In a rain-soaked battle at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama, the Birmingham Stallions emerged victorious against the D.C. Defenders, securing a hard-fought 20-18 win. The game, which featured a weather delay and a dramatic finish, showcased the resilience and determination of both teams.

The matchup, dubbed the “Ole Miss Bowl,” pitted former University of Mississippi quarterbacks Jordan Ta’amu of the Defenders and Matt Corral of the Stallions against each other. The two signal-callers, who once shared the same quarterback room in college, engaged in a thrilling duel that lasted the full 60 minutes and beyond.

Despite the loss, the Defenders (2-2, 1-1 XFL Conference) put up a valiant effort, with Ta’amu connecting with receiver Chris Rowland for a 9-yard touchdown pass early in the game. However, the Defenders failed to convert the two-point attempt, leaving them with a 6-0 lead.

The Stallions (4-0, 2-0 USFL Conference) responded quickly, with Corral launching a 50-yard bomb to receiver Amari Rodgers for a touchdown. The Stallions also failed to convert their one-point rush attempt, leaving the score tied at 6-6.

Following a lengthy weather delay, the Stallions took control of the game, scoring a safety and a field goal to take an 11-6 lead into halftime. Corral’s efficient performance in the first half, completing 13 of 16 passes for 170 yards, helped the Stallions maintain their advantage.

The second half saw both teams combine for 21 points, setting the stage for a thrilling finish. With just four seconds left on the clock, Stallions kicker Ramiz Ahmed nailed a clutch 46-yard field goal to seal the victory for Birmingham.

Despite the loss, the Defenders showcased their offensive potential, with receiver Kelvin Harmon leading the way with five receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown, including an impressive 45-yard reception. Ta’amu finished the game with a 146 quarterback rating, completing 14 of 20 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns.

The Stallions’ offense also shined, amassing 356 total yards, with Corral completing 19 of 29 passes for 240 yards and a touchdown, earning a 146.4 quarterback rating.

One notable aspect of the game was the absence of rushing touchdowns, as both teams relied heavily on their passing attacks to put points on the board.

The Defenders will look to bounce back from this tough loss when they return to action next Sunday at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. The game, set to kick off at 12 p.m. ET, will be broadcast on FOX.

As for the Stallions, their perfect 4-0 record solidifies their position as one of the top teams in the UFL. With a balanced offensive attack and a stout defense, Birmingham has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the league.

The “Ole Miss Bowl” may have ended in favor of the Stallions, but the game served as a testament to the talent and competitiveness of both teams. As the UFL season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling matchups and memorable moments from these two talented squads.