Date: May 11, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM ET
Venue: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL
Broadcast: ABC
Matchup Overview
The Houston Roughnecks (3-3) travel to Alabama to face the Birmingham Stallions (4-2) in a crucial Week 7 UFL matchup.
The Stallions are coming off a dominant 26-3 victory over the San Antonio Brahmas, showcasing their defensive strength. Meanwhile, Houston edged out the Memphis Showboats 21-20, relying on a late-game rally to secure the win.
Birmingham has historically controlled this matchup, winning their last three meetings against Houston, outscoring them 90-53 in those games.
Key Storylines
1. Can Houston’s Offense Keep Up?
The Roughnecks have averaged 16.2 points per game, while Birmingham’s defense has allowed just 13.7 points per game, ranking among the best in the UFL. Houston will need quarterback Jalan McClendon to step up, as he has thrown for 556 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in three games.
2. Birmingham’s Defensive Dominance
The Stallions have been elite defensively, allowing just 276.7 yards per game, while Houston’s offense has struggled, averaging 240.5 yards per game. If Birmingham’s pass rush disrupts McClendon, Houston could struggle to move the ball.
3. Stallions’ Balanced Attack
Quarterback Case Cookus has thrown for 347 yards and four touchdowns in three games, while running back Zaquandre White has rushed for 172 yards and two touchdowns. Expect Birmingham to lean on their ground game to control the clock.
4. Houston’s Defensive Challenges
The Roughnecks have allowed 296.7 yards per game, including 121.5 rushing yards per game, which could be problematic against Birmingham’s strong rushing attack.
Projected Starting Lineups
Houston Roughnecks
- QB: Jalan McClendon
- RB: Zaquandre White
- WR: Justin Hall
- WR: Keke Chism
- TE: Anthony Ratliff-Williams
- Defense: Bryce Thompson, Kiondre Thomas
Birmingham Stallions
- QB: Case Cookus
- RB: Ricky Person Jr.
- WR: Deon Cain
- WR: Amari Rodgers
- TE: Kevin Austin Jr.
- Defense: Kyahva Tezino, Steven Gilmore
GAME ODDS
Houston Roughnecks 38.5
Birmingham Stallions – 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, May 10, 2025
