By Brady Ray
The United Football League has released schedules for the 2024 season and the stage has been set for the inaugural season. The Birmingham Stallions stomped the competition in the USFL the last two years only losing a grand total of 3 games. Now, they must take on the new challenge of the XFL Conference and taking care of the best the USFL has to offer in the process. The quest for the Triple Crown isn’t a straight shot for the Stallions, here’s the First Half of their upcoming season:
Week 1 @ Arlington 3/30 12 PM FOX
This is the inaugural game of the United Football League and also the matchup of the week. Champion versus Champion. Despite sporting a 4-6 record last year, the Renegades gathered their wits and went on to win the XFL Championship last year. They did so with the help of a mid season acquisition of quarterback Luis Perez. Birmingham fans may have a soft spot for him still after his time with the Iron but I don’t share the same sympathies. Perez is a proven contender in spring league football excelling in the AAF, USFL, and XFL. He will be the key to the Arlington offense and seems to only improve with each year. He’s not one to take off running down the field but his work in the pocket is something to be admired. Applying pressure and containing him will be the key to halting this Renegade offense. The path Arlington took to victory last year may have been ugly but there’s no room to take them lightly in this matchup. As much as I’d rather have this game in Birmingham, the choice for Arlington makes sense. This matchup is set to be one for the ages.
Week 2 @ Michigan 4/07 11 AM ESPN
Unfortunately, the Stallions are on the road again but this poses a great opportunity to send a message early with two road wins if they pull it off. The Panthers survived the merger but haven’t been the most impressive team in spring history. While I’m sure the Panthers have upgraded, nothing on paper tells me they are a threat to this stable. Two years in a row, Coach Holtz and the boys have had their number. I expect Birmingham to handle business in this game and build momentum going into their two game home stand.
Week 3 vs Memphis 04/13 06 PM FOX
The home opener for the Stallions will be against the neighboring Showboats. Memphis is arguably the most challenging team Birmingham will face out of the USFL Conference this year and the game could not come at a worse time. The University of Alabama will be having their A-Day Spring Game earlier that day in Tuscaloosa drawing a big portion of fans from Alabama. A lack of crowd could play dividends if this game comes down to a photo finish. Memphis secured USFL record holding quarterback Case Cookus and can easily spell trouble for a Stallions defense given the chance. The Stallions deserve a great turnout for their home opener and I hope conscious efforts are made to promote them despite other options in the state. No matter the size of the crowd, this is a rivalry game and I expect Birmingham fans to still make a large presence at the game.
Week 4 vs DC 04/20 06 PM FOX
No citrus shenanigans will be happening in week four as the Stallions will host their second home game against the DC Defenders. This will be their second taste of the XFL as they’ll look to avoid sour feelings before going on another road stint. Attendance will once again be a challenge though as NASCAR will be in Talladega that weekend pulling attention away from Birmingham. The Defenders were one of the most impressive teams last year posting a 9-1 record before losing to Arlington in the XFL Championship. Antics and hype can only get you so far. Only time will tell if they have learned their lesson.
Week 5 @ HOU 04/27 06 PM FOX
The return to the road caps off the first half of the season. The Stallions will travel to Houston where they’ll play the Roughnecks. This won’t be Wade Phillips’ Houston, instead it will be a familiar Gamblers staff the Stallions are accustomed to seeing. Kenji Bahar is the Roughnecks’ all time leading passer yet will not be on the team this year. Whoever takes the helm will have big shoes to fill. Birmingham is 2-2 all-time versus Houston in the USFL so this isn’t exactly an easy matchup but winnable nonetheless. This will be an important game in determining the trajectory of the Stallions’ second half of the season.
That wraps ups the First Half of the 2024 schedule for the Stallions. While the road to another repeat is filled with hurdles, all eyes are forward in Birmingham as the chase for glory begins. The boys will need all the support that we can bring them when they come home. A true champion is defined by his actions amongst true adversity. They’re the team to beat and the title of champion is there’s to lose. If the Stallions can get through this first leg, they will be a dangerous team to play in the second half.