With two weeks remaining in the inaugural USFL season, there’s still one playoff spot open in the south.
The league is also making one last stop at Protective Stadium this weekend, before heading back to Legion Field to wrap up the season. From there, the top four teams are backing their bags and heading to Canton, OH for the USFL Playoffs.
If you’re planning on heading out to Protective this Saturday to watch the undefeated Birmingham Stallions, you’ll also have a chance to meet a couple of WWE Superstars. In attendance will be Carmella and Happy Corbin, where you could even scoop up some prizes along the way.
This Saturday it's @WWE Night in Birmingham! 😤🙌
Wear your favorite WWE gear and join us at Protective Stadium for guest appearances by Superstars @CarmellaWWE and @BaronCorbinWWE! 🙌
Get tickets 👉 https://t.co/1IOCUl76sp pic.twitter.com/VI0uDwiZRk
— USFL (@USFL) June 10, 2022
New Jersey Generals (7-1) at Michigan Panthers (1-7)
Saturday – 1PM EST – NBC – Stream – Tickets
Kicking off week 9 is the New Jersey Generals taking on the Michigan Panthers. Outside of the first week, the Generals have been undefeated and look to be one of the most complete teams in the league. Coach riley has a stack running core, two formidable QBs and a solid defense.
Michigan has seen glimpses of greatness, but have failed to close things out. Going into the season the Panthers were pegged to be one of the top teams. Since then we’ve seen them release the #1 overall pick and secure a single win on the season. There’s going to be a lot to overcome if they want to pull out a surprise win over New Jersey.
Houston Gamblers (1-7) at Birmingham Stallions (8-0)
Saturday – 6PM EST – USA – Stream – Tickets
Last week both of these teams struggled on offense, but the Stallions snuck out a close win to keep them undefeated. With Clayton Thorson out for the season, the Gamblers will now rely on Kenji Bahar. Last week things didn’t look goof for the team, ultimately only pulling in three points during the matchup.
All things point to Birmingham moving to 9-0 after this weekend, and we don’t think Houston has enough tricks up their sleeve to pull this one out.
Tampa Bay Bandits (4-4) at New Orleans Bandits (5-3)
Sunday – 4PM EST – FOX – Stream – Tickets
Starting things out on Sunday is the Tampa Bay Bandits taking on the New Orleans Bandits. There’s a lot on the line in this matchup. If the Breakers win, they secure their spot in the USFL Playoffs. If the Bandits bring it home, they keep their chances alive and it all comes down to week 10.
Last week both teams struggled on the field, but with so much riding on this you can bet the coaches are working the specifics with their teams. This has the potential to be an instant classic, and we’re all secretly hoping it heads to overtime.
Philadelphia Stars (5-3) at Pittsburgh Maulers (1-7)
Sunday – 4PM EST – FOX – Stream – Tickets
Wrapping up the USFL action this weekend is the Philadelphia Stars and Pittsburgh Maulers. The Stars have only gotten better since the two team met last. Case Cookus is now behind the wheel, and last week he decimated the Michigan Panthers.
Coach Wilson was starting to see some positive movement with the Maulers when Vad Lee joined the team. Since then, Wilson has had heated discussions with Lee on the sidelines, going so far as pulling him out and bringing in Roland Rivers. The team continues to struggle this season, and it’s going to take a miracle if they want to pull out a win against the Stars.
Which USFL matchup are you looking forward to the most this weekend? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments below or join the conversation on Discord.
