Week two of the UFL continues with what will be an intriguing matchup between two 1-0 teams. The Michigan Panthers host the Birmingham Stallions, with an opportunity to take control of the USFL Conference depending on who comes out on top.
This one is going to be a BATTLE 😤@USFLStallions vs. @USFLPanthers Sunday at 12pm ET on ESPN 📺 pic.twitter.com/AYxyL9HUwA
— United Football League (@XFL2023) April 4, 2024
Taking a quick look at last week, the Birmingham Stallions looked like the team to beat. After a slow start against Arlington, that second half was a scary sight, as the Renegades fell by double digits. Matt Corral & Co. came alive, and Birmingham’s defense looked better than ever.
Michigan, on the other hand, had an unbelievable finish against St. Louis. When all looked lost with less than a minute to go – we’ve all heard the story by now – Jake Bates saved the day. The Panthers got away with one late, but will have to show signs of improvement this week against the back-to-back champs.
Quarterback Play
Matt Corral seemed to figure things out pretty quickly on Saturday. Not surprisingly, it took him a few drives to get his legs under him. Once he accomplished that, the Stallions took control and never looked back.
Corral’s sole interception of the day wasn’t even his fault, as the ball slipped right into Deon Cain’s hands. According to PFF, Matt’s offensive grade was 77.5 – and his passing grade was even better, at 85.6. The former third round NFL draft pick is already looking like an MVP candidate for Skip Holtz if he can keep growing from week to week.
WHAT A RESPONSE BY THE STALLIONS 🔥
Matt Corral with a BEAUTY to Deon Cain 🎯 pic.twitter.com/onYxzxjg9l
— United Football League (@XFL2023) March 30, 2024
It’s also expected that Adrian Martinez will be utilized. His legs resemble that of Alex McGough, and Holtz loves to use two quarterbacks, so prepare to see Adrian take a drive or two on…