The Columbus Aviators had their best game yet last week in a tough loss on the road, 23-28, to the Dallas Renegades. They will have an opportunity now to even the score in their own building as they face the Renegades at home on Friday night. The Aviators successfully slowed down a high-octane offense as they held Dallas to only 225 yards of total offense last week.
Game Details:
Date/Location: Friday, April 17 / Historic Crew Stadium, Columbus, OH
Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM PT
Channel: FOX
Theme Night: United by Giving | Aviators Flag Giveaway
First 5,000 fans receive an Aviators flag (civic engagement & community service focus)
Odds:
Spread: Columbus +5.5 (-105), Dallas -5.5 (-115)
Moneyline: Columbus +235, Dallas -290
Over/Under: 47.5 (Over -115, Under -105)
Columbus Aviators (0-3):
The Aviators showed clear improvement in Week 3, holding the high-powered Renegades to just 225 total yards and keeping the game competitive until the final minutes. Jalan McClendon and the offense looked sharper, but there remains room for improvement in the passing game. Holding Austin Reed to just 147 passing yards was very impressive last week, and they will need a similar performance to get their first win on Friday night.
Dallas Renegades (3-0):
The Renegades remain the most complete team in the UFL despite an offensive speed bump last week. Austin Reed continues to lead the league in passing yards and touchdowns, while Tyler Vaughns is dominating at receiver. The defense helped secure the win last week, contributing to the scoreboard with a pick-6 from Shaun Wade. Despite being on the road, Rick Neuheisel’s group enters as the clear favorite as they hope to remain undefeated against a Columbus team still searching for its first victory.
Aviators Keys to the Game
Pound the Rock
The passing game has not been highly consistent this season for Columbus, and i would like to see them lean more on the talented running back room of John Lovett, Toa Taua, and Zaquandre White.
Strong Pass Protection
Last week was a huge improvement in pass protection for the Aviators after some struggles in the first 2 games, and they need to continue to build on this.
text
Bend But Don’t Break Defense
Dallas has had the capacity for big chunk plays this season, and Columbus needs to prevent those big passing plays.
Make Austin Reed Uncomfortable
Columbus needs their pass rush to get to Austin Reed quickly and frequently to make things uncomfortable. The fans can also help with this at home by bringing the noise on defense.
Aviators to Watch
81 WR Tay Martin
Martin caught 5 of his 6 targets last week for 49 yards.
text
6 WR Antwane Wells
Wells caught 4 of his 6 targets for 43 yards and a touchdown and had 4 missed tackles forced.
48 DE Kenny Willekes
Willekes had 6 total tackles, including half a sack, last week, and 5 additional pressures by my count.
text
56 DE Ron Stone Jr.
Ron Stone Jr. had 3 total tackles last week, including half a sack, and also had 5 additional pressures by my count.
21 CB D.J. Miller Jr.
Miller was the busiest defensive back last week for Columbus, as by my count, 7 targets came his way, resulting in 4 completions for 40 yards, including a 2-yard touchdown, and had 2 pass breakups.
Renegades to Watch
QB Austin Reed
Reed leads the UFL in passing yards with 763 and in touchdowns with 9, while he has only 1 interception.
WR Tyler Vaughns
Vaughns leads the league in receiving yards by over 100 yards with 331 and has the most receiving touchdowns with 4.
24 CB Shaun Wade
Last week, Wade had 3 total tackles, including 2 solo stops against the pass. In coverage, 6 passes came his way by my count, resulting in 3 completions for 14 yards. He had an interception he brought back for a touchdown and a pass breakup.
text
63 DT Siaki Ika
Ika had the most total pressures for the Renegades last week, winning a pass rush battle to generate pressure 5 times last week. He also had 1 tackle, which was a shared run stop.
77 DT Kevin Strong
Strong has been an effective player this season for Dallas. Last week, he had 4 total tackles, including 2 solo run stops and half a sack, and had an additional QB hurry and 2 QB hits by my count.
Depth Charts, Injuries, Inactives
Score Prediction:
I am expecting a good game, but still predicting Dallas to win. If the Renegades can straighten a few things out in practice and film study to get back to their form in weeks 1-2, then they could look like a waking dragon on Friday night. I predict Dallas to win 33-23.