Week seven in the UFL will continue on Saturday afternoon, as the Arlington Renegades take on the Michigan Panthers in a crucial matchup for both organizations.
Heading into this one, the Michigan Panthers are red hot, having taken down the DC Defenders in dominant fashion on Sunday. Their 38-14 victory solidified Michigan as a Championship contender, making easy work of the previously 4-1 Defenders.
Arlington, on the other hand, was in a slump. They’ve lost two in a row, finding ways to lose late to both St. Louis and DC – which were both critical divisional matchups. Now, at 3-3, they have to find a way to win at home against a surging Panthers team to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Let’s take a look at the key factors ahead of this one.
Quarterback Play
Bryce Perkins is shaping up to be the UFL’s MVP this season, playing at the level that he is. Bryce has been outstanding all year long, but these past few weeks have been on another level. On Sunday, Perkins was virtually unstoppable, finding ways to keep his balance as he danced and pranced his way for scores – through the air, and on the ground.
Perkins will have to do more of the same this weekend, playing a stout Arlington front seven that has been one of the best in the UFL so far. With Bryce now solely as QB1, though, it helps the entire offense to stay on track, and we’re seeing the fruits of it on Perkins’ end as well. He’s been electric, and is slowly but surely becoming the face of the UFL.
On Arlington’s side, Luis Perez has struggled over the past couple of weeks. The offensive line has not been up to par with what we’ve been used to from Arlington over the years, and we’re seeing the effect it’s had on Perez’ play. He’s been rattled in the pocket throughout the last few games, and the lack of production – especially against St. Louis – was on full display.
Arlington has some questions at QB. Bob Stoops is adamant about playing…