The New Orleans Breakers have quite inconsistent as of late, while the Memphis Showboats have been exceptionally dominant in the past five weeks. It’s been a tale of two USFL seasons so far for both teams, as New Orleans finally snapped a three game losing streak against the Michigan Panthers.
Meanwhile, the Showboats have surged forward after a shaky 0-3 start. Given the substantial playoff implications, this matchup promises to be a fiercely contested battle until the final seconds tick away.
Venue:
Liberty Stadium, Memphis, TN
Broadcast Information:
Network: NBC/Peacock
Time: 2PM CDT/3PM EST
Head Coaches
John DeFilippo – New Orleans Breakers (1st year)
Todd Haley – Memphis Showboats (2nd year)
Players to Watch
New Orleans Breakers
QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson: As the USFL passing leader, Bethel-Thompson demonstrated a rebound in his performance last week against the Panthers, despite the interceptions. He managed to stabilize the turbulent tides for the Breakers, securing a crucial victory. Expect him to build upon his 328 yard outing this weekend.
DE Anree Saint-Amour: As the season’s sack leader for the Breakers, Saint-Amour will play a pivotal role in their defensive efforts this weekend. Generating pressure on Cole Kelley and consistently disrupting his play will significantly benefit the Breakers. Although he has been relatively quiet in recent weeks, this game presents an opportunity for him to make a standout impact.
Memphis Showboats
QB Cole Kelley: Known as “The Jolly Cajun Giant,” Kelley has displayed remarkable talent since assuming the quarterback role for the Showboats in week 3. One notable aspect of Kelley’s game that has uplifted the Memphis team is his adeptness at power running, particularly when converting short-yardage plays on third and fourth downs. To sustain their momentum, Kelley must maintain composure and steer the team steadily forward.
WR/KR Derrick Dillon: Throughout this period, Dillon has emerged as Cole Kelley’s preferred target for the Showboats. Possessing exceptional speed, Dillon not only poses a threat to Memphis’ offensive strategy but also challenges the New Orleans defense. His performance will be a determining factor for both teams.
Summary
Considering the high stakes of this game, a low-scoring affair may transpire as both defenses are expected to maintain an aggressive approach throughout. New Orleans’ success will hinge upon their ability to avoid turnovers, greatly enhancing their prospects for victory. Conversely, Memphis should continue employing their intelligent ground-and-pound football strategy to sustain their current success. Upon conclusion, this game will undoubtedly be recognized as the standout event of the week.
What are your thoughts on this upcoming USFL matchup between the Memphis Showboats and New Orleans Breakers? Which USFL players will impress? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
