I edited my post above regarding Rice.

The more I read and hear, the more I think Rice to the AAC would probably not happen. Rice would likely have a negative impact on the AAC every year if the G5 has a guaranteed spot in a 12-team playoff.

Also, an interesting twist regarding UAB. Apparently, the University of Alabama Board of Trustees allowed UAB football to come back under the condition they not pursue a P5 bid at any point in the future and not be a competitor to Alabama. AAC may be their limit.