Above Image Credit: ABC
Week four will feature a Saturday morning showdown of two top XFL conference teams. Plus, see what happens when a winless team tries to get their first win against the last undefeated team standing. All that and more awaits on Easter weekend in the UFL, so let’s get a closer look at the matchups!
Memphis Showboats vs. Michigan Panthers
Date: Friday, Apr. 18th
Time and Channel: 8:00 PM EST (FOX)
Location: Ford Field (Detroit, MI)
Memphis led the first half 11-3 before back-to-back interceptions by EJ Perry in the second half forced Ken Whisenhunt to send in backup QB Troy Williams for the remainder of the game. They were able to catch up to Houston in the last 18 seconds of the game with a 4-yard touchdown by Williams, making the score 18-17. Unfortunately, the 2-point conversion attempt that would’ve won the game for them failed.
Michigan, on the other hand, prevented the San Antonio Brahmas from getting their first win of the season last week. The game was tied at 23-all in the final five minutes until Panthers kicker B.T. Potter nailed the game-winning field goal with less than a minute left.
These two met back in week one where Michigan defeated Memphis 26-12.
St. Louis Battlehawks vs. Arlington Renegades
Date: Saturday, Apr. 19th
Time and Channel: 12:30 PM EST (ABC/ESPN+)
Location: Choctaw Stadium (Arlington, TX)
Two teams who suffered their first losses last week will look to bounce back as the Battlehawks and Renegades do battle in Arlington.
The Renegades’ defense has been growing in the last few games, slowing down runners and receivers left and right. However, their offense is just as top-notch with Luis Perez, who is one of the top accurate and efficient quarterbacks in the league. Pair him with WR Kalen Ballage, and there is an unstoppable duo. Ballage leads the UFL in rushing yards, rushing average, and average yards per game.
St. Louis’s offense leads the UFL in scoring, touchdowns, and conversions. Now, there is a chance they could have Manny Wilkins back as starting QB, but given his performance last week, which included three interceptions, they could have Max Duggan come in once push comes to shove.
Birmingham Stallions vs. Houston Roughnecks
Date: Saturday, Apr. 19th
Time and Channel: 7:00 PM EST (FOX)
Location: TDECU Stadium (Houston, TX)
Birmingham was about to endure another mentally brutal loss when QB Matt Corral threw a clutch pass to WR Cade Johnson and nailed a 1-point conversion attempt to win 10-9. Corral has been a changing factor for Birmingham since the team lost starting QB Alex McGough to a shoulder injury.
Last week, the Roughnecks beat Memphis 18-17 and won their first game in almost a year. It was touch and go for a while with them, but things changed in the second half when Houston head coach CJ Johnson decided to bring in Nolan Henderson to replace Anthony Brown as quarterback. From there, the Houston offense kept making a comeback while the defense held back Memphis until the clock ran out.
Houston plans to have Henderson start for the offense. However, their defense is what you want to watch out for. Their key moves against Memphis garnered attention, and they’ll have to use those same strategies to take out the Stallions’ offense. Corral will just need to keep his composure and avoid being under pressure to get through this one.
San Antonio Brahmas vs. DC Defenders
Date: Sunday, Apr. 20th
Time and Channel: 5:00 PM EST (FOX)
Location: Audi Field (Washington, DC)
Last week, the Defenders proved they had more meddle by handing the fan favorite St. Louis Battlehawks their first loss of the season. QB Jordan Ta’amu has been the focal point of their incredible season so far. He leads the UFL in total yards and passing TDs. Their defense is just as good with Andre Mintze and Derick Roberson leading the way in sacks, forced fumbles, and tackles for loss.
The Brahmas may have played their most intense matchup so far this season. The Panthers were pulling ahead as the first half ended, but San Antonio tied the game when Panthers QB Bryce Perkins intercepted for a Brahmas pick-six leading to a successful two-point conversion that tied the game at 23 around the five-minute mark, and you know the rest. Now that the team seems to be finding their groove, they could finally be going somewhere, but we’ll have to see how it goes under the leadership of new interim head coach Payton Purdee.
Is the impossible possible in the UFL? The winless Brahmas have a chance to prove such a theory against Ta’amu and the undefeated Defenders on Easter Sunday.
