By: RJ Reid (SA) and Jesse Germonprez (MICH)
Our weekly breakdowns associated with the San Antonio Brahmas games will follow the
format of both correspondents providing a brief write-up of who they think holds the
advantage at each position group on the field. This will be followed up with a brief
prediction of how the game will turn out, followed by a score prediction. Las Vegas
betting odds will be provided by Draft Kings along with how the correspondents would
play their money when evaluating the matchup.
To see previous iterations of The Shakedown (and more) from this season, check out the AFN News Page!
So far the season has not been kind to the Brahmas, as they started 0-2 and struggled mightily on offense. Their road trip continues as they travel to the Motor City to face off against the Michigan Panthers. We at Alternative Football Network bring you a quick look inside at who may have the advantage at each position group in this weekend’s game. You can catch the game on Sunday, April 13 on ABC at 12:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 p.m. CT.
Quarterbacks
RJ Reid (SA)
Kellen Mond has struggled early this season. Against Saint Louis Battlehawks, he showed limited production, with the team managing only 9 points. For the season, he has gone 30-58 for 288 yards, 1 interception and zero touchdowns. He is completing just 51.7% of his passes and averaging only 144 yards a game. His lack of efficiency and inability to stretch the field has been a glaring issue. Perhaps a change at quarterback is soon on the horizon to provide a much needed offensive spark. Bryce Perkins was 12-23 for 132 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the loss to the Birmingham Stallions. His performance for the season is not more significantly better than Mond, although he does have two touchdown passes to Mond’s zero. Perkins’ higher completion percentage outshines Mond’s current form, especially given San Antonio’s offensive woes.
Advantage: Michigan
Jesse Germonprez (MICH)
Neither quarterback room is lighting it up right now, but Michigan has been more productive. Bryce Perkins has completed over 65% of his passes, thrown two touchdowns, and brings a dual-threat element that gives defenses problems. While consistency is still a work in progress, he’s at least shown he can finish drives. If Michigan gives him the full game and lets him get into a rhythm, he can take over. Kellen Mond, on the other hand, is still looking for his first touchdown and has struggled to push the ball downfield.
Advantage: Michigan
Running Backs
RJ Reid (SA)
John Lovett, a key piece, is questionable due to injury (missed the Battlehawks game). Without him, the Brahmas leaned on Anthony McFarland and Jashuan Corbin, who produces a modest output, rushing for 55 and 38 yards respectively against St. Louis’ stout run defense. Corbin scored the Brahmas’ lone touchdown, but the run game lacked punch overall. Nate McCrary and Matthew Colburn II form a solid duo. Against Birmingham, McCray ran for 53 yards on 14 carries, while Colburn added 44 yards on 8 attempts. Their combined physicality and efficiency could overwhelm the Brahmas’ front who has shown extreme vulnerability to the run so far this season.
Advantage: Michigan
Jesse Germonprez (MICH)
Michigan doesn’t have a true bell cow back, but they’ve got a productive, physical committee—and Nate McCrary leads the charge. Through two games, McCrary has rushed 28 times for 87 yards, while Matt Colburn has added 76 yards on just 18 carries. Both backs have broken off runs of 13+ yards and average over 38 yards per game. Perkins has chipped in with 44 yards and a rushing touchdown himself. With 215 total rushing yards to San Antonio’s 142, Michigan’s ground game has been more consistent, even if they haven’t hit a home run yet.
Advantage: Michigan
Wide Receivers / Tight Ends
RJ Reid (SA)
Brahmas: Jontre Kirklin and Jacob Haris are reliable targets, however Kirklin has underwhelmed this season so far while Harris has emerged as the lead receiver. The group lacks a true game-changer, and Mond’s struggles limit their impact. Marcus Simms (7 catches, 65 yards) and Siaosi Mariner (6 catches, 79 yards) provide big-play potential, while Samson Nacua has shown flashes of big-time potential. The Panthers’ receivers benefit from Perkins’ accuracy.
Advantage: Michigan
Jesse Germonprez (MICH)
Michigan’s receiving group doesn’t have a clear WR1, but they’ve spread the ball around well. Siaosi Mariner and Marcus Simms have been reliable targets with solid yardage through two games, and Samson Nacua has shown he can stretch the field when given the chance. Gunnar Oakes has contributed over the middle and in tight spaces, especially when Perkins rolls out. San Antonio has some talent, but Michigan’s depth and chemistry give them the edge.
Advantage: Michigan
Offensive Line
RJ Reid (SA)
San Antonio’s line has been a weak link, allowing pressure on Mond and failing to open lanes against Arlington and St. Louis. The Brahmas have allowed 6 sacks on the season and San Antonio’s offense has often been contained in key situations, failed to convert on key third down situations, suggesting protection and run-blocking deficiencies. Michigan’s line held up well in Week 1, giving Perkins time to throw (despite some sacks) and paving the way for 148 rushing yards. They faced a tougher test vs. Birmingham in Week 2, but their opener showed competence.
Advantage: Michigan
Jesse Germonprez (MICH)
This one’s close. Michigan’s line has held its own in stretches, especially in the run game, but struggled in key goal-line situations against Birmingham. San Antonio’s unit has allowed more sacks and struggled in pass pro, but part of that may come down to quarterback decision-making. Neither line has fully imposed its will yet.
Advantage: Push
Defensive Line
RJ Reid (SA)
Tavante Beckett and Jordan Williams lead a decent front, but they managed only moderate pressure against Manny Wilkins, and failed to record a sack for the second week in a row. They allowed 192 yards in the first half vs. St. Louis, including significant rushing damage. Breeland Speaks and Levi Bell were disruptive vs. Memphis, combining for sacks and limiting the Showboats to 61 rushing yards. Speaks was traded away this week, but Michigan still holds the advantage.
Advantage: Michigan
Jesse Germonprez (MICH)
Breeland Speaks is still the alpha here, and he’s been living in opposing backfields with two tackles for loss last week. But don’t overlook the contributions from Kenny Willekes and T.J. Marino, who have brought energy and pressure off the edge and through the interior. This group forced Memphis into bad decisions in Week 1 and held their own against a physical Birmingham run game. San Antonio has only a single sack this season, and their front hasn’t created consistent disruption.
Advantage: Michigan
Linebackers
RJ Reid (SA)
Beckett and Williams are physical, but they couldn’t contain St. Louis’ Jacob Saylors (3TDs). The unit struggles with speed and gap discipline. Frank Ginda and Noah Dawkins anchored a defense that held Memphis to 9 points. Ginda’s tackling and coverage skills stand out in the USFL Conference.
Advantage: Michigan
Jesse Germonprez (MICH)
Frank Ginda and Noah Dawkins are as solid a duo as you’ll find in the USFL Conference. Ginda is a proven tackler and defensive leader, and Dawkins plays fast and hits hard. They’ve done a good job reading plays and making stops in the second level. San Antonio’s linebackers are experienced but have struggled with gap discipline and closing space, especially in the red zone.
Advantage: Michigan
Defensive Backs
RJ Reid (SA)
Greedy Williams was injured for Week 2, which was a huge blow to the Brahmas secondary. Corey Mayfield, Jr., has stopped up and has played admirably. Despite his play, the secondary was torched by Wilkins’ 96 yards passing in the first half vs. St. Louis, including a 58-yard bomb. Depth is a concern with injuries mounting. Kai Nacua locked down Memphis’ passing game (133 yards total), with Nacua’s instincts shining. The secondary’s discipline was key in Week 1.
Advantage: Full Team Name
Jesse Germonprez (MICH)
Michigan’s secondary is starting to gel. Brock Miller came up huge last week with two interceptions and three pass breakups. Kai Nacua continues to be the leader on the back end, pacing the team in tackles, while Anthony Tarpley has quietly been one of the most consistent players through two weeks. They’ve kept big plays in check and have made quarterbacks work for everything. San Antonio is banged up in the secondary and allowed a 58-yard touchdown last week—this feels like a mismatch.
Advantage: Michigan
Win and Score Predictions
RJ Reid (SA)
Advantage Count: Michigan (7), San Antonio (0), Push (0)
Prediction: The Panthers’ balanced attack and superior defense should overwhelm a Brahmas team struggling to find identity. San Antonio’s offense may scrape together points, but Michigan’s home advantage and momentum tilt the scales. Michigan should capitalize on San Antonio’s weaknesses (poor third-down efficiency, injuries and vulnerability against the run), while leveraging their own strengths. I believe the Brahmas’ struggles will continue and they will fall to 0-3. Michigan, 13-11.
Jesse Germonprez (MICH)
Advantage Count: Michigan (6), San Antonio (0), Push (1)
San Antonio’s defense has some fight, but their offense hasn’t found its footing. Michigan holds the advantage across the board, but special teams is one area where they’ve been shaky. A muffed punt in Week 2 and a missed field goal have both flipped momentum in tight spots. That could be a factor if the game is close late.
Still, if the Panthers clean up those mistakes, let Perkins settle, and commit to the ground game, they should control this one. I expect the defense to force Mond into a turnover or two, and for the offense to finally finish a few drives at home. Michigan, 17-9.
Betting Predictions
Line: Panthers (-4.5) O/U: 36.5
RJ Reid (SA)
Both teams on paper look to be evenly matched, although I do give Michigan the advantage in each category, but only by the slightest of margins. Both quarterbacks look a little lost and the game may be too big for them at this point. Both offenses are underwhelming, and I think the defenses will step up and take center stage. I believe this will be a low scoring affair, so I will take San Antonio to cover the spread, and I will absolutely take the under. The under is the way to go in the UFL this season, and it will most definitely be the way to go in this game.
Jesse Germonprez (MICH)
Both teams have struggled to light up the scoreboard, and this game feels like another grinder. I still like Michigan to cover the 4.5, especially with how disruptive their defense has been. The under has been the safest UFL play through two weeks, and I think that trend continues here.