Maulers’ Defense Dominates as Both Teams Move to 2-3 in Standings
In a battle that saw both teams fighting to rise in the USFL standings, the Pittsburgh Maulers outplayed the Michigan Panthers in a 23-7 victory. The Maulers’ well-rounded performance lifted them to a 2-3 record, the same as the Panthers, and gave the fans much to cheer about.
Results
Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
PIT | 7 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 23 |
MICH | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
Offensive Breakdown
Quarterback Troy Williams of the Maulers led the charge, completing 15 of his 19 pass attempts for 184 yards, throwing two touchdowns and one interception. His rushing game was equally impressive, recording 10 attempts for 59 yards and scoring a touchdown.
On the receiving end, Isiah Hennie had a standout performance with six receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown. Bailey Gaither also chipped in with four receptions for 89 yards.
The Panthers’ offensive unit, on the other hand, couldn’t match the Maulers’ intensity, failing to put any points on the board after the first quarter.
Defensive Breakdown
The Maulers’ defense was a force to be reckoned with, holding the Panthers to just 7 points. Bryce Torneden, Eli Walker, and Dale Warren were the top contributors, with Torneden and Walker each notching four tackles, while Warren led the team with six tackles.
Mark Gilbert, the Maulers’ cornerback, also had a significant impact, notching an interception.
Michigan’s defense had some moments, but it wasn’t enough. Vantrel McMillan had a team-high three tackles and a sack, while Josh Butler and Levonta Taylor each added two tackles. However, they failed to secure any interceptions.
Special Teams Breakdown
Chris Blewitt, the Maulers’ kicker, had a solid game, converting two extra points and one field goal from the 20-29 yard range. On the other side, Michigan’s special teams couldn’t contribute much to the scoreline, failing to capitalize on any field goal opportunities.
Game Summary
This game was largely decided by the Maulers’ superior offensive execution and solid defense. Pittsburgh’s Troy Williams had a standout performance, showcasing his skills both in the air and on the ground, while their defense managed to keep the Panthers’ offense at bay.
On the other hand, the Panthers were unable to crack the Maulers’ defense after the first quarter and their offense failed to sustain drives. Their defense, despite some decent individual performances, couldn’t change the tide of the game.
The Maulers will look to use this victory as a springboard to climb the USFL standings, while the Panthers will need to regroup and resolve their offensive issues before their next outing.
USFL Box Score
PIT
# | Player | Position | Pass. CMP | Rush. TD | Rush. YDS | Rush. ATT | Pass. INT | Pass. TD | Pass. YDS | Pass. ATT | Rec. Targets | Rec. YDS | Rec. | Rec. TD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11 | Troy Williams | QB | 15 | 1 | 59 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 184 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
37 | Garrett Groshek | RB | 0 | 0 | 22 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 19 | 1 | 0 |
9 | Madre London | RB | 0 | 0 | 15 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
4 | Bailey Gaither | WR | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 89 | 4 | 0 |
17 | Isiah Hennie | WR | 0 | 0 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 62 | 6 | 1 |
38 | Josh Simmons | WR | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 1 | 0 |
89 | Tre Walker | WR | 0 | 0 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
Total | 15 | 1 | 122 | 30 | 1 | 2 | 184 | 19 | 16 | 176 | 13 | 1 |
MICH
# | Player | Position | Pass. CMP | Rush. TD | Rush. YDS | Rush. ATT | Pass. INT | Pass. TD | Pass. YDS | Pass. ATT | Rec. Targets | Rec. YDS | Rec. | Rec. TD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11 | Carson Strong | QB | 13 | 0 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 94 | 23 | 1 | -2 | 1 | 0 |
12 | Josh Love | QB | 8 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 68 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
3 | Reggie Corbin | RB | 0 | 0 | 11 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
2 | Stevie Scott III | RB | 0 | 0 | -6 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 2 | 0 |
80 | Cole Hikutini | TE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1 |
82 | Josh Babicz | TE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
85 | Marcus Baugh | TE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 23 | 4 | 0 |
20 | AJ Richardson | WR | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 1 | 0 |
13 | Ishmael Hyman | WR | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 43 | 4 | 0 |
8 | Joe Walker | WR | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 27 | 2 | 0 |
18 | Trey Quinn | WR | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 40 | 5 | 0 |
Total | 21 | 0 | 18 | 18 | 2 | 1 | 162 | 36 | 34 | 162 | 21 | 1 |
Mark Perry is the founder and editor of USFL News Hub, a premier site dedicated to providing comprehensive coverage of the USFL. Since its inception in February 2022, the platform has grown exponentially under his expert leadership, carving out a unique niche in the world of football reporting. Mark has been covering football extensively since 2018, with his in-depth knowledge and insightful analysis helping to elevate USFL News Hub as a trusted source for all things related to spring football. His expertise spans various aspects of the sport, offering readers a nuanced perspective on the trends and developments in the USFL and beyond. Beyond his editorial responsibilities, Mark is known for his approachability and commitment to fostering dialogue around the sport. He is always open to inquiries and discussions about spring football. He can be contacted directly by emailing mark.perry@usflnewshub.com. His dedication and passion for football make him a vital voice in the coverage of this thrilling sport.