UAB quarterback Tyler Johnston III (17) throws a pass against Southern Mississippi during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021. (Dominic Gwinn, Hattiesburg American via AP) Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes PROVO — Just seven years ago, the University of Alabama-Birmingham slashed its football program amid reports of university-wide budget cuts and a suggestion that eliminating football might be the easiest way to balance the books.