EA didn't mess up imo. From everything I have read, including this
http://no2minutewarning.com/2012/04/...abama-jaguars/
South Alabama, while playing an fbs schedule sure, will not be eligible for a sun belt title or a bowl. So they aren't a truly full fledged fbs member yet. They are still transitioning until next year when they can compete for a conference title and try for a bowl bid. Going by that, they shouldn't be in the game until next year.