Above Image Credit: UFL News Hub
Last week gave us drama the likes we haven’t seen in the UFL yet. Now, it’s on to week four where possibly more drama is sure to unfold.
Week four kicks off with a Thursday night showdown between two teams looking for a silver lining. Then, we head into Friday night and a Saturday doubleheader with teams looking for the same thing. Now, here is a sneak preview of this week’s UFL matchups…
Louisville Kings (0-3) vs. Houston Gamblers (1-2)
Date and Time: Thursday, April 16th, 8:00 PM EST
Location: Shell Energy Stadium (Houston, TX)
How to Watch: NFL Network (check cable listings)
After a controversial call denied them a win via overtime, Louisville looks to get a cleaner win against a struggling Houston Gamblers on Thursday night.
Louisville gave the Orlando Storm a run for their money last Friday as their matchup lead to the league’s first overtime game of the season. However, because no teams were able to score in overtime, the game came down to the first sudden death in UFL history. Fans learned from there that a team can lose in this level if the defense makes two penalties in a row. The Kings did exactly that, and officials gave Orlando the win. Safe to say fans weren’t too happy with the result.
Houston continues to have trouble in all fields, especially at quarterback. QB Taulia Tagovailoa, brother of Atlanta Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa, made his UFL debut last week. Unfortunately, he only made 21 completions out of 40 for 171 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. The defense is also having a lot of trouble as they are ranked last in the league with 341.7 yards and 33.7 points allowed per game. If they can’t match the Easter miracle they had, then winning this one is not in their cards.
Dallas Renegades (3-0) vs. Columbus Aviators (0-3)
Date and Time: Friday, April 17th, 8:00 PM EST
Location: Historic Crew Stadium (Columbus, OH)
How to Watch: FOX (check local listings)
Dallas will look to increase their undefeated streak against the spiraling Columbus Aviators five days after their encounter in the Lone Star State.
The Renegades have been the surprise of the league so far. Since coming in for Luis Perez, QB Austin Reed has recorded 66 completions (2nd in UFL), 763 yards (1st in UFL), and nine touchdowns (1st in UFL). Pair him with UFL top WR Tyler Vaughns, and you got a dynamic duo that can’t seem to be stopped. Their defense is quite intimidating as well, allowing only 13.5 points per game (2nd in UFL).
It has been quite the weekend for Columbus. Head coach Ted Ginn, Jr, was arrested and charged with DWI a day before the game. Todd Haley was the interim head coach for the game, but it didn’t make a difference as Columbus recorded their third consecutive loss. The Aviators have a good rushing offense, but they still have some trouble on the passing. However, their biggest concern lies in the defense and the turnover game. They have allowed 33.5 points and 338 yards per game plus more turnovers than takeaways.
St. Louis Battlehawks (2-1) vs. DC Defenders (2-1)
Date and Time: Saturday, April 18th, 12:30 PM EST
Location: Audi Field (Washington, DC)
How to Watch: ABC (check local listings)
The Battlehawks and Defenders will meet again early Saturday afternoon as they look to build momentum from last week. The last time DC and St. Louis met was week one of the season where the Battlehawks won 16-10 in their home opener.
St. Louis improved to 2-1 after surviving a nail-biter against Birmingham. QB Harrison Frost, who led the team to a huge 4th quarter comeback win last week, will most likely be starting for the team. Also, expect to see WR Hakeem Butler starting for the offense after making his return last week. He contributed to the comeback win with 146 yards and a touchdown. In week one, St. Louis overwhelmed DC, sacking QB Jordan Ta’amu seven times and forcing him to throw two interceptions. The Battlehawks have to try and bring that same feeling back to win.
The Defenders made UFL history last week, recording the largest margin of victory with their 45-7 dominance over Houston. This is also the second consecutive game with 40-plus points done by the champs. Deon Jackson is most definitely the one to keep an eye on. He currently leads rushers with 224 yards and five touchdowns according to his wife. Rushers Abram Smith and Xazavian Valladay have a rushing attack that could contribute to the growing numbers of those in that area. Our eyes will be on them too.
Orlando Storm (3-0) vs. Birmingham Stallions (1-2)
Date and Time: Saturday, April 18th, 4:00 PM EST
Location: Protective Stadium (Birmingham, AL)
How to Watch: FOX (check local listings)
The Birmingham Stallions kick off their home games of the season against the undefeated Orlando Storm.
Orlando might have won last week on a technicality by officials, but it doesn’t change the fact they are looking as unstoppable as ever. QB Jack Plummer, the other top UFL QB, has been one of the reasons why. He’s so far recorded 56 completions out of 79 attempts, 672 yards, six TDs, and an interception. Orlando also has all kinds of powerhouse players on offense and defense. Be on the lookout for receiving stars Chris Rowland, Elijhah Badger, and KJ Hamler throughout the game.
Birmingham QB Matt Corral has been getting better each week, but he still makes turnovers that turn the tide against the Stallions. Orlando’s Keshawn Banks and Chris Garrett are among the leaders in sacks and tackles for loss. That means the offense has to keep these two from constantly targeting Corral or he’ll never get off on the right foot. Defensively, they should rely on Kyahva Tezino and Tae Crowder against Orlando. They are two of the top linebackers in the league and lead in tackles and turnovers which is needed to slow down the Storm.
