by Week 7 was a very impactful week for every team in the league. Several teams strengthened their postseason positioning while others suffered costly losses with only a few weeks remaining in the season. From nail biting finishes and overtime thrillers to season defining upsets and huge hits, Week 7 produced another entertaining stretch of football across the UFL.
(5-2) St. Louis Battlehawks 31, (2-5) Columbus Aviators 20
The Battlehawks showed this team’s true potential during their Week 7 win over the Aviators. Despite their recent quarterback change, St. Louis looks even better than before putting up 31 points and 325 total yards to solidify what this offense is truly capable of.
St. Louis dominated the opening half, outscoring Columbus 24-7 and gaining 143 more yards in the first half alone and gaining eight yards per play. Columbus struggled to slow down the passing game while the Battlehawks consistently moved the chains with 13 first downs before halftime. Defensively, St. Louis remained disciplined throughout the game, limiting the Aviators to just 95 passing yards through three quarters.
Columbus showed more life during the second half after generating 159 total yards and briefly creating momentum. An interception by D.J. Miller Jr led to a Tay Martin touchdown to cut the lead to 10 points. However, only minutes later Kylin James would run for his second touchdown on the night to push the lead back to 17 and regain full control for St. Louis.
This new and improved offensive attack has emerged St. Louis as one of the most dangerous teams in the UFL. Finishing with 204 passing yards and 121 rushing yards, the Battlehawks once again proved they are capable of competing for the United Bowl. As for the Aviators, they continue to show flashes offensively, but time is starting to run out. Columbus now sits in a must-win stretch over the final weeks of the season if they hope to keep their postseason chances alive.
(3-4) Louisville Kings 30, (5-2) DC Defenders 13
Louisville delivered the biggest upset of the UFL season in Week 7 after defeating the heavily favored DC Defenders 30-13. Despite being outgained in total yards, the Kings forced two crucial interceptions and dominated the final two quarters to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Entering the game on a 5-game win streak, DC started the game like normal, winning. They entered halftime with a 13-10 lead and outgaining the Kings by 165 yards. Despite moving the ball consistently throughout the second quarter, the Kings defense continued making critical stops to prevent the game from becoming out of reach. Louisville’s offense also remained efficient whenever opportunities presented themselves, allowing the Kings to keep the game with three points at the half.
Momentum completely shifted with a minute left in the first half after a massive hit on Kings quarterback Chandler Rogers boosted the entire Louisville sideline. From that point on, the Kings outscored DC 27-0 and forced three turnovers defensively. The Kings took advantage of short field position throughout the second half while the defense maintained its physicality to force a second half shutout against one of the best offenses in the league.
Louisville’s ability to force mistakes and capitalize on every opportunity given ultimately helped produce their biggest win of the year. The Kings consistently made winning plays in crucial situations while feeding off momentum throughout the final two quarters. As for the Defenders, despite finishing with 442 yards, only being able to convert two touchdowns exposes new issues that they will need to fix before the postseason begins.
(3-4) Birmingham Stallions 21, (3-4) Dallas Renegades 17 (OT)
The Stallions win back-to-back games with new quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson with a 21-17 overtime thriller to move them in a 3-way tie for the final playoff spot with only three weeks remaining in the regular season. Despite being outgained 296-230 in yardage and running 28 fewer plays, Birmingham capitalized on key opportunities and forcing the game’s only turnover. The victory keeps the Stallions playoff hopes alive and for Dallas, they have now dropped 4 straight games after opening the season 3-0.
Dallas controlled the first half offensively, consistently moving the chains with 11 first downs. Dallas also went 6-11 on third down, while containing a 10-7 lead in the opening half. However, Birmingham’s defense continued making timely stops to prevent Dallas from creating separation while the Stallions offense remained efficient enough to keep the game close. A very stagnant third quarter as there were four punts and a turnover on downs leading to a scoreless quarter. The Renegades defense held Dorian Thompson-Robinson to only 8 passing yards in the quarter with only 41 total yards given up in the third and forcing three punts.
To start the fourth quarter, Birmingham forced a quick punt before putting together an eight-play drive that ended with a 40-yard field goal to tie the game at 10. Dallas answered a few minutes later as Ellis Merriweather rushed for a 15-yard touchdown to retake a 17-10 lead with under 5 minutes remaining. Facing a crucial 4th and 4 from the Renegades 18-yard line, Dorian Thompson-Robinson found UFL leading receiver Jaydon Mickens for an 18-yard touchdown to tie the game right before the two-minute timeout. Dallas appeared to have won in regulation after driving into field goal range, the Renegades 53-yard field goal attempt as time expired was blocked at the line by Jaydon Peevy to send the game to overtime.
In overtime, Dallas went first as Luke Lehnen was stopped just shy of the endzone after review. On the Stallions first attempt, with nobody open Thompson-Robinson would scramble to the right for a successful two-point attempt putting them up 19-17. Dallas on their second try would get sacked by Isaac Ukwu. With the Renegades needing a stop to extend the game, Dorian Thompson-Robinson would find Jaydon Mickens once again in the end zone to end the game 21-17 in favor of Birmingham. With only three weeks remaining in the regular season, Birmingham now finds itself back in the playoff conversation while Dallas continues searching for answers during their four-game skid.
(5-2) Orlando Storm 24, (2-5) Houston Gamblers 23
The Orlando Storm survived a late push from the Houston Gamblers to secure a 24-23 Week 7 victory and improve to 5-2 on the season. Houston welcomed back quarterback Hunter Dekkers from injury, and the Gamblers’ offense immediately looked more explosive behind his return. Despite Houston outgaining Orlando 415-207 in total yards, two costly turnovers and several missed scoring opportunities allowed the Storm to capitalize and stay alive in the playoff race. Meanwhile, Houston’s narrow loss leaves the Gamblers running out of time with only three weeks remaining in the regular season.
Houston controlled most of the first half offensively, but a pick-six by DJ James, a fumble inside the red zone, and a missed field goal put them down 17-13 at halftime. In his return from injury, Hunter Dekkers helped move the ball through the air when the ground game got stalled. However, Orlando forced many turnovers against the Gamblers’ offense to prevent Houston from ever gaining momentum. Even with the Gamblers controlling the time of possession and total yardage, Orlando’s defense was able to keep the lead the offense established in the first half.
The game tightened even further during the second half as Orlando’s defense began forcing crucial mistakes. Orlando’s offense remained efficient with limited opportunities, taking advantage of short fields and finishing drives when needed most. Trailing 24-23 with 40 seconds remaining, Houston faced a fourth-and-five at the Orlando 45-yard line. Instead of attempting to convert, the Gamblers lined up for a potential game-winning 63-yard field goal. For a potential four-point field goal John Hoyland kicks it, and the ball lands halfway into the endzone. No Good and the Storm kneel out the rest of the game to secure a 24-23 victory.
The Storm’s defensive ability to capitalize on errors proved to be the difference in a game where Houston dominated statistically. The Storm slowed the game down and stuck to the basics whenever they got the ball to secure the one-point victory. For Houston, getting Hunter Dekkers back after an injury riddled quarterback room is a big confidence boost for this team. His 268 passing yards provided Houston with its most stable quarterback play of the season. They need to clean up the number of missed opportunities if they truly want to be an offense that gets taken seriously. With only three weeks left, Houston will need a miracle to make the playoffs. Orlando will need to prove they have the talent to compete with the best in the league, despite their 5-2 record.
