As the USFL’s thrilling 2023 regular season came to a close on Sunday, the New Orleans Breakers and Michigan Panthers emerged triumphant in Week 10, securing the last two playoff spots. We present to you the detailed breakdown of what to expect in the upcoming playoffs.
Playoff Schedule
Division Championships
- Saturday, June 24th
- North Division Championship
- Pittsburgh Maulers vs. Michigan Panthers
- Location: Canton, Ohio
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV: NBC
- Sunday, June 25th
- South Division Championship
- Birmingham Stallions vs. New Orleans Breakers
- Location: Birmingham, Alabama
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- TV: FOX
USFL Championship Game
- Saturday, July 1st
- Division championship winners
- Location: Canton, Ohio
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV: NBC
The Teams
North Division: Pittsburgh Maulers vs. Michigan Panthers
The Pittsburgh Maulers, under head coach Ray Horton, have experienced an awe-inspiring turnaround from last season’s disappointing 1-9 record. Finishing with a 4-6 record this season, the Maulers boast one of the strongest defenses in the league.
On the other hand, Michigan Panthers, also ending with a 4-6 record, have been revitalized by their new quarterback E.J. Perry. The Panthers’ head coach Mike Nolan led them to the playoffs in his debut season.
Key Matchup
Michigan’s QB E.J. Perry against Pittsburgh’s formidable defensive line. Perry is known for his agility and running skills, while the Maulers defense is renowned for creating turnovers and minimizing passing yards.
Season Series Recap
The Maulers won both encounters against the Panthers this season. With Pittsburgh ending the season with two consecutive victories, the Panthers will need to step up their game after losing six of their last eight matches.
Players to Watch
- Pittsburgh’s Isiah Hennie (punt return yards leader), Kyahva Tezino (league’s leading tackler), and Marcus Gilbert (league leader in interceptions).
- Michigan’s Breeland Speaks (USFL sack leader), Frank Ginda (second in tackles), and Reggie Corbin (fifth in rushing).
South Division: Birmingham Stallions vs. New Orleans Breakers
The defending champions, Birmingham Stallions, ended the regular season with an impressive 8-2 record. The New Orleans Breakers, not too far behind, ended at 7-3.
Key Matchup
Stallions’ Alex McGough, potentially the league’s MVP, against the Breakers’ rock-solid secondary which hasn’t conceded a passing touchdown in their last nine quarters.
Season Series Recap
The teams split their regular season matches. The Breakers won 45-31 in Week 3 and the Stallions retaliated in Week 7 with a 24-20 victory.
Players to Watch
- Breakers’ McLeod Bethel-Thompson (leading passer in the USFL), Wes Hills (league’s leading rusher), and Sage Surratt (third in receiving yards).
- Stallions’ Alex McGough (a frontrunner for the league’s MVP award).
Final Regular Season Standings
North Division
- Pittsburgh Maulers – 4-6 (Clinched playoff berth)
- Michigan Panthers – 4-6 (Clinched playoff berth)
- Philadelphia Stars – 4-6 (Eliminated)
- New Jersey Generals – 3-7 (Eliminated)
South Division
- Birmingham Stallions – 8-2 (Clinched playoff berth)
- New Orleans Breakers – 7-3 (Clinched playoff berth)
- Houston Gamblers – 5-5 (Eliminated)
- Memphis Showboats – 5-5 (Eliminated)
As the division championships approach, it’s all to play for in the USFL playoffs. Fans are gearing up for an intense weekend of football where only the strongest will emerge victorious.
