Above Image Credit: ABC
Last week, the nation has been given a perspective to what the UFL is. They have also given current UFL fans some thoughts about the teams, and, possibly, what the future might hold for the league considering the conflicts they’re currently going through.
We have also seen standout performances, surprising endings, and an upset win. This week, there will be more new matchups, including rematches of last year’s conference championship games. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the UFL’s Week 2 matchups this weekend.
Birmingham Stallions vs. Michigan Panthers
Date: Friday, April 4th
Time and Channel: 8 PM EST (FOX)
Location: Ford Field (Detroit, MI)
After dropping their season premiere to the Defenders, the Stallions will look to bounce back against the Panthers. The teams met last season in the USFL conference championship game where Birmingham won 31-18 in an improbable comeback.
If Birmingham wishes to stay in contention this early in the season, they can’t lose this game, otherwise they will be 0-2 for the first time ever. To avoid another loss, the offensive lineman have to protect QB Alex McGough at all times. He was overwhelmed by the Defenders defense, getting sacked a total of eight times.
Michigan made a statement last week with a 26-12 win against the Memphis Showboats. Fans should be on the lookout for Kai and Samson Nacua, brothers of LA Rams WR Puka Nacua. These brothers became the first duo in UFL history to score in a game, including a game-winning, pick-six by Kai Nacua with almost 30 seconds left.
Memphis Showboats vs. DC Defenders
Date: Saturday, April 5th
Time and Channel: 8 PM EST (ABC)
Location: Audi Field (Washington, DC)
The biggest detail to note about this game is the first-time encounter between two interim head coaches.
Led by interim head coach Shannon Harris, the Defenders’ upset win over the Stallions was a statement in itself. Memphis will have to watch out for the Defenders defense. If they overwhelm them the way they did with the Stallions, DC will have a bigger chance of winning.
The Showboats will have to deliver on a more unprecedented level to survive this game. They almost made it past the Panthers had it not been for the pressure QB Troy Williams had that caused him to throw the interception that ended their hopes of catching up. They do have some reliable defensive players in linebackers Steele Chambers and Zeke Vanderburgh, each recording 10 tackles last week. Perhaps they can be helpful against the Defenders offense.
Houston Roughnecks vs. Arlington Renegades
Date: Sunday, April 6th
Time and Channel: 12 PM EST (ESPN/ESPN+)
Location: Choctaw Stadium (Arlington, TX)
Houston hopes to avoid another abysmal performance when they face their Northwestern rivals, the Arlington Renegades.
The Roughnecks suffered various problems both offensively and defensively last week. Now, they’ll have to deal with another top-notch XFL team to keep their post-season hopes alive, but that’s easier said than done.
Arlington was ready to show everyone that they were the same XFL champion-caliber team they were a few years ago. They proved that last week with a 33-9 thrashing against San Antonio. RB Kalen Ballage was the stand-out performer of the game with a 77-yard touchdown, the longest run in UFL history.
San Antonio Brahmas vs. St. Louis Battlehawks
Date: Sunday, April 6th
Time and Channel: 6:30 PM EST (FS1)
Location: The Dome at America’s Center (St. Louis, MO)
Sunday night will bring UFL fans a rematch of last year’s XFL conference championship game between the Brahmas and Battlehawks.
Last season, the Brahmas took everyone by surprise when they defeated fan-favorite St. Louis 25-15 for the conference title. Now, they are looking to try it again. QB Kellen Mond finally got his chance to be a starter last week, completing 17 out of 31 attempts for 159 yards. He’ll have to now prepare himself to face a team with a defense that will give him a run for his money.
Manny Wilkins has made a great first impression as quarterback in the Battlehawks’ win against Houston. He completed 17 out of 22 attempts for 187 yards. He also ran the ball eight times for 43 yards and two touchdowns. However, nothing has been set in stone when it comes to selecting a starting QB. So, you can expect to see Wilkins and, perhaps, either Max Duggan or Chevon Cordeiro take the field.
