{"id":24012,"date":"2023-06-16T17:24:15","date_gmt":"2023-06-16T21:24:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.betonline.ag\/news-room\/?p=24012"},"modified":"2023-06-16T17:24:18","modified_gmt":"2023-06-16T21:24:18","slug":"usfl-week-10-preview-picks-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.betonline.ag\/news-room\/usfl\/usfl-week-10-preview-picks-2\/","title":{"rendered":"USFL WEEK 10 PREVIEW & PICKS"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

BY ADAM GREENE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is it, the end of our last US-based spring football league\u2019s regular season as the USFL puts on its final four-game show of 2023<\/a>. And guys like Mike Nolan are probably coaching their final games. Apparently, the Michigan Panthers are where former NFL coaches to have their head coaching careers smothered to death with a pillow.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before the playoffs start, we have the odds, lines and totals<\/a> with which to make this final week, and seeing teams claim the final three postseason berths, interesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

USFL POWER RANKINGS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS (7-2)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s one thing to get hot at the right time, but maybe the best strategy is stay hot the whole season. The Stallions opened up the year as the top team in the USFL. They\u2019re the defending USFL champions and have posted the best record so far this season. I\u2019m feeling good about their chances to repeat. Last week:<\/strong> No. 1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. NEW ORLEANS BREAKERS (6-3)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the opening month of the season, the Breakers looked like the USFL\u2019s best team. Three straight losses ended that talk, but winning in back-to-back weeks has put New Orleans\u2019 postseason plans back on track and they still have a shot at winning the USFL South. Last week:<\/strong> No. 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. HOUSTON GAMBLERS (5-4)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Gamblers got their team in the mix with a solid midseason run, but they\u2019ve faced off against the league\u2019s best in recent weeks and have come up conspicuously short. It\u2019s a shame the league has divisions and Houston may be left out in the cold, but them\u2019s the rules and the loss last week to the Stallions may be too much to overcome this late in the year. Last week:<\/strong> No. 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS (5-4)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Showboats were the hottest team in the league heading into Week 9, winning five straight, but for whatever reason, the offense slept in Saturday. Memphis\u2019 postseason hopes took a serious hit as they managed just three points on the scoreboard against the Breakers. Last week:<\/strong> No. 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. NEW JERSEY GENERALS (3-6)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no way we can keep a team with a losing record out of the postseason, but at least the Generals, if they can close out a Wild Card berth this weekend, have the offense to make their playoff game interesting. Last week:<\/strong> No. 7<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. PITTSBURGH MAULERS (3-6)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Maulers have won three games this season. Two have been over the Michigan Panthers. Pittsburgh was the worst team in the USFL last season and also the worst team on the planet. That distinction now goes to one of the XFL franchises I\u2019ll mention later. But, the fact that this team is still alive for the division title is just a bad look. And, when it comes to minor league football, it\u2019s already gotten the stink eye with a 4-6 Arlington Renegades team in the XFL winning the whole thing. Last week:<\/strong> No. 8<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. PHILADELPHIA STARS (4-5)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Philadelphia had the shot to punch their ticket not only to the playoffs, but claim the USFL North title outright last week and blew it, losing a shootout with the New Jersey Generals. Last week:<\/strong> No. 5<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. MICHIGAN PANTHERS (3-6)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, it\u2019s official. The Panthers are a week away from becoming the worst team in the USFL after barely escaping that dishonor a season ago. Why not the worst team on the planet? Because, with three victories, they\u2019ve outperformed the XFL\u2019s Las Vegas Vipers (2-8) and Orlando Guardians (1-9) and could end up tied with the San Antonio Brahmas (3-7). So, congratulations for that, I guess. Also, like the Maulers, Generals and Stars, this team could still make the playoffs. The USFL North is garbage. Last week:<\/strong> No. 6<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SATURDAY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

PITTSBURGH MAULERS AT NEW JERSEY GENERALS (-3, O\/U: 41)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last season, the battle between the Michigan Panthers and Pittsburgh Maulers determined not only the worst team in the USFL, but the worst team on the face of the Earth. This year, that\u2019s not the case, and both teams remain alive for the postseason thanks to a 19-7 Maulers win over the Panthers last Saturday. Hey, Troy Williams didn\u2019t light it up, but he didn\u2019t turn the ball over, and when you\u2019re playing the Panthers, that\u2019s probably all it takes. Williams finished 14 of 24 for 166 yards and a touchdown with zero picks. Madre London had 12 rushes for 51 yards. Isiah Hennie caught five passes for 67 yards. Tre Walker had three grabs for 66 yards. Josh Simmons caught two passes for 20 yards and a score. Bryce Tornedon finished with 10 tackles, one sack, one tackle for a loss and a pass defense. Kyahva Tezino had seven tackles, one tackle for a loss, two interceptions and three passes defended. Reuben Foster and Arnold Tarpley III both recorded five tackles, with Tarpley adding a tackle for a loss and a pass defense. Nasir Player and Vaughn Taylor, Jr. each had four tackles, one sack and one tackle for a loss. Keith Gipson, Jr. had three tackles, one interception and a pass defense. Will Miles had a tackle, a sack, a tackle for a loss and a pass defense. Mark Gilbert had a tackle, a pick and a pass defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Generals came out hot and stayed that way, holding off a fourth quarter rally from the Philadelphia Stars to win 37-33 last weekend. De\u2019Andre Johnson finished his night 15 of 20 for 213 yards, no touchdowns and no picks. Darius Victor tossed a one yard touchdown on a trick play to go with 11 carries for 51 yards and two TDs. Trey Williams rushed six times for 40 yards and a score. Darrell Stewart hauled in three passes for 109 yards. Braedon Bowman had three grabs for 17 yards and a touchdown. Chris Orr and D\u2019Juan Hines had nine tackles each, with Orr adding a sack and a tackle for a loss with two passes defended. Dravon Askew-Henty had six tackles and a tackle for a loss. Paris Ford and DJ Daniel ended with five tackles apiece, with Ford adding a tackle for a loss. Kolin Hill had three tackles, one sack and one tackle for a loss. Hercules Mata\u2019afa had two tackles and two sacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This contest amounts to a playoff game to get into the playoffs. Obviously, neither team deserves to be there, but at least Jersey might put on the better show. Generals 24, Maulers 20<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS AT MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS (+3.5, O\/U: 44)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Stallions clinched the USFL South and their second consecutive playoff appearance  with a cruise to victory over the Houston Gamblers last Sunday, 38-15. It took Birmingham a whole quarter to get going, but once they did, the Gamblers all but rolled over as the defending champs put up 21 points in the fourth quarter to close the game out in impressive fashion. Alex McGough had a nice day throwing the ball, going 13 of 21 for 208 yards, two touchdowns and one pick. He added nine rushes for 34 yards and a score. CJ Marable rushed 12 times for 32 yards and a TD. Jace Sternberger caught three passes for 58 yards and a touchdown. Deon Cain caught one ball for a 38 yard TD. Quentin Poling finished his afternoon with 11 tackles, half a sack, two tackles for a loss, one interception and one pass defended. Nate Brooks, Rashad Smith and Deondrea Tillman all finished with seven tackles apiece. Tillman added half a sack. Khalil Davis,  Willie Henry, JoJo Tillery. Christian McFarland, TJ Carter and WIllie Yarbary all had five tackles, with Davis and Henry adding and a sack each. Davis had two tackles for a loss and Henry had one. Tillery had half a sack. Yarbary had 1.5 sacks and one tackle for a loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Memphis couldn\u2019t stand all the good news they were making over the last half of the USFL season. The Showboats watched their five game win streak end in the most pathetic way, losing to the New Orleans Breakers 31-3 last Saturday. Cole Kelley was downright generous, tossing out three interceptions to go with 23 of 41 passing for 224 yards and no touchdowns. He added three rushes for 18 yards. Juwan Washington led the team with 11 carries for 40 yards. He added six receptions for 34 yards. Derrick Dillon caught five balls for 51 yards and Daniel Helm had three grabs for 49 yards. Troy Warner led the defense with nine tackles and a pass defense. Antonio Reed and Greg Reaves had seven tackles apiece. Jordan Williams and Dillon Faamatau ended their nights with six tackles each, with Williams adding two sacks and two tackles for a loss. Jordan Ferguson had four tackles, 1.5 sacks and a tackle for a loss. John Atkins had four tackles and half a sack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Memphis got hot too late, so hopefully for them it can roll over to next season. The Stallions don\u2019t really need to win this one, as they\u2019ve already punched their ticket, but I don\u2019t see them taking their foot off the gas. Even with a loss and a .500 finish, Todd Haley can at least go into the offseason with the knowledge that he actually did a solid job at head coach this season. Stallions 21, Showboats 20<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

SUNDAY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

NEW ORLEANS BREAKERS AT HOUSTON GAMBLERS (+4, O\/U: 44.5)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Orleans has officially put its late season swoon behind them as they won their second game in a row to hold down a playoff spot and have a shot at a USFL South title after a 31-3 beat down handed to the Memphis Showboats. McLeod Bethel-Thompson barely did anything passing the ball, going 9 of 16 for 88 yards and a touchdown. Wes Hills led the team with 18 carries for 46 yards and a TD. Eli Stove had just one carry, but took it in for a 29 yard score. Lee Morris caught three passes for 44 yards. Jerod Fernandez ended his night with 11 tackles and one for a loss. Jarey Elder had nine tackles, one sack and one tackle for a loss. Keonte Schad and Adonis Alexander had six tackles apiece, with Schad notching two sacks and two tackles for a loss. Anree Saint-Amour had five tackles, one sack and one tackle for a loss. Vontae Diggs recorded five tackles, one interception and a pass defense. James Wiggins had three tackles, two interceptions and two passes defended. Connor Christian finished with one tackle, a sack and a tackle for a loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Houston had a rough outing last week, facing off against the Birmingham Stallions, losing 38-15 in a game that was never in doubt after halftime. Kenji Bahar finished 20 of 27 for 149 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. He scrambles five times for 15 yards. Montell Cozart got some action at quarterback, finishing 4 of 7 for 31 yards He added one rush for 28 yards. Mark Thompson rushed 17 times for 56 yards. Isaiah Zuber caught four passes for 48 yards. Justin Hall hauled in six passes for 45 yards. Andrew Soroh wrapped his night with six tackles. Manny Bunch, Khalan Tolson and JT Tyler all had five tackles each, with every one of them adding a tackle for a loss. Bunch added two passes defended. Dayan Lake had three tackles, one tackle for a loss, one interception and two passes defended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Gamblers have to win this game to have a shot at the playoffs, but New Orleans is just too hot right now and looks like the better team. It\u2019s a shame Houston will be watching the playoffs at home, but, hey, they should all come to the stadium and see the games live. There are apparently plenty of free seats. Breakers 31, Gamblers 20<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

PHILADELPHIA STARS AT MICHIGAN PANTHERS (pk, O\/U: 42)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Stars had a shot to close out their playoff worries last week, but fell just short in a shootout loss to the New Jersey Generals, 37-33. Philadelphia battled back from 30-16 and put up 17 points in the fourth quarter, but a turnover in the final minute doomed them. Case Cookus, at least this time, was not the issue. He had a solid day, going 25 of 39 for 263 yards and three touchdowns and no interceptions. He led the team in rushing with seven carries for 59 yards. Dexter Williams rushed nine times for 30 yards. He added three receptions for 45 yards. Cory Coleman caught nine passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. Diondre Overton had six catches for 41 yards and a score. Terry Wright had three grabs for 36  yards and a TD. Stanford Samuels III had eight tackles and a tackle for a loss. Gabriel Sewell, Jr. had seven takedowns. LaDarius Wiley, J Alfieri, C Nelson and C Brown all have five tackles apiece. A Rodriguez finished with three tackles, one sack and one tackle for a loss. Ali Fayad had two tackles and half a sack. LaBryan Ray had a tackle and half a sack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a shocker. Michigan\u2019s offense didn\u2019t show up last Saturday as the team scored all of one touchdown, losing 19-7 to the Pittsburgh Maulers. Josh Love had another rough day passing the ball, finishing 19 of 33 for 233 yards, one touchdown and four, yes, FOUR, interceptions. Tossing four picks is a real feat, because it means that, as bad as you\u2019re playing, your back up is even worse and the coaches know it. It shows a complete failure of team building and explains why Michigan is the worst team in the league. Love added three scrambles for 16 yards. Stevie Scott III rushed nine times for 25 yards. AJ Richardson caught nine passes for 99 yards. Cole Hikutini hauled in six balls for 80 yards and a TD. Frank Ginda led the team with 13 tackles and half a sack. Levi Bell had eight tackles, 1.5 sacks and two tackles for a loss. Garrett Marino, S Mahone and Kai Nacua all finished with six tackles each with Nacua added a sack and three tackles for a loss. Walter Palmore and Corrion Ballard had five tackles. Breeland Speaks ended his day with four tackles, one sack and one tackle for a loss. Janal Milan had a tackle, a sack and a tackle for a loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s bad enough that a team with a losing record will make the playoffs, but no one in the USFL wants to see a team with a losing record make it to the championship game, let alone win it. It\u2019s a black eye for the XFL already in its first campaign. Luckily for Philadelphia, they\u2019re playing Michigan and this should be a cakewalk. Stars 27, Panthers 13<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last week<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Straight up:<\/strong> 2-2<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Against the spread:<\/strong> 1-3<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Season<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Straight up:<\/strong> 17-12<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Against the spread:<\/strong> 14-14<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow Adam Greene on Twitter <\/em>@TheFirstMan<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connect with us our socials on <\/em>Twitter<\/em><\/a> and <\/em>Instagram<\/em><\/a> for the latest sports news, viral moments, betting odds and the occasional memes.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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