While it may be too early to call a game a must-win, the Houston Gamblers certainly feel like they are facing that going into Week 4 as they take on the winless Louisville Kings.
The Gamblers entered the game at 1-2 and came off the biggest loss in UFL history as they fell to the DC Defenders 45-7. One of the biggest questions has been at quarterback, with three different starters in the first three weeks and injuries to Hunter Dekkers and Nolan Henderson.
Houston head coach Kevin Sumlin is facing an uphill battle against a Kings team that came within two points in overtime of beating the undrafted Orlando Storm team. Now, Sumlin has to make sure he gives the home crowd something to cheer for on a Thursday night.
Keys to the Houston Gamblers beating the Louisville Kings in Week 4
The Kings started to pick up some steam with the running game last week, leaving the Gamblers with an interesting defensive situation: not overcommitting to the passing game. Louisville quarterback Jason Bean is coming off a 352-yard passing game, but running back Benny Snell is coming off a season-best 50 yards and averaged 4.2 yards per carry on the ground.
Houston's defense has been one of the worst units in the UFL, allowing a league-high 101 points over the first three weeks. It'll come down to their top defenders like defensive end Malik Fisher, linebacker Anthony Hines, and safety Major Burns to step up to the plate and make some key stops against a Kings offense that is picking up steam at the right time.
Dekkers has been ruled out of the game, and Henderson is listed as the number one quarterback on the depth chart. Gamblers fans may not know until kickoff whether Henderson actually starts or if Taulia Tagovailoa steps on the field as the starter. No matter who starts, the quarterback position has to play better as the three starters combine for a 57.5% completion percentage for 666 yards and one touchdown to three interceptions.
The Gamblers have actually been one of the better-running teams in the UFL, but last week they could not get it going against the Defenders. They still won't have Kirk Merritt in the lineup, but Jalen White and Marcus Yarns have done a fine job together and will need to play the way they did in the Week 2 win over the Birmingham Stallions.
Houston has to find a way to beat a Kings team that will play desperately. A loss in front of the home crowd could put the Gamblers in a rough spot entering the second half of the season.