Birmingham, AL

Every week from this point on, the Birmingham Stallions will face potential playoff elimination. The good thing is, the Stallions seem to look better each and every week since the Matt Corral for Dorian Thompson-Robinson trade. The offense, defense, and special teams continue to look improved and seem to all be clicking at just the right time. As for the Dallas Renegades, after a hot start, they seem to not be able to get moving in the right direction again. It’s these two opposite sets of momentum that pushed the Stallions to notch their third win of the season in a 21-17 overtime victory. 

The pacing of this game was an odd one, as for the most part both teams were very evenly matched. Only the fourth quarter had more two touchdowns, and both teams were held scoreless in the third. As such, it was a game of inches the whole way through. 

The Stallions started rough when, after a successful defensive three and out against the Renegades, DTR managed to fumble the ball, recover it, and then throw an interception all in one play. This led to the Renegades driving down the field and getting points on the board first. They later extended that lead in the second with a 35-yard field goal to go up 10-0. Birmingham struck back late in the second with a DTR to Daewood Davis 46-yard touchdown pass. 

The fourth quarter was where both teams were pushing close the game off. Anders Carlson hit a 40-yard field goal to tie the game, but the Renegades responded quickly with a rushing touchdown. Then, with two minutes left in the game, Jaydon Mickens turned a short pass into an 18-yard touchdown to tie things back up. The Renegades ended with the ball and a field goal attempt that was blocked, sending the game to overtime. 

The overtime rules in the UFL were changed after a controversial ending in the week 3 Louisville Kings vs Orlando Storm game, and are now a best of 3 shootout for 2 point conversions. The Renegades started, and after a lengthy review process were ruled to have not cleared the endzone line, despite much disagreement from head coach Rick Neuheisel in the press conference after. 

On the Stallions first attempt DTR took it in himself with a short yard rush. Birmingham’s defense was able to hold the line against the Renegades again, putting the offense in the spot to win the game. And win it they did with a short pass over the middle to Jaydon Mickens, and the team erupted after it was caught. Players ran to the stands, jumped on each other, and the energy was that of the Skip Holtz dynasty born anew. This isn’t the sluggish mistake filled team that started the season. This is a new set of Birmingham Stallions who can be just as good as any other players who have held that honor. 

One thing that shouldn’t be lost in the incredible moments of the game is the fan response. Namely, the chants that peppered the sideline calling for head coach AJ McCarron to be fired or begging for Skip Holtz to come back were absent. There was no hate thrown towards any Birmingham players or coaches, just the classic disagreements with any referee calls that went against the Stallions. Many people have been critical of McCarron’s skills and qualifications, but after the recent two game win streak and potential playoffs in the future, McCarron has convinced a lot of the doubters. 

“You’re either with us or you’re not. It’s as simple as that.” That was McCarron’s message to the press following the game. 

The Birmingham Stallions have a chance to keep their momentum moving when they return home next week to face the Columbus Aviators. The Stallions will look to reach an even win-loss on the season and get some more breathing room as the current fourth seed and final playoff spot, if the season were to end today. That game will be at noon on May 17th, and it’s the first of a back-to-back against the Aviators.