This will be a battle of the unbeaten Texas teams. Can we still call this a “Texas Throwdown?”
The Roughnecks were the only team to win by more than four points in a 33-12 season-opening romp over the Orlando Guardians, while the Renegades came from behind to defeat the Vegas Vipers 22-20. These teams were strong on both sides of the ball, so we should be in for an entertaining game.
What should we look for?
The 10-week XFL season is still in its early stages, but this is a huge matchup. Arlington began the season as the betting favorite to win the championship, and Houston joined them as a co-favorite following a dominant Week 1 victory. Because both teams are in the South Division, which will send two teams to the playoffs, only one of these teams will be able to get the home field advantage in the divisional final. If it comes down to tiebreakers, head-to-head record and even point differential, this game may play a role.
Roughnecks head coach Wade Phillips’ knows defense, and it was his defense that held Orlando to just 12 points in last week’s game. The Roughnecks held the Guardians to a scoreless third quarter, recording four steals (3 interceptions), and even forced the Guardians’ starting quarterback Paxton Lynch to sit on the bench. Ellerbee led the team with eight tackles, while Trent Harris had four of the team’s seven sacks. If the Roughnecks bring the same defense, it could be a long day for the Renegades.
As for the Arlington Renegades, they are no slouches on defense. In their game against Las Vegas, interception returns by veteran pro football cornerback De’Vante Bausby and defensive end Tomasi Laulile led to two defensive touchdowns. Adding to the shutdown of the Viper’s offensive production, linebacker Donald Payne led the team with seven tackles while the Renegades also recorded three sacks and six tackles for loss.
Last week on offense, Renegades quarterback Drew Plitt went 19 of 25 against Vegas throwing for 172 yards, averaging 6.9 yards per attempt. Arlington gained an additional 83 yards on the ground. Tyler Vaughns was Plitt’s leading receiver with four receptions for 38 yards, while running backs De’Veon Smith and Keith Ford combined for 66 of the 83 rushing yards. It seems the offence did just enough to put the Renegades in a position to win.
For the Roughnecks, Brandon Silvers completed 26 of 42 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns. Despite throwing two interceptions and taking three sacks, he spread out the attack, completing passes to seven different receivers, led by Deontay Burnett’s eight catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. Running back Max Borghi also played a role, leading Houston with 42 rushing yards and 32 receiving yards. The Roughnecks didn’t seem to have any trouble moving the ball.
Conclusion
This could be a battle, but Houston, at least on paper, has the better offense. Given their home field advantage, this may be the Roughnecks game to lose.
