Week 9 of the UFL season was full of surprises, with two major upsets by the Arlington Renegades and San Antonio Brahmas. The Michigan Panthers and DC Defenders also secured victories, while the Birmingham Stallions suffered their first loss of the season. Here are the key numbers and storylines to emerge from the week's action.
The St. Louis Battlehawks' hopes of securing a home-field advantage in the XFL title game took a hit in Week 9 after their loss to the Arlington Renegades. The San Antonio Brahmas, who upset the Birmingham Stallions in stunning fashion, now hold the advantage with a 7-2 record. The Battlehawks, with a 6-3 record, will need to beat the Brahmas in the final game of the regular season to regain home-field advantage and set up a rematch in the XFL title game.
Michigan defensive end Breeland Speaks has emerged as a strong contender for the 2024 UFL Defensive Player of the Year award after recording 3.0 sacks in the Panthers' win over the Houston Roughnecks. Speaks now leads the league in both sacks (8.5) and tackles for loss (12), showcasing his exceptional pass-rushing ability and overall defensive prowess.
The Memphis Showboats continued their disappointing season with an eighth consecutive loss in Week 9, falling to the DC Defenders. The Showboats have struggled to find consistency and momentum throughout the season, and will face the Roughnecks in Week 10 in an attempt to avoid finishing with the worst record in the league.
The San Antonio Brahmas' defense put on an impressive performance in Week 9, holding the Birmingham Stallions to a mere nine points, ending their 15-game win streak that dated back to May 2023. It was the first time in three spring football seasons that Birmingham had been held to single digits in a game, a testament to the Brahmas' defensive prowess and the Stallions' uncharacteristic struggles.
Despite a disappointing 1-8 record, the Houston Roughnecks have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination in their recent performances. They have lost their past three games by a combined 14 points, with each game coming down to the final seconds. Even more impressive is that those three opponents are three of the four teams going to the playoffs, highlighting the Roughnecks' ability to compete against the league's top teams.
Michigan quarterback Bryce Perkins made a significant impact in the Panthers' comeback win over the Roughnecks, despite entering the game in the second half. Perkins racked up 197 total yards and three total touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and playmaking ability. His performance was crucial in securing the victory for Michigan and further solidifying their playoff hopes.
The Birmingham Stallions' first loss of the season in Week 9 marked the end of their impressive 15-game win streak that had lasted 378 days. The Stallions had been the dominant force in the UFL since May 2023, but their defeat to the San Antonio Brahmas exposed their vulnerability and set the stage for an unpredictable playoff race.
