As week Seven of the UFL season begins, the St. Louis Battlehawks get ready to take on the Birmingham Stallion in what many view as a championship preview for the 2024 UFL season. While there are several storylines dominating this game, for fans of football especially in the state of Alabama the return of A.J. McCarron is something many football fans are excited to see come this Saturday.
Line: Battlehawks +4, O/U 47.5, Moneyline +160
Date/Location: Saturday, May 11th, 2024, at Protective Stadium at Birmingham, AL
Kickoff Time: 4:00 pm EST
Weather Forecast: 79F Mostly Sunny and Pleasent
TV/Streaming: FOX, FOX Sports App
Depth Chart:
Notable Injuries:
Austin Faoliu: L Ankle (Out)
The Battlehawks had multiple players listed on the injury report this week but will be dressing key starters like Mike Rose, Pita Taumoepenu, Vadal Alexander, Eric Magwood, Jachour Pearson, Jaryd Jones-Smith, and Freedom Akinmoladun. 2023 All-XFL Austin Faoliu remains inactive with a Left Ankle injury, and reserve Defensive Back Tim Harris will be active for Week 7 as well. Both Vadal Alexander, and Juwann Bushell-Beatty return to the starting lineup this week after injuries held them out in Week 6.
The Stallions were hit a bit harder by the injury bug and will be without DeMarquis Gates, Lorenzo Burns, and Amari Rodgers for Week 7.
Three Keys to Victory:
Play Hard, Play Fast:
The Battlehawks offense is at its best when in the Four-minute offense under Bruce Gradkowski and operated by A.J. McCarron. With the dynamic Offense of the Birmingham it is imperative that the Battlehawks are able to keep pace especially against Adrian Martinez who for Two consecutive weeks has thrown for over 300 Yards.
Be Special:
Darrius Shepherd has had his returning duties for Kicks and Punts after a Two-week hiatus. Shepherd has had outputs of 146, 186, 100, and 130 yards. With Shepherd back to his normal duties the Battlehawks grab an advantage with one of the most dynamic specialist in the league that can certainly alter the field position for the Battlehawks offense.
Keep Martinez Uneasy:
Adrian Martinez has emerged as an MVP candidate in the UFL, despite splitting time with Matt Corral, and some anemic performances earlier in the season. Going back to the first Two games of the 2024 season, Martinez tends to get happy feet (like most young Quarterbacks) when under duress. With the assortment of Pass-Rushers like Carson Wells, Pita Taumoepenu, and Travis Feeney St. Louis will have to keep Martinez out of rhythm in attempt to defeat the Stallions.
Final Thoughts:
This is a game is an absolute toss up for me but after continuing their reign of dominance over the last Three seasons (27-3 record since 2022), I don’t see Birmingham losing this one. Stallions earn the week 7 victory 33-30, hopefully setting up a rematch for the UFL championship game. The Birmingham Stallions will host the St. Louis Battlehawks this Saturday, at 4pm ET on FOX.
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