UAB has been a massive money loser in football from the moment they moved to the FBS level. They have been heavily subsidized by Birmingham taxpayers from the beginning of their program. The students don't go to the games, much less alumni and public. It is only by massive ticket giveaways each year that they meet the NCAA attendance requirements for the level of play. Even with an in state opponent which has a local following, I doubt as many as 10,000 people were rattling around in Legion Field. You would probably have to include the homies in the parking lot trying to break into cars to get to 10,000. If it were up to me the plug would be pulled on this money pit of a program, or at least it would go back to the D-3 level.
I have nothing against the school. My daughter got her degree from there, and in years past I took a few evening courses. It is good academically, and it is a significant research university. The football program is a disgrace, however. I would give USA a game, because Joey Jones is one of our own, but I do not care to prop up UAB. Troy has made it work on their own, but I do not see any advantage for my favorite school in playing them.