By: Cory Lozier
Game Recap
The Houston Roughnecks faced a stunning defeat to the Birmingham Stallions ( check out the previous “Shakedown”) on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Protective Stadium. Despite leading for much of the game, Houston’s offense faltered in the second half, allowing Birmingham to secure a dramatic comeback victory.
The Roughnecks’ defense initially kept the Stallions at bay, but a series of turnovers and missed opportunities by Houston’s offense shifted momentum in Birmingham’s favor. The Stallions capitalized on these mistakes, scoring 27 unanswered points to take the lead. Backup quarterback J’Mar Smith played a pivotal role in the comeback, leading the team with poise and precision.
Houston’s offense struggled to find rhythm in the second half, with key players unable to execute under pressure. The Roughnecks’ inability to convert on critical third downs and their failure to protect the ball were significant factors in the loss.
Roughnecks 1st Half Stats
At halftime, the Houston Roughnecks led the Birmingham Stallions 25–12, but Birmingham’s offense showed flashes of explosiveness. Quarterback Jalan McClendon was sharp, completing 11-of-13 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. He efficiently moving the ball despite limited time of possession. Running back Zaquandre White was electric on the ground. He rushing for 66 yards on just six carries and punching in two touchdowns. Wide receiver Lawrence Keys led the Roughnecks’ receiving corps with 37 yards on two catches, helping sustain early drives. Despite these efforts, the Stallions trailed due to defensive lapses and Houston capitalizing on big plays. The Roughnecks’ offense remained aggressive, building a solid lead heading into the break.
Roughnecks 2nd Half Stats
The second half was a collapse for the Houston Roughnecks. Quarterback Jalan McClendon struggled mightily after a strong first half. He completed just 3-of-12 passes for 42 yards with no touchdowns. The Roughnecks’ run game was completely shut down, managing only 14 total rushing yards on 7 attempts—an average of just 2 yards per carry. With the offense stalling, Houston’s defense couldn’t pick up the slack either. They gave up 21 unanswered points across the third and fourth quarters. Missed tackles, blown coverages, and poor third-down execution allowed the Stallions to take control of the game. The Roughnecks, who led 25–12 at halftime, were overwhelmed on both sides of the ball and couldn’t respond when it mattered most.
Houston’s Standouts
Despite a tough loss, several Houston Roughnecks players delivered standout performances.
Quarterback Jalan McClendon put up a solid stat line, completing 15-of-23 passes for 167 yards, one touchdown, and a strong passer rating of 140.6. He showed accuracy and control, particularly in the first half.Â
Running back Zaquandre White continued to be a bright spot on the ground, rushing for 69 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries, averaging over 7.5 yards per attempt.
Wide receiver Lawrence Keys made key plays in the passing game, contributing timely catches to keep drives alive.
On the defensive side, cornerback Damon Arnette was a force. For example, he flew all over the field, broke up multiple passes, and delivered the play of the game. A 51-yard interception return for a touchdown. While the team fell short, these individual performances were highlights in an otherwise disappointing outcome.
What Happened
The second half of the Houston Roughnecks’ May 11, 2025, match-up against the Birmingham Stallions was unquestionably their worst half of football this season. After entering halftime with a commanding 25–12 lead, Houston completely unraveled. The offense was non-existent, mustering just 14 rushing yards and only three completions on 12 pass attempts for a mere 42 yards. Quarterback Jalan McClendon, who looked sharp early, couldn’t find a rhythm as drives repeatedly stalled. The run game was ineffective, averaging just 2 yards per carry. Defensively, the Roughnecks fell apart, surrendering 21 unanswered points in the second half. Missed tackles, blown coverages, and a lack of pressure allowed Birmingham to take full control. While the momentum shifted quickly, Houston had no answer.
Playoff Implications
The Houston Roughnecks’ 3-4 record following their loss to the Birmingham Stallions puts their playoff hopes in a precarious position. With only three games left in the regular season, every match-up becomes critical. Sitting below .500, Houston is now chasing teams like Birmingham and Michigan in the UFL standings. Both of whom hold head-to-head wins over the Roughnecks—potentially key tiebreakers. The loss exposed major concerns, especially on defense and in second-half execution. Those things must improve if Houston wants to stay in the playoff hunt. While a postseason berth is still within reach, the Roughnecks will likely need to win out or, at minimum, take two of their final three games and get help from other teams’ losses. Their margin for error has essentially vanished.Â
Final Thoughts
The Houston Roughnecks’ loss to the Birmingham Stallions was more than just another mark in the loss column—it was a gut check. After dominating the first half and entering the break with a 25–12 lead, Houston collapsed in stunning fashion. It was a tale of two teams: the confident, aggressive Roughnecks of the first half, and the disjointed, flat squad that couldn’t respond when the Stallions surged back. Offensively, missed throws, a nonexistent run game, and stalled drives were glaring issues. While defensively, breakdowns in coverage and lack of pressure let Birmingham seize momentum and never look back. Now at 3-4, Houston’s playoff hopes are in jeopardy. If they want to salvage the season, they must learn from this collapse—fast. The road ahead is narrow, and the Roughnecks need urgency, execution, and consistency to stay alive.
Next Up
The Houston Roughnecks will face the Michigan Panthers on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET at TDECU Stadium. The game will be broadcast on FOX.
The Panthers enter the match-up with a 5–2 record, tied for the top spot in the USFL Conference, while the Roughnecks stand at 3–4. Michigan has historically had the upper hand, winning both of their previous encounters. Prior to this meeting, the Panthers secured a 34–20 victory, with quarterback E.J. Perry delivering a near-perfect performance, completing 16-of-19 passes for 208 yards, one passing touchdown, and two rushing scores.
Key players to watch include Panthers quarterback Bryce Perkins and running back Toa Taua, who have been instrumental in Michigan’s offensive success. For the Roughnecks, quarterback Jalan McClendon and defensive standout Damon Arnette will be crucial in challenging the Panthers’ dominance.
