By R. J. Reid
Overview
The San Antonio Brahmas (1-3) enter their home opener with renewed momentum. After a stunning upset over the previously undefeated DC Defenders in Week 4, they finally come home. In Week 5, they play in-state rivals Houston Roughnecks (1-3). The game will be played on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. CT at the Alamodome. The game will be aired on ESPN.
Series History
The Roughnecks lead the series 1-2.
Brahmas Outlook
Kellen Mond’s improved play (14/20, 121 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT) signals a turning point for the offense.
This improvement, among others, comes after AJ Smith stepped down as offensive coordinator. Anthony McFarland remains a focal point in the run game. He is averaging 62.5 yards per game, although he managed only 55 yards against DC’s stout defense. Jacob Harris (12 receptions, 150 yards) and Jontre Kirklin bolster the passing attack. Defensively, the Brahmas struggle. They sport a league-worst 250 passing yards per game. Additionally, they are leading the UFL in penalties (30 through four games). With that said, their defensive line showed promise with one sack (two negated by penalties) against DC. Playing at the Alamodome, where fan support could lift them, the Brahmas are poised to leverage their offensive improvements. However, they must address defensive lapses and discipline.
Roughnecks Overview
The Houston Roughnecks are coming off a competitive loss to the Birmingham Stallions. Jalen McClendon provided a spark, completing 22/31 passes (71%, 236 yards) and scoring a rushing touchdown. Their receiving corps, led by former Brahmas Justin Hall and TJ Vasher, showed progress. They combined for over 100 yards against Birmingham, including catches over 25 yards. However, the run game is a weak point, with McClendon leading Week 4 rushing at just 17 yards. Defensively, Houston is disciplined. They are allowing 280 yards per game (vs. San Antonio’s 310). They feature playmakers like Rayshad Williams, who nabbed an interception against Birmingham.
Their defensive line held Birmingham to 3.8 yards per carry, a strength against San Antonio’s run-heavy approach. Historically, Houston leads the series 2-1, but their 2024 loss (15-12) to the Brahmas suggests vulnerability in close games. The Roughnecks need offensive balance to keep pace.
Key Match-Ups
- Brahmas’ Run Game (Anthony McFarland) vs. Roughnecks’ Run Defense. McFarland’s 250 rushing yards this season face a Houston defense that allowed 126 rushing yards to Birmingham. If McFarland exploits this, the Brahmas can control the clock and open play-action for Mond. Houston’s ability to limit McFarland, will force San Antonio to rely on their inconsistent passing game.
- Roughnecks’ Passing Attack (Jalen McClendon, Justin Hall, TJ Vasher) vs. Brahmas’ Secondary. San Antonio’s secondary is the UFL’s weakest, surrendering 250 passing yards per game, exposed by DC’s Jordan Ta’amu (292 yards). McClendon’s 236-yard outing against Birmingham and Houston’s receivers’ big-play potential (120 yards) could exploit this. The Brahmas must tighten coverage to avoid another aerial onslaught.
- Brahmas’ Offensive Line vs. Roughnecks’ Defensive Line. The Brahmas’ line, which allowed 10 sacks in Weeks 1-3, went sackless against DC’s league-leading pass rush. This is a promising sign for Mond’s protection. Houston’s line, with Rayshad Williams and others, is disciplined but allowed only one sack against Birmingham. This match-up will determine whether Mond or McClendon has time to execute.
Keys to Victory for the Brahmas
- Establish the Run with McFarland. Houston’s run defense allowed 126 yards to Birmingham, offering McFarland a chance to rebound from his 55-yard outing. Sustaining drives with 62.5 YPG will limit Houston’s offensive possessions and set up play-action for Harris and Kirklin.
- Minimize Penalties. The Brahmas’ league-high 30 penalties, including two that negated sacks against DC, have crippled their defense. Discipline is critical to avoid giving Houston’s offense extra opportunities. This is especially true on third downs.
- Pressure McClendon. The Brahmas’ defensive line recorded one sack against DC and must disrupt McClendon, who relies on mobility. Forcing him into rushed throws could exploit Houston’s inconsistent receivers and limit big plays from Hall and Vasher.
- Win the Turnover Battle. San Antonio’s offense has been turnover-free in recent weeks (Mond: 0 INT vs. DC). Forcing a turnover from McClendon could swing a close game.
X-Factor
Jontre Kirklin, WR (Brahmas). Kirklin, who led the UFL with 37 receptions and 333 yards in 2024, has been quiet in 2025. His 400-yard 2024 season shows big-play potential, and Mond’s improved accuracy (70% vs. DC) could unlock him. A breakout game – potentially a 100-yard, 1-TD performance – could stretch Houston’s secondary. They have struggled with consistency. Kirklin’s ability to connect on deep routes or gain yards after the catch could tilt the game.
Game Predictions
Before I give my predictions for this week, it’s time for me to hold myself accountable for last week’s predictions. Let’s see how I did:
- Jordan Ta’amu throws a 20-yard touchdown pass.
- Correct. Ta’amu threw a 39 yard touchdown in the second quarter.
- Tavante Beckett records a sack.
- Incorrect. Beckett did not record a sack, although he did have two tackles for loss.
- Anthony McFarland breaks a 40-yard run.
- Incorrect. McFarland did not score a touchdown, and his longest run was 18 yards.
- Donald De La Haye nails a 45-yard field goal.
- Incorrect. It was announced prior to the game that De La Haye would miss the game due to injury. (I knew of this after I made the pick, but I wanted to stick to what I predicted.)
- Brahmas lose 24-17.
- Incorrect. The Brahmas pulled the upset and defeated the Defenders 24-18. I was very close on the score; it was just flipped.
So far, I have a season record of 3-7 and an overall record of 24.5-55.5.
And now my predictions for Week 5:
- McFarland rips off a 20-yard run.
- Mond throws a 15-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Harris.
- Jalan McClendon scrambles for a 10-yard touchdown.
- Jontre Kirklin breaking free for a 40-yard catch.
- Final score: Brahmas win 20-17.