UFL WEEK 3 RECAP: Shootouts, Shockers, & Slaughters

Week 3 of the UFL proved to be the most entertaining yet. We saw our first overtime game of the season, the largest victory in UFL history, the hottest team in the league continuing to roll, and a shootout for the ages. 

 

Orlando Storm (3-0) def. Louisville Kings (0-3) 29-27

 

The first back-to-back game of the season was an instant classic as the Orlando Storm were able to sweep the series against the Louisville Kings. Throughout most of the first half, both teams seemed to have a “bend, don’t break” philosophy. Orlando held on to a slim 10-6 lead, but it was evident that the Kings were ready to explode. 

 

Louisville came hot out of the gate in the second half, needing only 3 plays to score a touchdown. The teams exchanged impressive touchdown drives as both offenses seemed to find their groove. Orlando was holding on to a 27-20 lead for most of the fourth quarter, but with just over one minute to go, Jason Bean connected with TE Zach Davidson for a second time to tie the game up and send it to overtime.

 

For overtime in the UFL, each team gets three alternating two-point attempts from the 5 yard line. If the teams are tied after those attempts, a sudden death scenario happens. In order to prevent defenses from committing obvious penalties to prevent a score, the UFL has decided that two defensive penalties equals a successful try for the offense. Louisville committed a defensive penalty early in the overtime period, and then deep into sudden death, they committed a second penalty that cost them the game. It was a disappointing way to end an otherwise incredibly entertaining game.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

 

The playmakers for Orlando were the difference between these two teams. Credit to Louisville who made huge improvements to their offense and finally looked like a competent team, but the trio of Jack Plummer, Chris Rowland, and Jashaun Corbin are going to be difficult for any team to stop.

 

The UFL is always trying to tweak and progress the game that makes it the most exciting product for the fans. While the idea behind two defensive penalties equalling a successful conversion is solid, we saw the flaw in the design happen this week. It was a deflating end to the game.

 

DC Defenders (2-1) def. Houston Gamblers (1-2) 45-7

 

It was apparent right away that this game was going to be ugly. Early on, Deon Jackson broke loose for a 60 yard touchdown, and the Defenders never looked back. Houston, who just pulled an upset victory over the Birmingham Stallions last week, seemed outmatched in every facet of the game. 

 

Matt McCrane remained a kicking machine for DC, hitting another 4 point 60 yard field goal, as well as hitting his other two attempts. Then, of course, the defense and running game did their thing, as CB Gareon Conley intercepted the ball and took it to the house, and TE Briley Moore scored on a gadget run play that had the entire Gamblers defense fooled. 

 

Houston was able to put together one decent drive and find the end zone, but the game was well out of hand by that point, and the Defenders cruised to an easy victory.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

 

While Houston playing with a third string quarterback doesn’t explain their poor defensive performance, it does somewhat excuse their lack of offensive production. Taulia Tagovailoa was off target for most of the game, but just looking at the numbers, he and Jordan Ta’amu actually put up near mirror stats. The difference is that Taulia’s interception was returned to the house, whereas Jordan’s interception didn’t hurt the Defenders at all. 

 

The defense and the running game of DC seems like they are the best in the league, however we’ve seen in week 1 that another great defense like the St. Louis Battlehawks can indeed shut the Defenders down. Next week’s rematch between these teams is going to be very telling. 

 

Dallas Renegades (3-0) def. Columbus Aviators (0-3) 28-23

 

For the third straight week, the Columbus Aviators found themselves making a valiant comeback attempt, only to see it fall short. Near the end of the first half, the Aviators were ahead and looking to expand their lead. However, a brilliant interception/lateral by CB Shaun Wade allowed CB Ajene Harris to score, and just like that, Dallas stole the lead and the momentum headed into halftime. 

 

Both the Renegades and Aviators relied heavily on their run games in this contest, but once Dallas started to pull away with a Dae Dae Hunter rushing touchdown, Columbus was forced to go to a more pass-heavy attack. This change in strategies backfired as the Renegades got their second interception of the game and capitalized on it, finding the end zone and extending Dallas’s lead 28-10.

 

A couple late scoring drives, including a late touchdown catch by Antwane Wells got Columbus back into the game, however once again, the clock ran out before they could complete their comeback, and they remain winless on the year, as the Renegades continue to roll.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

 

Columbus is clearly a team that is built to play with a lead. Jaylen McClendon is a competent quarterback, but the core of this team is their running game. When they were committed to the run early, they seemed like the dominant team. Dae Dae Hunter averaged over 5.5 yards per carry, and likely would have continued doing so if a couple of costly turnovers didn’t force Columbus’s hand. If Columbus can get deep into the game with a lead, they should be able to hold on to it no problem. 

 

Dallas just continues to get better in every facet of their game. The running game has steadily improved, and the defense continues to make big plays at opportune times. HC Rick Neuheisel has this team playing with all kinds of swagger. QB Austin Reed is a star in the making, and WR Tyler Vaughns is still the MVP of the season, despite having a lackluster week. 

 

St. Louis Battlehawks (2-1) def. Birmingham Stallions (1-2)

 

A quick pick-six by St. Louis let everybody know this was going to be an exciting game right from the jump. A 54 yard field goal by Tucker McCann extended the Battlehawks’ lead to 10-0. Undeterred by their slow start, Birmingham found their groove in the second quarter. Following an impressive interception, Matt Corral connected with Jordan Thomas for a 35 yard touchdown. St. Louis was able to put up three more points and took a 13-7 lead into the half. 

 

The third quarter was all Stallions, as Birmingham got a pick six of their own, taking the lead for the first time in the game. A second touchdown of the quarter saw the Stallions extend their lead to 23-13 entering the fourth quarter. 

 

It didn’t take long for the fireworks to explode in the fourth, though, as Harrison Frost (who replaced a benched Brandon Silvers) connected with Steven McBride for a touchdown. Birmingham responded when Matt Corral hit Deon Cain for a 67 yard touchdown. That could easily have been the dagger for St. Louis, but a mere 1:03 later, Frost connected with UFL legend Hakeem Butler for a 63 yard touchdown of their own. 

 

The shootout slowed down after that, and Birmingham held on to their three point lead through most of the fourth quarter. However, with just under two minutes to play, Harrison Frost threw his third touchdown of the game, and the Battlehawks held on to secure the victory in what was a must win game for both teams. 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

 

Can a game be both exciting and ugly? If ever there was a case, this was the one. Seven turnovers between the two teams made for an ugly box score, and showed that both teams still have room to improve. However, St. Louis’ ability to make a comeback like that should give their fan base hope that this team can finally make the deep run that this city deserves. 

 

The question on everybody’s mind, though, is will Dallas QB Luis Perez be traded? Realistically speaking, Houston is most in need of him. But Louisville and now St. Louis might be landing places for him as well. Hunter Frost may have thrown 3 touchdowns, but he also threw 2 interceptions, and Brandon Silvers has looked bad all year. For the sake of the league, Perez leading the Battlehawks is the most appealing. 

 

Week 4 Schedule

 

Louisville Kings at Houston Gamblers, Thurs. 4/16 @ 8 PM EST on NFL Network

 

Dallas Renegades at Columbus Aviators, Fri. 4/17 @ 8 PM EST on FOX

 

St. Louis Battlehawks at DC Defenders, Sat. 4/17 @ 12:30 PM EST on ABC

 

Orlando Storm at Birmingham Stallions, Sat. 4/17 @ 4 PM  EST on FOX