The United Football League’s game of the year (to date) takes place on Saturday when the Birmingham Stallions (6-0) host the St. Louis Battlehawks (5-1) in a late afternoon matchup at Protective Stadium.
Yet, while there’s no mystery who’ll lead the visitors into battle – that’ll be former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback A.J. McCarron – the home team’s starter is TBA.
Adrian Martinez has started the last two games for the Stallions, but has been part of a rotation with Matt Corral. Getting the first snap in back-to-back games is a first for a Birmingham signal caller in 2024.
Whether Martinez goes three-for-three, well, that remains to be seen.
“You know, when you guys see that depth chart, it’s around the time we find out,” Martinez said earlier today. “We’ll compete each week, continue to get better, push each other to be better and when (Stallions coach Skip Holtz) makes that decision, he’ll make it.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a consistent timeline and sometimes those things change, so stay light on your feet.”
Martinez is the only player in the UFL to throw for over
300 yards in a game this season. He put up 334 against Memphis in Week 3 and in last Saturday’s rematch he lit up the Showboats for 368 yards and four TDs.
His passing stat line reads 62-105-1 for 971 yards and seven touchdowns.
He’s also the circuit’s second-leading rusher with 327 yards and a TD.
Corral has also acquitted himself well, going 36-62-2 for 494 yards and two touchdowns.
It’s a 1-2 QB punch any UFL club would love to have.
But aside from the competition, Martinez is simply enjoying playing the game.
“I’d say this is the most fun I’ve had and it’s part of what this league is about and something that I really wanted to challenge myself to do,” Martinez said. “You know, enjoy it. We don’t know if it’s gonna be my last time playing ball, so just have gratitude. Go out there and enjoy it, have fun.
“I mean, that’s what the game is about. We’re out here playing a child’s game, so just have fun with it.”
McCarron wouldn’t disagree, but he also knows his return to Alabama is a business trip. It’ll be the first time he’s played football in the Magic City since helping St. Paul’s win the Class 5A state championship game against Briarwood Christian, 14-13, on December 7, 2007 at Legion Field.
“Listen, it’s just another game and that’s all I want it to be,” McCarron said. “But Birmingham is a great city and I love to go there. I have a bunch of friends there and just about all of my doctors are based there, so I spend a lot of time there.
“I appreciate all the support and love, but I want to just stick to this normal routine and not do anything out of the ordinary.”
McCarron is 135-199-2 for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns. His 13 aerial scores are far and away a UFL best after six weeks – and a big reason St. Louis has won five consecutive games.
McCarron has spent time with six different NFL teams and is 113-179-3 for 1,192 yards and six touchdowns in big league action.
The 33-year-old is as known for his composure as he is his ability, and he credits that with his time playing under Nick Saban.
“Going into my first year starting, (Saban) was playing a ton of mind games that spring and really just messing with me,” McCarron explained. “I didn’t understand, being young, and it was pissing me off more than anything. And I remember him bringing me in his office and saying, ‘Listen, if you can handle the mind games that I put on you and the pressure that I put on you – whether it’s in practice, scrimmages, whatever, going out in front of 102,000 people will be nothing.’ And so that was one thing that always stuck with me.”
Martinez, 24, remembers watching McCarron during his college days.
“A.J., shoot, I grew up watching him play at Alabama,” he said. “I know he’s had a long career and I have a lot of respect for him. He’s won national championships and has a lot of accolades that you don’t bat an eye at.
“He’s a very good player.”
Saturday’s game is set for 3 pm. Saturday and will be televised on FOX.
And whether McCarron’s counterpart will be Martinez or Corral, the Battlehawks field general knows his team is in for a tussle.
“Birmingham’s a very well-coached team,” McCarron said. “They’re in the right spots, they do the right things. And then, just like all teams, if they mess up, you’ve got to make them pay. You’ve got to capitalize on those opportunities.
“It’s gonna be a good challenge for both teams, and we’re excited about the challenge.”