By Brady Ray
After an unforgiving First Half of the schedule, the Birmingham Stallions will begin a more favorable slate of games. Starting off strong would be ideal but the last leg of this race is the most important. The Renegades proved that last year in their heroic run to win the XFL Championship. Channeling the perfect blend of confidence and cockiness will be an art Coach Holtz and Company look to perfect. Let’s get into it!
Week 6 @ Memphis 5/04 11 AM ABC
The Second Half of the season begins with the first rematch. Memphis is the first of only two away games in the final stretch. As stated in the first half, disrupting Case Cookus will be crucial in stopping the Showboats. Despite the drilling they received last year, Memphis nearly beat Birmingham in their second outing. Securing the USFL side is the first order of business and the Showboats provide the biggest threat.
Week 7 vs St Louis 5/11 3 PM FOX
The most successful fan base in the XFL last year won’t be an issue against the Stallions on Week 7. The likes of AJ McCarron has yet to return and it’s unsure if he will. Without him, their offense is still loaded with weapons all across the board. The Battlehawks are looking for redemption. They are a wounded bird bound to take flight again. St. Louis will step into dangerous territory in Birmingham and will have to combat the wild crowd that will most likely pack Protective. This will be the first home game without any in-state distractions. This game has all the makings for an all out war.
Week 8 vs Houston 5/18 7 PM ESPN2
As mentioned in the first half, Houston has been known to get one on Birmingham every year. Every home game is a must win at this point and against a conference member amplifies the stakes tenfold. Coach Holtz will have to look deep and find a way to shutout Houston this year.
Week 9 @ San Antonio 5/25 2 PM ABC
The Stallions only get one shot at San Antonio in the regular season. The Brahmas are one team from the XFL side that I believe could surprise many. With the addition of Wade Phillips, his staff, and a herd of new electric players; they are a contender Birmingham shouldn’t take lightly. Plenty can happen in the eight weeks leading up to the game but I imagine this game will be a tough challenge for the champs.
Week 10 vs Michigan 6/1 11 AM ESPN
Finishing out the second half is a rematch but this time in Birmingham. The last home game and the perfect opponent to end the season. If the Stallions play their cards right, this could be a tune up game leading them into the playoffs. It’s not about how you start but more of how you finish.
This wraps up the Second Half of the Birmingham schedule preview. The path to success is never easy and winning a third championship in a row is no small feat. The Stallions bring back a majority of their championship squad back along with additional upgrades. In comparison, they seem to have made the least amount of moves. A bold strategy but that’s the Birmingham way. Charging onward and forward.