The undefeated Birmingham Stallions (7-0) will put their perfect record on the line Saturday night when they host the Houston Roughnecks (1-6) at Protective Stadium.

For Skip Holtz’s Stallions, it’s a chance to inch one step closer to running the table in the regular season. After last week’s dramatic 30-26 win over St. Louis in the “Game of the Year,” Birmingham has now won 14 straight games dating back to last season’s championship run.

Quarterback Adrian Martinez has been the catalyst, emerging as a frontrunner for UFL MVP honors. The dual-threat star has accounted for 1,462 total yards and 13 touchdowns so far. His ability to hurt defenses through the air and on the ground makes the Stallions incredibly tough to stop.

Martinez has an array of weapons at his disposal, from receivers Kevin Austin Jr., Marlon Williams and Deon Cain to running backs C.J. Marable and Ricky Person Jr. The offensive line has also paved the way for a punishing rushing attack.

But Birmingham’s calling card has been its swarming, aggressive defense. The unit is allowing just 16.7 points per game and has already forced 10 turnovers. Linebacker Darius Harris leads the way with 42 tackles.

Houston, meanwhile, is simply playing out the string after last week’s heartbreaking 15-12 loss to San Antonio eliminated them from playoff contention. The Roughnecks appeared in control, leading 12-3 late in the fourth quarter before an epic collapse.

Quarterback Jarrett Guarantano and receiver Justin Hall have developed a nice connection through the air for Houston’s offense. But the running game has remained stagnant, which has put too much pressure on the passing attack.

Defensively, the Roughnecks have struggled to get off the field on third down and get consistent pressure on the quarterback. Those issues could prove catastrophic against the high-powered Stallions.

With a treacherous closing stretch ahead that includes matchups against San Antonio and St. Louis, Birmingham cannot afford to overlook the reeling Roughnecks. Staying locked in and taking care of business will be key to securing home-field advantage for the postseason.

For Houston, avoiding the indignity of an embarrassing blowout defeat must be the priority. An inspired effort is needed to show the resiliency to keep fighting despite the fading playoff hopes.

The Stallions have their eyes set on bigger goals – namely, completing an undefeated regular season and securing the United Softball League’s first championship. Don’t expect any letdown from the league’s best team in this one.