USFL Week 1 recap: Stallions start repeat pursuit on excessive word, Stars spoil Showboats’ debut

The USFL returned to the gridiron over the weekend with every of its eight groups in motion, together with the defending champion Birmingham Stallions who look able to pursue a repeat.

The Stallions took care of enterprise towards the New Jersey Generals, 27-10, beginning their title protection off on a excessive word. Birmingham quarterbacks J’Mar Smith and Alex McGough had a landing cross every. Smith had 160 passing yards and McGough had 68 passing yards.

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J’Mar Smith, #6 of the Birmingham Stallions, greets followers after the sport towards the New Jersey Generals at Protecting Stadium on April 15, 2023 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Andy Lyons/USFL/Getty Photographs)

Birmingham tight finish Jace Sternberger had 5 catches for 62 yards and a rating. Smith had a 61-yard landing cross to vast receiver Austin Watkins. New Jersey working again Darius Victor had eight carries for 84 yards within the loss.

The Memphis Showboats made its USFL debut. The Tampa Bay Bandits modified names and places within the offseason. The Showboats performed towards the Philadelphia Stars within the first USFL regular-season recreation outdoors of Birmingham within the new hub location, Simmons Financial institution Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee.

Whereas Brady White appeared to really feel proper at house with 182 passing yards and two landing passes and an interception, Stars quarterback Case Cookus helped the staff to a 27-23 win.

USFL KICKS OFF 2023 SEASON AS BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS LOOK TO REPEAT

Case Cookus, #10 the Philadelphia Stars, passes in the course of the recreation towards the Memphis Showboats at Simmons Financial institution Liberty Stadium on April 15, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/USFL/Getty Photographs)

Cookus was enjoying in his first recreation since breaking his leg within the USFL Championship final summer time. He was 20-of-29 with 212 passing yards and three landing passes. Devin Grey, Chris Rowland and Matt Colburn II had the landing passes.

The Michigan Panthers put up essentially the most factors over the weekend with 29 in a win over the Houston Gamblers. 

Josh Love had three landing passes on 18-of-20 passing with 215 yards. Joe Walker had six catches for 105 yards and a landing. Trey Quinn and Marcus Baugh had touchdowns as nicely.

The New Orleans Breakers acquired again within the win column with a 22-15 win over the Pittsburgh Maulers. McLeod Bethel-Thompson had 302 passing yards and a landing cross.

McLeod Bethel-Thompson, #1 of the New Orleans Breakers, passes in the course of the recreation towards the Pittsburgh Maulers at Protecting Stadium on April 16, 2023 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Andy Lyons/USFL/Getty Photographs)

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Right here’s how Week 2’s schedule will shake out.

• April 22: New Orleans Breakers vs. Houston Gamblers (12:30 p.m. ET; USA)
• April 22: Birmingham Stallions vs. Memphis Showboats (7 p.m. ET; FOX)
• April 23: Pittsburgh Maulers vs. New Jersey Generals (1 p.m. ET; NBC/Peacock)
• April 23: Philadelphia Stars vs. Michigan Panthers (7 p.m. ET; FS1)