Showboats go ahead, TD pass Kwame Lassiter II from EJ Perry (Jay Allen/The Forkball)
- The Memphis Showboats are improving, but not quickly enough. In a short UFL season 0-3 is a huge hole to dig yourself into; even if weeks 2 and 3 you lost on the last drive. The Houston Roughnecks defense had been abused the first 2 weeks, but the Showboats offense had only a too little too late offense. Perry was on target to multiple receivers early. And 11-3 halftime lead was a good sign.
- On defense the Showboats were quite good against the Houston running game. Houston RB Zaquandre White gained 50 yards, but it took 15 attempts. In the first half Houston’s passing game was ineffective. Last week the Showboats lost on a pick six, this week they started losing with a pick six. And the replacement at QB by Houston with Nolan Henderson, who went 10-11 with a TD, early in the third quarter was a turning point.
- Part of a proud Memphis tradition, it was Wrestling Day. Long story short, “Slaughterhouse” never stood a chance. When that duo Slaughterhouse came into the Showboats house and put “Roadshow” through a table, that was disrespectful. But pushing down beloved Showboats mascot Skipper was over the line. Roadshow was pulverized in the main event (in the concourse) by the 2-1 advantage of Slaughterhouse. But Roadshow, though his face beaten into the corner post; he wasn’t tagged down. Instead, off the top rope was Showboats mascot “Skipper” with the takedown, then the double pin, of Slaughterhouse. Roadshow and Skipper kept the belt.
- Many UFL games you feel like you know the winner. This game felt in control for the home Showboats until E.J. Perry threw a pick-six. Two more turnovers put Memphis into a deep 18-11 deficit. Turnovers plus the Roughneck’s pivotal quarterback change to Nolan Henderson gave Houston momentum, but Memphis had one last chance. Shortly after the game Houston coach C.J. Johnson declared Henderson the starter going forward.
- Houston did not look outmatched as in earlier games. The Showboats offense did not look stymied as against better defenses, but Houston matched up well on Jonathan Adams (UFL leading receiver) so Kwame Lassiter II was the leading receiver as well as receiving the only receiving TD for Memphis. But at the finish, despite a great rushing TD by QB Troy Williams, the 2-point conversion failed leaving the Showboats 1 point short. The Showboats try for their first win next week in a revenge match at the Michigan Panthers.
