Jesse Dyess 
Pittsburgh Maulers 19 Michigan Panthers 7
Are you one of those people who love pitching duels? Did you use to tune in to watch the Steelers and Ravens knowing 10 points could win that game? You were probably very much at home in this game. The final score doesn’t really do justice to just how dominant the Maulers really were. The Pittsburgh Maulers stifling defense held Michigan to 7 points. The Mauler’s USFL best defense was up to the task today, intercepting Josh Love 4 times, and sacking him 5 times. Kyahva Tezino led the Mauler’s defense coming away with 2 of those interceptions.
The Pittsburgh Offense continues to struggle, failing to take advantage of the opportunities their defense gives them. On the opening drive, it looked like the Mauler’s offense may be on to something. After Justin Simmons returned a kick to the Panther 29, 3 plays later he caught a 17-yard pass from Troy Williams.
A USFL record 84-yard punt by the Mauler’s Matt Mengal would highlight the rest of the half. The Panther’s defense would sack Troy Williams 6 times. The Mauler’s defense forced 3 interceptions, and a blocked punt. the Maulers would get field goals on two of these taking the score to half 13-0.
Second Half
Michigan’s only show of offensive competency would come in the second half when Josh Love would throw his only touchdown pass, a 12-yard completion to Cole Hikutuni. A converted extra point would make the score 13-7. The rest of the game would be a defensive struggle. Pittsburgh put together 2 decent drives, both resulting in field goals. Michigan would have their opportunities, but the rest of their possessions would end in punts, one interception, and 2 failed 4th down conversions.
Troy Williams had an efficient game at quarterback for the Maulers despite the sacks, going 14 for 24, 166 yards, and a touchdown. Unlike his counterpart Josh Love (19/33 233 yards 1TD 4Ints), Williams did a great job managing the game and not making the big mistake. A.J. Richardson and Cole Hikutuni had the best offensive performances in a losing effort. Richardson came down with 99 yards on 5 receptions, and Hikutuni had 80 with a touchdown on 6 receptions.
What’s Next
In true to form 2023 USFL football, This changes almost nothing in the playoff picture. Pittsburgh would have been eliminated with a loss, and Michigan could have clenched with a win and a Stars win. This will add even more significance to this weekend’s divisional play. the Pittsburgh Maulers will rematch the New Jersey Generals (Saturday at 1 pm, USA, Canton Ohio). The Michigan Panthers will host the Philadelphia Stars with a playoff on the line (Sunday at 7 pm Fox, Ford Field).
New Orleans Breakers 31 Memphis Showboats 3
Dominant from the start
It was obvious from the get-go that the Breakers wanted revenge for the 17-10 loss they suffered earlier in the season. This game would be marred by a 3-hour weather delay that paused the game near the end of the first quarter. At this point, the score was already 17-0 Breakers. The defense came up big this time, forcing a fumble that led to 3 points. After a Memphis punt, Jared Elder returned it all the way to the Memphis 35. Wes Hills would cap the drive with a 2-yard run to give them a 10-0 lead. On the ensuing possession, Showboat quarterback Cole Kelley was Intercepted by Vontae Diggs, and an 18-yard return later made the game 17-0.
After a 3-hour weather delay, miscues and turnovers would define the rest of the game. The Showboats, who previously led the league in turnover margin, committed 5 turnovers today (3 interceptions, 2 Fumbles). The most costly was right before the half. With a 17-3 score., had a chance to score with the ball on the one. Running back Juwan Washington fumbles the handoff, a turnover killing the threat.
Second Half
Showboat mistakes would summarize the second half. All season long, Memphis had a reputation for going for it on 4th down. They were 12 of 16 to this point, only missing 4 all season. In this game, Memphis turned the ball over on downs 5 times. New Orleans, already with a big lead, was able to convert two of these into touchdowns. The First one came in the third quarter. Bethel-Thompson’s 3-yard pass to Joe Adams capped a 61-yard drive. The Second would come in the 4th quarter to ice the game.
After Memphis failed 4th and 2 on their own 28-yard line, New Orleans would put the game out of reach. On 2nd down, wide receiver Eli Stove took an end around untouched 28 yards, giving us our 31-3 final score.
Despite the blowout, this game didn’t feature much offense. McLeod Bethel-Thompson only had 88 yards passing on 9 of 16. League-leading running back Wes Hills only carries the ball for 48 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. Memphis quarterback Cole Kelley had a rough day at the office. He went 23-41 for 223 yards, with no touchdowns and 3 Interceptions.
What’s Next
As of the completion of Saturday games, nobody has been officially eliminated from playoff contention. New Orleans improves to 6-3, with their final game a rematch against the Gamblers (Sunday 4 pm, FS1)Memphis will have a chance to avenge a 42-2 loss with a rematch against the Birmingham Stallions (Saturday 4 pm, Fox).
