Here we go again.
Last week’s matchup between the Birmingham Stallions and the Memphis Showboat felt like a good old-fashioned trap game.
Sure enough, it was. The thrilling 24–20 loss was fun to watch for the casual fan. Not so much for Stallion fans.
This week, another struggling team is coming to town hungry for an upset.
The Stallions must play better if they hope to avoid a similar fate.
San Antonio Brahmas
The San Antonio Brahmas have had one of the wildest coaching situations in recent history.
Their current head coach, Payton Pardee, started the season as the WRs and special teams coach. Oh, and did I mention he’s only 28?
How did that happen?
Head coach Wade Phillips is on medical leave, and former offensive coordinator AJ Smith quit mid-season. That’s left Coach Pardee to hold things together, and he’s done an admirable job so far.
As you would expect with that level of coaching turnover, the Brahmas have struggled this season. They are currently last in the UFL in total offense and defense.
Three of their five games have ended in blowout losses.
But, don’t count them out just yet.
In their two games against 1st place teams, they have been competitive.
- Brahmas 23 — Panthers 26
- Brahmas 24 — Defenders 18
They suffered a tough three-point loss to the Michigan Panthers. They also managed the upset of the year, handing the D.C. Defenders their only loss of the season.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how your season is going. Anyone can beat anyone in the UFL.
The Brahmas are playing for pride and their NFL dreams; don’t expect them to lay down for anyone.
Birmingham Stallions
The Stallions’ QB situation has been a wild ride all season, and this week is no exception.
There was some hope for Matt Corral making his return after the team released J’Mar Smith on Monday.
However, rumor has it Matt Corral will miss more time than expected. That tracks with the injury report showing Corral hasn’t practiced this week.
In all likelihood, Case Cookus will make his second start of the season. Cookus has had all week to practice as QB1 and should be better prepared than last week.
Despite the disappointing loss to Memphis last week, expectations are high in Birmingham.
The team is tied for first in the USFL conference, but they need to keep winning if they want to stay there.
The next couple of weeks will determine what the 2025 version of the Birmingham Stallions is; Contender or disappointment?
Strong play by the defense and special teams has carried them all season. If the offense can manage an average day, they should be able to avoid another trap game loss.
Game Information
Date and Time: May 4, 4:00 PM ET
Location: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL
TV Broadcast: Fox
Betting Odds Per DraftKings (May 2nd:)
Spread: Stallions -10
Moneyline: Stallions -550, Brahmas +410
Over/Under: 37.5