Dave HartKNOXVILLE -- Tennessee is in the market for a new opponent for next season's opener after UAB officially shut down its football program Tuesday.
The Volunteers were scheduled to open the 2015 season against the Blazers at LP Field in Nashville, but Tennessee now will be looking for a replacement.
"We are working with the SEC and (Nashville Sports Council president) Scott Ramsey to secure a replacement for UAB to open our season in 2015," Tennessee athletic director Dave Hart said Tuesday afternoon in a released statement. "When we have a formal resolution, we will make an announcement."
UAB owes Tennessee $925,000 for breaking the contract between the two to play the game, but the Vols likely will have to pay around that amount or perhaps more to a replacement opponent with many schedules already set for next season.
The other nonconference teams scheduled to play UAB in 2015 already have games set for the opening weekend in September. Troy plays at North Carolina State, Georgia State is scheduled to host FBS newcomer Charlotte on that Thursday night and South Alabama is set to host FCS Gardner-Webb.
Of the other teams in Conference USA, only Middle Tennessee State, Florida International, Louisiana Tech and Rice have openings for Sept. 5, according to FBSchedules.com. MTSU (at Alabama and Illinois) and Rice (at Texas and Baylor) each already is scheduled to play two pay games.
Tennessee's nonconference schedule consists of home games against Oklahoma, North Texas and FCS member Western Carolina.
Both Clemson (South Carolina State and The Citadel) and Georgia Tech (Elon and Alabama A&M) played two FCS teams in 2013, but only one win against an FCS team can count toward bowl eligibility. Tennessee would have to go at least 7-5 to play in the postseason if it schedules another FCS opponent.
Tennessee tidbits
According to a report by FootballScoop.com on Tuesday, Michigan "reached out" to Tennessee coach Butch Jones, but he "will not be a candidate" for the Wolverines' coaching job, which officially came open with the firing of Brady Hoke on Tuesday. Jones scoffed at reports linking him to the Michigan job last month. It's likely Tennessee will adjust his contract, with both a raise and extension, in the coming weeks. ... As of Tuesday, either the Liberty Bowl in Memphis or the Belk Bowl in Charlotte appear to be the Vols' most likely bowl destinations. ... With its coaching staff on the road visiting recruits, Tennessee has yet to finalize its schedule for bowl practices. Semester exams begin Thursday and continue through Dec. 11.
Contact Patrick Brown at pbrown@timesfreepress.com.