausible? or more or less? does anyone in the know, actually know???

[TwinTownBisonFan]

TAMU-CC should be an FCS school, they have 16,000 seat stadium on the Island. Same with UT-Arlington, 12-14,000 seat stadium

i know why they dont, but i think they should... it's football in Texas

[TexasTerror]

If Jacksonville St. & Texas St. move to FBS maybe they could work out a deal where Jax St. goes to the Belt & UALR goes to another conference Texas St. goes and New Orleans goes to another conference. Summit seems like they could take on 2 more since their commish said that 12 was not the limit for the conference. OVC could take 1 but they'd have to change their football rule. Denver to the Sky or the WCC.

Not likely but an option.

Several facts...

Sun Belt is based in New Orleans.
New Orleans Bowl is based in New Orleans.
The New Orleans Bowl is hosted by the Sun Belt.
Dumping UNO would be a bad publicity move for the Sun Belt -- especially after the SBC funded the study to help UNO direct themselves out of the hurricane-inflicted situation.

As it relates to Denver...

Currently, UNO and Denver do not meet SBC guidelines to play 15 SBC sports. UNO has the NCAA waiver regarding Div I in addition to the SBC waiver as it relates to the guidelines. Denver has an SBC waiver.

Per the SBC guidelines. "There shall be a five-year (2012-2013) grace period for UNO and Denver to reach this standard."

http://www.sunbeltsports.org/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22245&SPID=1817&DB_OEM_ID=4100&ATCLID=1151032

An ideal conference is always going to be 12. The SBC having 10 football playing institutions is great for them, as it makes life alot easier on them -- especially with the guidelines related to FB scheduling (limiting guarantee games or non-returned games).

Big day for USA, possibly bigger for SBC. Mission for SBC is now to get a second bowl game now that they should able to qualify an additional one or two teams yearly...

[DFW HOYA]

Joins I-AA/FCS in 2009, wants to be in the Sun Belt by 2013.

Welcome aboard, even for a little while.

http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=ap-southalabama-football&prov=ap&type=lgns

[GeauxColonels]

Several facts...

Sun Belt is based in New Orleans.
New Orleans Bowl is based in New Orleans.
The New Orleans Bowl is hosted by the Sun Belt.
Dumping UNO would be a bad publicity move for the Sun Belt -- especially after the SBC funded the study to help UNO direct themselves out of the hurricane-inflicted situation.

As it relates to Denver...

Currently, UNO and Denver do not meet SBC guidelines to play 15 SBC sports. UNO has the NCAA waiver regarding Div I in addition to the SBC waiver as it relates to the guidelines. Denver has an SBC waiver.

Per the SBC guidelines. "There shall be a five-year (2012-2013) grace period for UNO and Denver to reach this standard."

http://www.sunbeltsports.org/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22245&SPID=1817&DB_OEM_ID=4100&ATCLID=1151032

An ideal conference is always going to be 12. The SBC having 10 football playing institutions is great for them, as it makes life alot easier on them -- especially with the guidelines related to FB scheduling (limiting guarantee games or non-returned games).

Big day for USA, possibly bigger for SBC. Mission for SBC is now to get a second bowl game now that they should able to qualify an additional one or two teams yearly...
You beat me to it. They want UNO for the New Orleans market, plain and simple.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Per the SBC guidelines. "There shall be a five-year (2012-2013) grace period for UNO and Denver to reach this standard."

What a two-bit conference. Waivers to baldly preserve TV markets and rules to prevent WKU ever going to play at EKU... everything about this conference strikes me as shoddily run.

As for wanting another bowl game, why not prove that your champion can actually win a few bowl games first? The fact that Sun Belt is "hosting" their own bowl is also not surprising. So much for the "big money" by appearing in the bowl game: the Sun Belt's own members pay for the payout! xlolx

Incidentally, with USA's enrollment (about 7,568) they'd be a perfect FCS school. Wouldn't it be nice if the NCAA put the Sun Belt in the FCS where they belong anyway -- although it might take a while for them to be competitive for the national championship.

Who knows, the teams in their conference might actually make some money for their athletic departments if they did.

[bandit]

What a two-bit conference. Waivers to baldly preserve TV markets and rules to prevent WKU ever going to play at EKU... everything about this conference strikes me as shoddily run.

As for wanting another bowl game, why not prove that your champion can actually win a few bowl games first? The fact that Sun Belt is "hosting" their own bowl is also not surprising. So much for the "big money" by appearing in the bowl game: the Sun Belt's own members pay for the payout! xlolx

Incidentally, with USA's enrollment (about 7,568) they'd be a perfect FCS school. Wouldn't it be nice if the NCAA put the Sun Belt in the FCS where they belong anyway -- although it might take a while for them to be competitive for the national championship.

Who knows, the teams in their conference might actually make some money for their athletic departments if they did.


No 1-A conferences allow its members to play road games at 1-AA opposition. It has nothing to do with WKU and EKU specifically. WKU decided to move up and move on, EKU did not. If EKU ever moves up, the rivalry will continue.

USA's enrollment is 14k, and they have access to a beautiful stadium ready to use that seats 40k. They fit the profile of a FBS school, especially since they already have a conference spot waiting for them. Why would they stay FCS?

The Sun Belt does have 2 bowl victories, they have played CUSA even over the last couple years, and have wins against multiple BCS conference teams. They have sent multiple teams to bowls in the past (to fill at-large berths), and will likely have a 2nd bowl in the next couple years.

I really don't get the widespread hatred and derision for the Sun Belt by many posters on this board. They know they aren't the SEC, and nobody is saying they are. But any objective college football fan will see that the Sun Belt is improving year after year, and as a fan of the underdog I hope that continues.

[MplsBison]

I dont know much about the school but this link says they expect 15,000 in average attendance... is that plausible? or more or less? does anyone in the know, actually know???

It says paid attendance.

I don't think the NCAA cares if people actually show up as long as they sell the tickets.

[MplsBison]

Several facts...

Sun Belt is based in New Orleans.
New Orleans Bowl is based in New Orleans.
The New Orleans Bowl is hosted by the Sun Belt.
Dumping UNO would be a bad publicity move for the Sun Belt -- especially after the SBC funded the study to help UNO direct themselves out of the hurricane-inflicted situation.




Does Tulane have an exclusive contract with the Superdome?


Maybe UNO can start football and play there?

[TwinTownBisonFan]

UNO could also play at Tad Gormley Stadium In NO - seats 22k i think

correction: 26,500

http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/north_america/united_states/louisiana/new_orleans_gormley.jpg

It's not too far off campus, to the west.

[bandit]

UNO gets very poor support for basketball, and is financially strapped due to Hurricane Katrina damage. Enrollment has dropped, and they have had faculty layoffs. They are in no position to even think about adding football.

Besides, Tulane struggles with attendence already in New Orleans.

[TexasTerror]

Does Tulane have an exclusive contract with the Superdome?

Tulane is ridiculous for playing at the Superdome. They have to get shuttles to get the students to the game and that does not work well. The only reason they play there is so they can tell recruits they're going to play at a NFL-quality stadium. What they should do is get a 20,000-25,000 seat intimate stadium on campus. Then, play the LSU game every other year at the Superdome.


Maybe UNO can start football and play there?

As with the Tulane situation, not ideal...no way, no how.

[MplsBison]

Where on Tulane's campus would you build a stadium?:

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/560/noloyix0.png

[BearsCountry]

UNO is also located in the worst part of New Orleans.

[TexasTerror]

Where on Tulane's campus would you build a stadium?:

Westfeldt Complex...I am sure you can spruce that up. Can't recall how much it holds, but they use(d) it for women's soccer and track and field. Football team already practices there.

Not like Tulane draws much anyway...may be a very festive environment there. They just squeezed in a 5000 seat baseball park on campus...granted, same spot they had a ballpark as is...

They've talked about it before, I am sure they could make it work...


UNO is also located in the worst part of New Orleans.

Worst part of New Orleans? They are not in the Lower 9th, which gets all the crap. They actually are located on the Lakefront, which definitely is not one of the worst parts...Emeril Lagasse used to live on the Lakefront and there's still some very solid property on the Lake, very pricey places.

[GeauxLions94]

Westfeldt Complex...I am sure you can spruce that up. Can't recall how much it holds, but they use(d) it for women's soccer and track and field. Football team already practices there.

Not like Tulane draws much anyway...may be a very festive environment there. They just squeezed in a 5000 seat baseball park on campus...granted, same spot they had a ballpark as is...

They've talked about it before, I am sure they could make it work...



Worst part of New Orleans? They are not in the Lower 9th, which gets all the crap. They actually are located on the Lakefront, which definitely is not one of the worst parts...Emeril Lagasse used to live on the Lakefront and there's still some very solid property on the Lake, very pricey places.

Westfeldt Complex/Turchin Stadium on northern part of campus was where old Tulane Stadium was located. Westfeldt also borders the tennis facility and Athletic Building (James Wilson Center). Tulane would really benefit from playing in an on-campus facility, but they would be hard-pressed to build a facility.

Tulane had some games (homecoming) moved to Gormley pre-Katrina. Our game in 2005 was scheduled for Gormley but moved to Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge after the storm.

[MplsBison]

Westfeldt Complex...I am sure you can spruce that up. Can't recall how much it holds, but they use(d) it for women's soccer and track and field. Football team already practices there.

Ok, let's try it:


http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/4855/tulstadbs0.png


What I've done is placed Tad Gormley and Delaware Stadium next to the Westfeldt complex at the same scale on all three.


From the looks of it, if you were going to do this you'd have to get rid of the tennis courts.

But it might be possible if you completely gutted the entire rectangular area that holds the tennis courts, Westfeldt and whatever those trailer looking things are.


Then, of course, you need to put the track and tennis courts somewhere.

[Eyes of Old Main]

Looks to me like they'd have to acquire property. What is the condition of the residential area surrounding Tulane's campus? Maybe they could buy up some of that.