The undefeated Birmingham Stallions look to extend their winning streak against the Houston Roughnecks in a Week 5 UFL showdown.
Quick Hits:
Teams: Birmingham Stallions vs. Houston Roughnecks
Location: Rice Stadium, Houston, TX
Date & Time: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 6:00 PM CT
Broadcast: FOX
Stream: FOX Sports App, SiriusXM
Odds: Stallions -7.5, Over/Under 42.5, Stallions -350 Moneyline
Why It Matters:
The Stallions aim to maintain their perfect record and solidify their position atop the USFL Conference, while the Roughnecks seek to build momentum after securing their first win of the season in Week 4.
Season Snapshot:
Birmingham Stallions Record: 4-0, 1st in USFL Conference
Houston Roughnecks Record: 1-3, 4th in USFL Conference
Last Three Games:
Stallions: W 20-18 vs. DC Defenders, W 33-14 vs. Memphis Showboats, W 20-13 @ Michigan Panthers Roughnecks: W 17-9 vs. Arlington Renegades, L 20-34 @ Michigan Panthers, L 18-23 @ DC Defenders
Players to Watch:
Stallions QB Adrian Martinez: 448 passing yards, 2 TDs, 164 rushing yards, 1 TD – Martinez’s dual-threat abilities will test the Roughnecks’ defense. Matt Corral, at least for this week, is QB2.
Roughnecks QB Reid Sinnett: 64.4% completion percentage (3rd in UFL) – Sinnett’s accuracy will be key to sustaining drives against the Stallions’ stout defense.
The Playbook:
Stallions Strategy: Lean on their league-leading rushing attack (140.5 yards/game) and suffocating defense (league-best 59 points allowed).
Roughnecks Strategy: Establish the run with Mark Thompson (2023 USFL Offensive Player of the Year) to set up play-action passes and control time of possession.
Venue Vibes:
Rice Stadium, home of the Roughnecks, has a rich football history, having hosted Super Bowl VIII and serving as home to the Houston Oilers from 1966-68. The Roughnecks will aim to capitalize on home-field advantage.
Health & Roster Updates:
The Roughnecks signed cornerback Kiondre Thomas, who recorded three solo tackles and an interception in his UFL debut last week.
Injuries:
Stallions OUT: RB C.J. Marable (personal), T Armani Taylor-Prioleau (concussion), ILB Scooby Wright (neck), PK Chris Blewitt (quad), CB Ike Brown (foot), CB Chris Jackson (ankle)
Roughnecks OUT: QB Jarrett Guarantano (chest), RB Tiyon Evans (knee), DT Toby Johnson (knee)
Depth Charts Insight:
Stallions: QB Adrian Martinez, RB Ricky Person Jr., WRs Amari Rodgers, Deon Cain, Kevin Austin Jr. Roughnecks: QB Reid Sinnett, RB T.J. Pledger IV, WRs Keke Chism, Justin Hall, Anthony Ratliff-Williams
Looking Back:
In their last meeting during the 2023 USFL season, the Stallions defeated the then-Houston Gamblers 38-15 in Week 9.
Expert’s Corner:
Predictions: Analysts favor the Stallions to remain unbeaten, citing their dominant rushing attack and stingy defense. Predicted final score: Stallions 27, Roughnecks 17.
What to Watch:
Key Matchups: Stallions’ run defense vs. Roughnecks RB Mark Thompson; Roughnecks’ secondary vs. Stallions’ dynamic receiving corps.
Game Changers: Turnovers could swing momentum in this defensive battle. Special teams play may also prove decisive.
Why Watch:
This game features an exciting matchup between the UFL’s last unbeaten team and a Roughnecks squad eager to prove they belong among the league’s elite. Remember an undefeated D.C. Defenders traveling to a winless Orlando Guardians in 2023. It was the Guardians only win of the season and the Defenders only loss. Anything can happen.
Your Thoughts:
Can the Roughnecks pull off the upset at home, or will the Stallions continue their march toward perfection? Share your predictions in the comments!
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