We’ve crossed the midway point in the inaugural Alliance of American Football season. The second half of the season is upon us, with two games to wrap up Week 5’s action ahead. First up, the San Antonio Commanders (3-2) travel east to take on the Atlanta Legends (2-3) in a cross-divisional match up with playoff implications for both teams.
The Legends need to pick up some wins in a hurry to stay relevant in the AAF East. The Commanders need to start putting some distance between them and their AAF West rivals. Kick off is set for 4 p.m. on the CBS Sports Network Sunday afternoon. Here’s the spread and totals.
San Antonio Commanders at Atlanta Legends (-1.5, O/U 40)
The Commanders come into this one after a tough 29-23 home victory over the Arizona Hotshots. San Antonio had to withstand a furious fourth quarter comeback attempt from the Hotshots, who outscored them 17-3 in the final period of the game.
It was Logan Woodside’s best game of the season by a pretty wide margin for San Antonio. He finished the day 21-of-27 for 290 yards, two touchdowns and a pick. The Commanders needed it because they got absolutely nothing of value from their running backs. Kenneth Farrow II had 12 carries for 25 yards and a touchdown. Trey Williams had 10 for 22. Farrow did add a 43 yard reception on a screen pass.
At receiver, Mekale McKay led the way with five catches for 91 yards and a touchdown. Alonzo Moore had three hauls for 57 yards.
On defense, Jayrone Elliott racked up two sacks and a forced fumble. Deion Barnes also had a QB takedown. Derron Smith had two interceptions and two passes defended. De’Vante Bausby got a pick as well.
The Legends too are celebrating a victory, taking a 23-20 decision over the Memphis Express last week. Atlanta scored nine unanswered points in the final quarter to pick up their second win of the season. Statistically, the game shouldn’t have been nearly that close. Atlanta dominated the sheet, holding Memphis to just 13 first downs and 1-for-9 on third down. The Express gained a total of 217 yards and held the ball only 21:23 minutes.
The switchover to Aaron Murray continued to pay dividends for the Legends. He was 27-of-43 for 306 yards and a touchdown against the Express. He had some solid running help with Tarean Folston carrying the ball 11 times for 83 yards and a score. Seantavius Jones led the receiving corps with five catches for 89 yards. Bug Howard caught three passes for 59 yards. Keith Towbridge caught four for 56.
Defensively, Dylan Donohue finished with 1.5 sacks. Tracy Sprinkle continues to find a way into the opponent’s backfield, picking up a sack of his own. Tyson Graham Jr. had two passes defended, an interception and a forced fumble.
The Pick
The Legends have been a well-oiled machine on offense since Murray was handed the keys. San Antonio is too up-and-down, especially at the quarterback position to win a tough game like this on the road. I expect Atlanta to keep rolling and make things difficult for Orlando in the East before the season is done. Legends 26, Commanders 15
