The Columbus Aviators get a quick rematch against the Houston Gamblers on Friday night at Historic Crew Stadium after a tough 13-17 loss in Houston. Now they have the chance to even the score as they will face Houston 1 week later this time in their own building.
Game Details:
Date/Location: Friday, May 1 / Historic Crew Stadium, Columbus, OH
Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM PT
Channel: FOX
Theme Night: School Spirit Takes Flight | Jim Tressel Bobblehead Giveaway
First 5,000 fans receive a Jim Tressel bobblehead (honoring Ohio students & educators)
Odds:
Spread: Columbus - (-), Houston + (-)
Moneyline: Columbus -, Houston +
Over/Under: (Over -, Under -)
Columbus Aviators (1-4):
Columbus was nearing striking range with 3 minutes left in that game at Houston’s 32 when a Jalen McClendon fumble ended their drive early and proved to be too costly to overcome. It was the third week in a row that Columbus had more yards than their opponent, but unfortunately they were only able to win 1 of those games. With Columbus being 1-4 at the halfway mark, the room for error is very small in the UFL playoff race.
Houston Gamblers (2-3):
Houston earned a much-needed victory last week over the Aviators, 17-13. Nolan Henderson returned and played solid football against a tough Aviators defense, while the defense forced turnovers and held the Aviators in check. Houston is tied for 5th currently and 1 game behind Dallas and St. Louis, who currently sit in the final 2 playoff positions.
Aviators Keys to the Game
Protect the football
Columbus needs Jalan McClendon to be more secure with the football to prevent future turnovers from fumbles.
Pound the Rock
The Ground game has become a big part of the Aviators' offensive identity as the team had a total of 27 rushes for 117 yards last week (4.3 average).
Lockdown Coverage
Houston’s quarterback, Nolan Henderson, has the capacity to distribute the football efficiently. The Aviator’s secondary will need to provide solid coverage.
Get Sacks
Last week, Houston had 3 sacks to Columbus’ 1. The Aviators need that strong pass rush to continue to make an impact and help end some drives throughout the game.
Aviators to Watch
8 QB Jalan McClendon
McClendon was efficient last week (15-22, 160 yards) and rushed 4 times for 25 yards and a touchdown.
35 RB Toa Taua
Taua rushed for 30 yards and a touchdown last week and also caught a pass for 17 yards. Zaquandre White rushed 10 times for 38 yards and John Lovett rushed 6 times for 19 yards last week.
88 TE Alize Mack
Mack had the most receiving yards for the team in each of the last 2 weeks. Last week he caught 4 of his 3 targets for 42 yards. WR Tay martin had 3 catches for 40 yards while Antwane Wells caught 3 passes for 32 yards.
1 LB Tony Fields
Fields led the team in tackles last week with a total of 13. He is tied for first in the league in total tackles with 40.
48 DE Kenny Willekes
Willekes recorded 6 tackles last week, including a sack. He now has 2.5 sacks over the season.
Gamblers to Watch
15 QB Nolan Henderson
Henderson completed 13 of his 25 passes for 146 yards and also led the team in rushing yards as he rushed 6 times for 37 yards and a touchdown.
32 RB Jalen White
White rushed 9 times for 32 yards and a touchdown last week. He added 2 catches for 29 yards.
3 WR Lawrence Keys III
Keys was the most productive receiver for Houston last week, catching 3 passes for 43 yards. Jontre Kirklin was not far behind him with 3 catches for 32 yards.
28 LB Marvin Moody Jr.
Moody led the team in tackles with 11 total, including a tackle for loss.
92 DE Malik Fisher
Malik Fisher continues to be a problem for offenses. Last week, he had 6 total tackles, including a sack, and had a forced fumble. He has 4.5 sacks on the season.
Depth Charts, Injuries, Inactives
Score Prediction:
It feels like this could be anyone’s game on Friday, but I’m going to go with the home team. Columbus 24, Houston 20.