AJ McCarron Faces Legendary Coach Again in UFL Showdown
AJ McCarron will again meet a legendary coach in a UFL showdown on Sunday. The Birmingham Stallions coach faces Kevin Sumlin and the Houston Gamblers.
Historical context
McCarron and Sumlin have college history. McCarron played quarterback for Alabama while Sumlin coached Texas A&M.
Across two meetings McCarron completed 41-of-63 passes for 643 yards. He threw five touchdowns and two interceptions in those games.
The teams split the series. On Nov. 10, 2012, Texas A&M upset top-ranked Alabama 29-24, a game that marked Johnny Manziel’s breakout.
The following season, Alabama returned a 49-42 victory on Sept. 14, 2013. In that contest, Manziel threw 464 yards and five touchdowns.
Early UFL season form
Birmingham opened its season with a 15-13 win over the Louisville Kings. The game on March 27 served as McCarron’s coaching debut.
Houston’s return under Sumlin produced a loss. The Gamblers fell 36-17 to the Dallas Renegades.
Renegades quarterback Austin Reed threw a league single-game record 376 yards in that victory. Sumlin last coached in Houston in 2022 during the USFL revival.
Areas of emphasis for Birmingham
McCarron has highlighted attention to detail and finishing drives. He said the team must execute consistently in key moments.
Birmingham converted 10-of-16 on third downs but managed only 15 points. Special teams miscues contributed to that low scoring output.
Kicker Jonathan Garibay missed two extra points and had a field-goal attempt blocked. The Stallions aim for better red-zone efficiency and special-teams play.
Player notes and preparation
McCarron praised the offensive line’s work. He also said quarterback Matt Corral and the receiving corps must improve.
He described the matchup as tough and warned players not to be fooled by early results. Practices this week reportedly went well.
Game details and broadcast
The Stallions and Gamblers meet at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. CDT on Sunday.
NFL Network will carry the game. McCarron said he respects Sumlin and expects a hard-fought contest.
