Forget rebuilding, UAB is looking to win big in its first year back

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- UAB coach Bill Clark loaded the buses up late Saturday morning and waited to see what was on the other side.

Two and a half years had led to this moment: a 2.5-mile drive from downtown Birmingham toward Legion Field. When he arrived, he'd know right away whether the long fight back from the program's shutdown following the 2014 season was worth it. It was either validation or soul-crushing denial that he was about to feel.

All signs were pointing in the right direction. A new state-of-the art football-operations building was nearing completion. A covered practice field was almost done. There were even rumors of a new stadium on the horizon. Donors were writing the big…