UAB became the first team in C-USA history to win three consecutive division titles, winning two conference crowns, and head coach Bill Clark is still there leading what he rebuilt. Recruiting is going well and should continue to improve. Head coach Jeff Traylor will be around for several years after signing a 10-year deal with a high buyout. UTSA has just now found high-level success as a young program, winning C-USA last year before a coming move to the AAC, and the future is bright. But the new-look Sun Belt could make things more challenging. It’s sustained success through multiple head coaches and nearly secured the New Year’s Six berth in 2019.
#POWER MAC G5 GAMING UPGRADE#
Practice facilities were renovated a few years ago, including an indoor practice field, and there are plans to upgrade the Liberty Bowl.Īppalachian State has reached the AP Top 25 in three of the past four years and won 10 games in the other. Memphis became one of the top teams in the AAC under Justin Fuente and Mike Norvell, reaching the Cotton Bowl in the 2019 season, and the team has remained successful under Ryan Silverfield, though it took a step back to 6-6 in 2021. But the Mustangs need to prevent the late-season collapses that came under Dykes and finally contend for the AAC title. There’s plenty of money, with a recent announcement of facilities upgrades. It’s also become a transfer destination in a hotbed for talent, as seen with quarterbacks like Shane Buechele and Tanner Mordecai. SMU has found consistent success under Chad Morris and Sonny Dykes, and Rhett Lashlee steps into a good situation, taking over a program that has reached the AP top 20 in each of the past three years - though it still hasn’t finished ranked since 1984. But sustaining at the highest of levels is extremely difficult. In this group, there is some combination of resources, a track record of success and/or a high-level coach. I see several possibilities, especially as UCF, Houston and Cincinnati prepare to leave the AAC for the Big 12. We can remove Cincinnati from this group, as well. Which G5 team is positioned to be the next Boise State/TCU/UCF? - Mark D. It’s time for another Group of 5 college football mailbag.
Spring practice is wrapping up over the next few weeks, the Conference USA/Sun Belt drama is finally resolved and transfers continue to move.