I can explain the transfer discrepency...

Why was Shepard given "immediate" eligibility? (actually, it wasn't until a few days before the first game. "Immediate" eligibility would have been if they had known before the first practice of the season)

It's simple. Nebraska gave it's blessing in her appeal to the NCAA. That actually goes a long way. Think UT would have done so for Westbrook going to UConn? Doubt it. When the initial school actually speaks in favor of the petition, that carries a lot of weight with the NCAA decision.

Also, although not immediately afterwards, Shepard's transfer was fairly close to coaching change (She did try one year with the new coach) while Westbrook wasn't dealing with a coaching change. Apples and oranges.