By RJ “The Bullish Brahma” Reid
Introduction
It is Week 9 of the United Football League (UFL) and the San Antonio Brahmas (6-2) play their final home game of the season as they host the Birmingham Stallions (8-0). Here’s what you need to know:
When?
Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 2:00pm CT.
Where?
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas.
Gameday Weather
The game is obviously being played indoors, but for those who want to tailgate for the last time this season, it’s going to be extremely hot, so please be prepared and have plenty of shade and water. The forecast calls for 101 degrees, mostly sunny, with an 8% chance of rain and 14 mile per hour winds.
History
This is the first matchup between the two teams.
Keys to Victory
The defense needs to slow Birmingham’s offense down. The Stallions are tops in the UFL in every single offensive category, including total offense, passing yards, yards per completion, yards per attempt, passing touchdowns, yards per game, rushing yards, rushing yards per attempt and rushing yards per game.
Quinten Dormady needs to have a repeat performance. The game against the Renegades was his best game since his first game against Michigan in Week 4. He was 17 of 25 for 320 yards, 2 touchdowns, and more importantly, no turnovers. While the yards look good, we have to give credit where credit is really due. 200 of those yards were after the catch, so technically, Dormady only threw for 120 yards, which is 7.05 yards per completion, much lower than the 18.8 he officially has. Regardless, he was much better and if San Antonio has any hope of winning, he needs to build on the previous performance.
Special teams need to improve. Ryan Santoso missed two straight field goal attempts; one was a chip shot and it was indoors, so weather was not a factor. The Brahmas cannot leave points on the field against the Stallions, because they can and will score. San Antonio needs every point they can get, and missing field goals will do nothing but hurt them.
Predictions
Let’s look at how my predictions from last week fared:
-Kevin Hogan will start and throw for at least 2 touchdowns.
Incorrect. Quinten Dormady was named the starter shortly after my prediction was published.
-John Lovett will rush for over 100 yards.
Incorrect. He rushed for 37 yards.
-The Brahmas will record at least three sacks.
Incorrect. They had 2 sacks.
-The Brahmas will force at least one turnover.
Incorrect. They did not have a single turnover.
Week 8 results: 0-4 (That was an “udder” disaster).
Overall results: 8-25.
And now my predictions for this week. I hope I won’t “steer” you wrong:
The Brahmas will rush for more yards than the Stallions.
The Brahmas will record 3 sacks.
The Brahmas will score on their opening drive.
The Brahmas will convert on all their extra point attempts.
Final Thoughts
The Brahmas have secured a playoff spot, but their mission is not complete yet. They still have a chance of winning the XFL Conference title if they win out, but that will be a tall task as they have the hardest remaining schedule of any team by facing the undefeated Stallions and the Saint Louis Battlehawks. The Stallions have the USFL Conference basically wrapped up, but there is a very small chance that the Michigan Panthers could overtake them. The Brahmas still have a lot to play for, but the real question is, what will Birmingham do? Will they rest starters, or are they going to keep their foot on the pedal and try to go undefeated? This will undoubtedly be the game of the week and San Antonio’s toughest challenge and could possibly be the UFL Championship preview. San Antonio needs to be focused and play an entire game, not just a good first half like they did against Arlington. The Brahmas need to step on Birmingham’s throat and keep it there all game long. Saddle up, San Antonio, this will be a real barn burner of a game!