The Frankfurt Universe, one of the hottest teams in Germany with a 10-1 overall record and who also captured the European Football League title, will play host Saturday to the surprising Saarland Hurricanes who have fashioned their own successful rise in the German standings.
After losing their opening game of their inaugural season in Germany’s top league to the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns on the final play of the game, the Universe have reeled off seven straight wins. They are third in the league in total offense averaging 39.4 points a game and second in defense surrendering just 13 points a game.
Although the Hurricanes numbers are not quite as gaudy they are solid. Sitting in third in the German South division, Saarland averages 36 points a game good for sixth and is also sixth in defense allowing just under 23 points a contest.
Universe RB Jesse Lewis & Hurricanes RB Corey Brown. Photos: Karlheinz Herbert, Dirk Haupert
The Universe front seven, anchored by ex NFL/CFL defensive lineman Brandon Collier, do not make life easy for opposing offenses allowing just 56 yards a game. This will force the Hurricanes to take to the air where they have been averaging 217 yards a game while scoring 23 touchdowns.
Frankfurt quarterback Marcus McDade has thrown for 1,423 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2016 while also rushing for another 207 and three scores. His counterpart with Saarland, Alexander Haupert has completed 127 passes for 1,958 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Frankfurt’s leading receiver, David Giron, has hauled in 50 passes for 565 yards and five touchdowns while Saarland’s Todd Harrelson has 29 receptions for 527 yards and eight majors.
Frankfurt running back Jesse Lewis is averaging five yards a carry on 372 yards rushing. Corey Brown of the Hurricanes is not far behind with 325 yards rushing in nine games.
The ball hawking Frankfurt secondary has picked off 18 passes this season and returned three for touchdowns. Haupert will have to keep an eye out. Special teams has also played a huge role for the Universe as they have returned three punts for touchdowns and lead the league in that category although Saarland has returned two for touchdowns as well.
A Frankfurt win would solidify their spot as one of Germany’s, and Europe’s, elite teams while Saarland would be making a shocking statement with a victory.