Week 9 of the UFL season brought pivotal results that reshaped the power rankings among those making the playoffs. St. Louis surged to the top after a dominant performance over San Antonio, while Birmingham also rose after a close win at home over Michigan.
The Crown Holder and the Court Jester
- Crown Holder 👑: St. Louis Battlehawks
The St. Louis Battlehawks defended the crown with a 39-13 win in San Antonio over the Brahmas. - Court Jester 🃏: San Antonio Brahmas
The Brahmas were again unable to shake the jester title as they lost 39-13 at home against St. Louis.
If a team defeats the Crown Holder, they steal the Crown and become the new Crown Holder. If a team loses to the Court Jester, they become the new Court Jester, freeing the previous holder.
1. St. Louis Battlehawks (7-2)👑
- Previous Rank: #2
- Week 9 Result: Defeated San Antonio Brahmas 39-13 at home
- Week 10 Opponent: at DC Defenders
- Week 9 Synopsis: St. Louis crushed San Antonio 39-13, showcasing offensive firepower with 402 total yards (233 passing, 169 rushing). Max Duggan threw for 133 yards and a touchdown, while Kevon Latulas added a 23-yard rushing score. Brandon Silvers also got a chance to throw the ball as he completed 7 of his 10 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown. The defense forced a fumble returned for a touchdown by Micah Abraham and allowed just 234 yards. The Battlehawks were efficient, converting 5 of 10 third downs and committing only one penalty. After some inconsistency on offense throughout the year, these last 2 weeks have been very reassuring for St Louis’ capacity to push for the championship after putting up 39 points in week 9 and 29 the week prior against Birmingham.
- High Point: Micah Abrams’ defensive touchdown in the 2nd quarter put St. Louis up 15-0, putting the pressure on San Antonio.
- Low Point: Missing three conversion attempts (two one-point, one two-point) left some room for improvement.
- Reason for rank change: St. Louis’ dominant win, coupled with their balanced offense and suffocating defense, propels them to the top spot.
2. Birmingham Stallions (6-3)
- Previous Rank: #4
- Week 9 Result: Defeated Michigan Panthers 26-22 at home
- Week 10 Opponent: at Memphis Showboats
- Week 9 Synopsis: Birmingham edged out Michigan 26-22 in a tightly contested home game. J’Mar Smith was highly efficient, throwing for 306 yards and two touchdowns, both to Deon Cain. The rushing game added 68 yards, 31 of which came from J’Mar. The defense allowed 333 yards but forced one turnover and recorded three sacks. A late 19-yard touchdown pass to Cain sealed the victory, with Birmingham going 4 for 5 in the red zone.
- High Point: Smith’s 19-yard touchdown pass to Cain with 2:30 left secured the lead in a clutch moment.
- Low Point: Only generating 27 rushing yards from the running backs.
- Reason for Rank: Birmingham’s hard-fought win over a strong Michigan team drove them 2 spots up the ranking.
3. Michigan Panthers (6-3)
- Previous Rank: #1
- Week 9 Result: Lost to Birmingham Stallions 26-22 on the road
- Week 10 Opponent: vs. Houston Roughnecks
- Week 9 Synopsis: Michigan fell 22-26 to Birmingham on the road despite a strong effort. Danny Etling threw for 235 yards and two touchdowns, with Siaosi Mariner hauling in 114 yards and a touchdown. The offense totaled 333 yards and converted 6 of 13 third downs. The defense forced one turnover but allowed 306 passing yards. Michigan nearly had a game-winning drive, bringing the ball 60 yards downfield on their final drive but couldn’t quite find the end zone as they turned it over on downs at the 10-yard line
- High Point: A 33-yard touchdown pass to Mariner in the second quarter gave Michigan an early lead.
- Low Point: Failing to stop Birmingham’s 11-play, 72-yard touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter.
- Reason for Rank: Michigan drops to third after a close loss to Birmingham.
4. DC Defenders (6-3)
- Previous Rank: #3
- Week 9 Result: Lost to Houston Roughnecks 24-21 on the road
- Week 10 Opponent: vs. St. Louis Battlehawks
- Week 9 Synopsis: DC fell 24-21 to Houston despite outgaining them 456 to 331 yards. Jordan Ta’amu threw for 163 yards and a touchdown in the first half before Mike DiLiello took over and threw for 206 yards and a touchdown. Cornell Powell caught eight passes for 104 yards and two scores. Two lost fumbles and a late failed three-point conversion attempt were key moments in the week 9 loss.
- High Point: A 44-yard touchdown pass from Ta’amu to Powell in the first quarter showcased their big-play ability.
- Low Point: Two fumbles and no forced turnovers hindered their chances.
- Reason for Rank: DC dropped one spot after the loss to Houston.
5. Arlington Renegades (4-5)
- Previous Rank: #5
- Week 9 Result: Defeated Memphis Showboats 30-12 on the road
- Week 10 Opponent: at San Antonio Brahmas
- Week 9 Synopsis: Arlington dominated Memphis 30-12 on the road, with Luis Perez throwing for 206 yards and two touchdowns to Tyler Vaughns and Deontay Burnett. The offense totaled 336 yards, including 134 rushing yards, and the defense was stellar, forcing two turnovers and recording five sacks. Wilie Tyler had 2 sacks while Donald Payne led the team in tackles at 7 and had an interception.
- High Point: A 41-yard touchdown pass to Vaughns late in the third quarter broke a 12-12 tie and was the beginning of what became a lopsided scoreboard.
- Low Point: Penalties continued to be a problem as Arlington had 11 penalties in week 9.
6. Houston Roughnecks (4-5)
- Previous Rank: #6
- Week 9 Result: Defeated DC Defenders 24-21 at home
- Week 10 Opponent: at Michigan Panthers
- Week 9 Synopsis: Houston upset DC 24-21 at home, with Jalan McClendon throwing for 232 yards and two touchdowns to Keke Chism. Lorenzo Lingard added 80 rushing yards and a score boasting an impressive 8.9 yards per carry. The defense generated 2 turnovers in the win for Houston in week 9. Marvin Moody led the team in tackles with 8.
- High Point: A 13-yard touchdown pass to Chism in the third quarter extended their lead to 17-9, setting a positive tone for the second half.
- Low Point: Allowing 369 passing yards to DC exposed vulnerabilities in the secondary.
7. Memphis Showboats (2-7)
- Previous Rank: #7
- Week 9 Result: Lost to Arlington Renegades 30-12 at home
- Week 10 Opponent: vs. Birmingham Stallions
- Week 9 Synopsis: Memphis fell 30-12 to Arlington at home, managing just 173 total yards. Dresser Winn completed 7 of his 16 passes for 83 yards with 1 interception, and E.J. Perry completed 5 of his 11 for 89 yards. Jalen Jackson scored the lone touchdown for Memphis on a 4-yard run. Matt Coghlin went 2 for 2 in field goals, accounting for half of Memphis’ points. Despite the lack of offensive production, the game was tied with 16 minutes remaining before Arlington scored the next 18 points.
- High Point: Jackson’s 4-yard touchdown run in the second quarter helped Memphis stay in contention.
- Low Point: The ground game was unable to get going after the running backs combined for just 38 yards on 17 carries.
8. San Antonio Brahmas (1-8)
- Previous Rank: #8
- Week 9 Result: Lost to St. Louis Battlehawks 39-13 on the road
- Week 10 Opponent: vs. Arlington Renegades
- Week 9 Synopsis: San Antonio’s season couldn’t end soon enough. The Brahmas’ point differential is now down to a sad -121. It was another tough week for them in week 0 after being overwhelmed 39-13 by St. Louis on the road. The Brahms totalled 234 yards with Kellen Mond completing 14 of his 26 passes for 103 yards. Jashaun Corbin rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown. The defense allowed 402 yards.
- High Point: Corbin’s 10-yard touchdown run in the second quarter put the game back in reach with San Antonio trailing 7 to 15.
- Low Point: Allowing 402 while generating only 234.
