Storm seek playoff certainty as Renegades battle for final spot in UFL clash
Orlando enters Friday’s contest at Phantom Warrior Stadium with a chance to clinch a berth, while Dallas remains locked in a three-way tie for the fourth and final postseason position.
The Orlando Storm (5-2) face the Dallas Renegades (3-4) at Phantom Warrior Stadium, located at Fort Hood near Killeen, Texas, in a United Football League (UFL) contest that carries substantial weight for both sides’ postseason aspirations. A victory for Orlando would secure a playoff berth, effectively concluding their regular-season campaign with a positive outcome.
Dallas, currently sitting at 3-4, enters Week 8 in a three-way tie with the Birmingham Stallions and the Louisville Kings for the fourth and final playoff spot. The Renegades are seeking to halt a four-game losing streak that has seen quarterback Austin Reed throw seven interceptions during the skid. However, Reed was turnover-free in the team’s most recent outing, a 21-17 overtime loss to Birmingham.
Orlando arrives at the fixture following a narrow 24-23 road victory over the Houston Gamblers, which ended a two-game losing streak. Despite being outgained 415-185 in that contest, the Storm capitalised on two Houston turnovers to secure the win. D.J. James returned an interception for a touchdown to establish an early 13-3 lead, while quarterback Jack Plummer connected with Elijhah Badger on scoring passes of 35 and 31 yards.
The defensive battle in the previous match saw Orlando’s unit hold Houston to just 1-for-5 in the red zone, a statistic that underscores the importance of situational football. In contrast, Dallas’ recent offensive struggles have been highlighted by Reed’s interception issues, although the ground game managed 130 yards in the loss to Birmingham, with Ellis Merriweather scoring two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score.
The match is part of the UFL’s "Hats Off to Heroes" initiative, which honours service members and their families. The game will be broadcast on FOX and is available for live streaming via Fubo, though regional restrictions may apply to the digital broadcast. Viewers can also follow UFL football throughout the season on ABC and ESPN.
