Roughnecks Rally Past Showboats, Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

Final Score of Houston Roughnecks VS Memphis Showboats

Game Recap

The Houston Roughnecks continue to roll as they narrowly defeat the Memphis Showboats 21-20. Quarterback Jalan McClendon led Houston with 149 passing yards and a touchdown. Memphis’ Dresser Winn had a touchdown on the ground and through the air.  Despite a strong performance, the Showboats’ defense couldn’t stop the Roughnecks in the last 6 minutes of play. Houstons’ offense capitalized on key plays to secure the victory. The win improved the Roughnecks’ record to 3-3, while Memphis fell to 1-5.

Key Moments

1st QTR

1st and 10 on HOU36

J.McClendon pass short left complete. Catch made by K.Merritt for 37 yards. Pushed out of bounds by E.Walker at MEM 27. [2:50]

2nd and 8 on MEM13

J.McClendon pass short middle complete. Catch made by J.Hall for 13 yards. TOUCHDOWN. [00:34]

on MEM2

ONE-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. K.Merritt rushed right guard to MEM End Zone for yards. ONE-POINT ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS. [00:29]

2nd QTR

4th and 6 on MEM31

C.Blewitt 49 yard field goal attempt is good, Center-M.Ortiz, Holder-M.Rivers. [12:05]

3rd QTR

3rd and 6 on HOU45

D.Winn steps back to pass. Sacked at MEM 46 for -9 yards (A.Marsh). D.Winn FUMBLES, forced by A.Marsh. Fumble RECOVERED by HOU-T.Franklin at MEM 40. TOUCHDOWN. [2:45]

FINAL Score: Houston Roughnecks 21 - Memphis Showboats 20

Stand Out Players

Houston had a few standout players that helped secure the win over Memphis.

QB Jalan McClendon was one, commanding the offense very well, on top of being smart with the football. He was 20-28 in completions and attempts for 149 pass yards and 1 touchdown. He finished his day with a completion percentage of 71 and 127.9 passer rating.

RB Kirk Merritt was also able to contribute to the win in a big way. He caught one of his 2 targets, taking a 2 yard catch and adding 35 yards of YAC to it.

The other was a collective effort. CB Armani Marsh was able to get the quarterback force a fumble, while DE T.J. Franklin scooped it up and took it 40 yards for the touchdown.

Playoff Picture

Current USFL Conference Standings

Over the last few weeks Houston has separated themselves from the bottom of the pack. They have established an effective offense, while dominating on defense. With their win over the Showboats they were able to revitalize their playoff hopes. The remainder of their schedule will be against the top teams in both conferences. 

Not only is Houston going to have to play exceptional football over the next 4 weeks, they may need some help. The help needs to show up in the form of losses from the Panthers and Stallions. The Roughnecks need one of the two top spots. Both of those spots are held by teams that currently have a record of 4-2. Houston isnt out of it with their new 3-3 record they’re right behind the conference leaders.

Next Up

The Houston Roughnecks will face the Birmingham Stallions on Sunday, May 11, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham. Kickoff will be on Sunday, May 11th, 2025 at 12:00 PM EST. The Stallions are currently 4–2, coming off a decisive 26–3 win over the San Antonio Brahmas. Houston, at 3–3, is looking to build on a narrow 21–20 victory against the Memphis Showboats. Birmingham boasts a formidable defense behind a productive defensive line that can pressure a quarterback like no other. The Roughnecks will need to counteract the Stallions' aggressive pass rush to protect quarterback Jalan McClendon. While the Roughnecks will need to put together their best defensive stance to keep the Stallions’ offense at bay. This matchup is crucial for both teams as they aim to solidify their positions in the UFL standings.

Keys to the Game

The Roughnecks are going to have a tough time generating a run game against this Birmingham Defense. There will be plenty of tackles behind the line of scrimmage for their d-line. The biggest thing to remember is NOT to abandon the run game. It will be necessary to stick with it to keep the passing lanes open.

Another one, Capitalize on Birmingham's mistakes. Matt Coral and Case Cookus have a tendency to overthrow their receivers, it’s not often but it does happen. That needs to be a focus area heading into next week because that is where turnovers can happen. But again, if you're not getting points off of said turnover it will be a wasted drive.

Final Thoughts

Houston has come a long way from the start of the season. Through the first three weeks I fully expected them to be a one win team. However, once things fell into place they have shown the fans and other teams that they are here to compete. 

Houston has arguably one of the hardest remaining schedules and will be tested in the second half of the season. With the improvements this team has made they should be able to put up good performances in these tough matchups. They have increased their ability to generate a pass rush and create more turnovers.