Five possibilities to replace UAB in Conference USA

2.) South Alabama Jaguars

Nov 22, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; South Alabama Jaguars head coach Joey Jones directs his team against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

My second choice to replace the UAB program in C-USA is another Sun Belt school in South Alabama. The Jaguars became a D1 football program for the first time in their history in 2012. While the Jags joined D1 football in 2012 they added their football program in 2009. During their entire history of being a D1 program South Alabama has posted a 25-15 record. While South Al is a seemingly brand new program to the D1 landscape, the Jags have proved they can play with the big dogs. With one school in Alabama leaving it only seems fitting to add another. Another factor for bringing in the Jags is they would fit right into the east division in which the Dragons participated. [ed. note – there was speculation UAB would move to the West, with Charlotte joining the East in 2014. But I digress.] Unlike the afore mentioned Texas State they would fit perfectly into the void left to be filled by UAB. That, and they have a competitive history in basketball, softball, baseball, ect.

3.) Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns

Oct 15, 2013; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive lineman Calvin Washington (91) recovers a fumble against Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns running back Alonzo Harris (46) during the first half at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

What is most likely the most unpopular of choices amongst the masses of teams to replace the Blazers is the Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns. ULL is a main stay in the Sun Belt. Many would argue they are the heart and soul of the conference. However, the team is too big of a power house to continue to be held back by the mediocrity that is the Fun Belt. The Cajuns have twice been victors of the Sun Belt, a conference in which they joined in 2001, and won their first ever bowl game in 2011. Since then, they have won the previous three New Orleans bowls for the most successful stretch in ULL history. In four seasons under their current head coach, the Cajuns have boasted a 35-16 record. The Cajuns would have an instate rivalry with Louisiana Tech and would face familiar opponents in WKU, and MTSU among others. While they would surrender their conference game with true rival ULM, ULL would face better competition and be invited to bowl other than that of the one in NOLA. I can’t see anything but wins for the Cajuns with this move.

Next: Our Final Two Candidates Are A Click Away