Louisville Kings take down UFL-leading DC Defenders for signature win

"The hit turned me up," said Rogers, who completed eight consecutive passes (including two touchdowns) after getting leveled, during a third-quarter sideline interview with FOX's Jake Butt. "When everybody was oohing, it really pissed me off; I ain't going to lie. I'm playing mad right now."

Rogers completed 17 of his 26 passes for 201 yards and the two touchdowns.

Louisville capitalized on second-half takeaways

The Kings forced four turnovers during the second half. All of them led to points on the scoreboard.

The first came on the kickoff immediately after Louisville's opening drive of the third quarter ended in a 50-yard field goal by Tanner Brown. As Defenders wideout Erik Ezukanma neared midfield on the return, tight end Jalen Wydermyer knocked the ball loose. Cornerback Bryce Hall recovered at Louisville's 45-yard line. Four plays later, Rogers and Black hooked up for their second touchdown of the afternoon.

The second came on the first play of a DC drive starting at its own 14-yard line. Free safety Keaton Ellis picked off quarterback Jordan Ta'amu to set his offense up at the 22. On the next snap, Rogers found wideout Lucky Jackson for a completion at the goal line. Running back James Robinson finished the job with a 1-yard run.

The third spoiled the Defenders' best drive of the second half. Cornerback Cameron Dantzler came down with an interception in the back of the end zone. Rogers and the offense rattled off a nine-play, 44-yard drive that ended in a 49-yard field goal from Brown and chewed 5:15 off the clock.

The fourth effectively iced the game. An official review determined DC wide receiver Cornell Powell fumbled after coming down with a catch for a 23-yard gain. Cornerback Corey Mayfield Jr. was credited with the takeaway.

The Kings dominated on the ground

Louisville outgained DC by 56 yards on the ground, 145-89.

Not bad for a team that entered the weekend dead last in the UFL when it comes to moving the ball on the ground. The Kings had 32 minutes, 15 seconds of possession to the Defenders' 27:46.

Ian Wheeler led the way with 64 yards on eight carries. Robinson added 58 yards on 13 attempts.

This story will be updated.

Reach Louisville men's basketball reporter Brooks Holton at bholton@gannett.com and follow him on X at @brooksHolton.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville Kings vs DC Defenders UFL score, Kings earn signature win