The Columbus Aviators head to Dallas seeking their first win to take on the undefeated Renegades. The Aviators have a tall task in taking down the most complete-looking team so far to avoid starting 0-3, and they will have to do it without Head Coach Ted Ginn, who was arrested the day before for a DUI charge. Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley ill handle the head coaching duties.
Game Details:
Date/Location: Sunday, April 12 / Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX
Kickoff Time: 12:00 PM ET, 9:00 AM PT
Channel: ABC
Odds:
Spread: Columbus +8.5 (-110), Dallas -8.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Columbus +270, Dallas -330
Over/Under: 46.5 (Over -110, Under -110)
Columbus Aviators (0-2):
The Aviators have shown flashes in their first 2 games, but there have been some apparent problems. Last week, turnovers and inconsistent play stalled the offense. On defense, they were unable to stop the run, a strong contrast to what was seen from the team last year as the Michigan Panthers. In only a 10-game season, they will need to correct these problems quickly, and they’ll need to do so on the road against a hot opponent.
Dallas Renegades (2-0):
The Renegades have looked like the most complete team in the UFL after 2 weeks. Austin Reed has been impressive, breaking the single-game passing yards (376) record in week 1 and tying the single-game passing touchdowns (4) record in week 2. Tyler Vaugns broke the record last week for receptions (11) and receiving yards (146). The defense has limited opponents and brought an effective pass rush. Rick Neuheisel’s group is riding high and will look to stay undefeated at home against a struggling Columbus squad.
Aviators Keys to the Game
Protect the Passer
The Aviators have really struggled in pass protection over the first 2 weeks and are up against a team that has done very well in the pass rush. Columbus needs to rise to the occasion and improve the pass protection against Dallas.
Pound the Rock
Columbus has struggled with consistent play from the passing game and should look to lean on the run to keep the defense honest to help slow down the pass rush.
Stop the Run
Columbus has struggled in stopping the run, and that’s a recipe for losing control of football games.
Get to Austin Reed
Columbus needs their talented pass rushers to step up and make a big difference in this game to help gain some momentum.
Aviators to Watch
8 QB Jalan McClendon
Last week, McClendon completed 23 of his 31 passes for 157 yards and 2 touchdowns with 1 interception and rushed 8 times for 55 yards and a touchdown.
35 RB Toa Taua
Taua rushed 5 times last week for 44 yards (8.8 average). It was a rushing game by committee last week as John Lovett rushed 6 times for 33 yards and Zauandre White rushed 5 times for 31 yards.
11 LB Fred Thompkins
Thompkins had 8 total tackles last week, including 2 solo run stops and 2 shared run stops (by my count).
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56 DE Ron Stone Jr.
Ron Stone had 4 tackles last game and was in on 3 shared run stops. He also tallied his 3rd sack of the season.
48 DE Kenny Willekes
Columbus needs Willekes to be a game wrecker the rest of the season in the pass rush. Last week, he had 5 tackles, including 3 run stops (1 solo, 2 shared).
Renegades to Watch
QB Austin Reed
Reed leads the league in passing yards by nearly 200 with an impressive 616 yards and 7 touchdowns with 1 interception over 2 games.
WR Tyler Vaughns
Vaugns leads the league in receiving yards and touchdowns after catching 18 passes for 290 yards and 4 touchdowns in just 2 games.
77 DT Kevin Strong
Strong had 4 tackles last week, including 3 run stops (2 solo, 1 shared). He was also an effective pass rusher, generating pressure on 5 plays (3 of which were a secondary source of pressure on the play.
92 Darrius Moragne
Moragne had 3 tackles, including the lone sack for the Renegades last week. He had 3 additional pressures by my count, including a QB hit.
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6 CB Steven Jones Jr.
It would have been essentially a perfect game for Jones Jr. if not for a 35-yard reception early in the game and a taunting incident. 8 targets came his way, which he limited to just 3 completions for 48 yards and had 3 pass breakups.
Depth Charts, Injuries, Inactives
Score Prediction:
I haven’t yet seen enough from the Aviators to expect them to defeat a team playing quality football. It won’t surprise me to see them find their groove, but I am predicting Dallas to win 30-17.