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The revamped XFL season is about to end. We'll have our post-season thoughts after this championship, but it's all about the final two. In a battle of close proximity, the Arlington Renegades are set to face off against the D.C. Defenders. If you were keeping score at home, this definitely was not on anybody's bingo cards, and it might be a David vs. Goliath type matchup.
The Renegades were the only team to enter the postseason with a losing record at 4-6 but finished second in the South Division. They had the upset of the season as they took down the Houston Roughnecks. Houston beat Arlington twice during the regular season, but ultimately couldn't finish the clean sweep. The Defenders on the other hand, have been as dominant as can be. They boast a 10-1 record, and won their first six games in a row. Jordan Ta’amu was second in the league in passing (1878), Abram Smith was first in rushing (788), and the duo of Chris Blair and Lucky Jackson were top five in receiving yards. They were so good, the new Boss was found repping their gear.
When these two teams met up last month, the Defenders barely snuck out with a 28-26 win. The overtime matchup came after the Renegades scored 17 unanswered points behind quarterback Luis Perez's 335 yards. Without Perez, a mid-season acquisition from the Vipers, the Renegades wouldn't be competing for the chip today.
Another reason is their formidable defense. In the last matchup, the Renegades shut down Abram Smith to just a mere 27 yards on the ground. If they can do that again, then the Renegades have a lot to be hopeful for.
What's crazy about this matchup with the six and a half point spread (in favor of the Defenders). That's a large number for a championship game. Like I mentioned above, it's a true David vs. Goliath situation. As a betting man, I believe in the underdog, and I am buying into the hype. Now, I don't think the Renegades will win this game, but I think they fight until the end. They cover the spread, but fall. 30-28, Defenders.
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