South Alabama athletics director Joel Erdmann discussed the Jaguars’ newly released 2012 football schedule, future scheduling plans and possible Sun Belt Conference expansion during an appearance Friday on WNSP’s Morning Sports Drive. Erdmann spoke with hosts Lee Shirvanian and Mark Heim from Hot Springs, Ark., site of the Sun Belt Conference basketball tournament, which begins Saturday.
How the Schedule Was Set
South Alabama released its 2012 football schedule Thursday. Asked whether the university requested Troy as its first Sun Belt opponent, Erdmann said it did not, explaining that conference schedules are set by the Sun Belt rather than by individual schools.
He said member schools know which conference opponents they will face, and where, for the next four to six years, but specific dates are not fixed in advance. Schools can suggest open dates to the conference office, which sets the final schedule.
Erdmann said the 2012 schedule is well paced, with home and road games alternating, which he said benefits both the team and its fans. He noted that three of the Jaguars’ four Sun Belt home opponents have played in a bowl game within the past two seasons.
Television Outlook
All of South Alabama’s games are scheduled for Saturdays, with kickoff times to be announced. Erdmann said a Sun Belt Network television appearance is unlikely this season because South Alabama is not yet eligible for the conference championship or postseason play.
Conference Expansion
Incoming Sun Belt commissioner Karl Benson is scheduled to hold a press conference in Hot Springs on Saturday. Since Benson’s hiring, there has been broad discussion of the conference growing to 12 football-playing members.
Erdmann said expansion would be positive if the league can find schools within the region that are good fits, and he said South Alabama wants the topic discussed.
Future Scheduling
Asked about the factors behind scheduling a game with Nebraska, Erdmann said the matchup itself, and its value in recruiting, was the main draw, though dates must also work for both schools.
Erdmann said South Alabama plans to schedule more home-and-home series and to bring well-known programs to Mobile, citing agreements already in place with Oklahoma State, Mississippi State and NC State.
