The USFL is halfway through the 2023 regular season, and the Birmingham Stallions are in desperate need of righting the ship before things go from bad to worse. Following a 2-0 start, the Stallions have dropped two of their last three games and have fallen to 3-2.
In a critical divisional matchup last week, the Stallions led 13-7 heading into the fourth quarter, but were outscored 20-7 in the final stanza, losing to the Houston Gamblers, 27-20. Birmingham’s defense held strong through three quarters but allowed a touchdown on three straight drives.
Quarterback Alex McGough impressed throughout the game, but came up just short on a pivotal drive late in the fourth. On fourth and four, he completed a pass to Jace Sternberger for a first down but it was called back for a penalty. The next play, he connected with Davion Davis for a 22-yard completion that would have extended the drive, but it was later ruled incomplete. McGough was named Offensive Player of the Week in Week 5 after completing 24-of-37 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns along with 76 rushing yards on six carries.
The Stallions are one of three teams above .500 in the USFL but sit third in the South Division behind the New Orleans Breakers and the Gamblers. Both teams are responsible for Birmingham’s losses this season.
In Week 6, the Stallions will head to Ford Field for the first time this season to face the Michigan Panthers. The Panthers are on a three-game losing skid and similarly to the Stallions, they will be looking to get their season back on track.
GAME PREVIEW
Line: Stallions -6, O/U, 43.5 per Odds by FOXBET -213 Stallions, +160 Panthers
Date/Location: Saturday, May 20th, 2023, at Ford Field Detroit, Michigan
Kickoff Time: 4:00PM EST
TV/Streaming: FOX/Fox Sports App
Injury Report:
Roster Moves:
Keys to the Game
Force and Limit turnovers
When it comes to giveaways and takeaways, these two teams are on opposite ends of the turnover spectrum. The Stallions have forced five turnovers (worst in the USFL) while conceding five giveaways (best in the USFL). Meanwhile, the Panthers have forced 11 takeaways (best in the USFL) while turning the ball over 12 times (worst in the USFL). One side is going to give in this matchup and the Stallions need to be on the right side of things.
Birmingham hasn’t been the best in this department the past three games. Since Week 3, the Stallions have turned the ball over four times while only forcing one takeaway. If the Stallions are going to want to win this game, they’re going to need to force multiple turnovers against a team that is contagious to giving the ball up. Additionally, they’ll need to take care of the football and convert in key situations.
Limit Panthers’ rushing attack
The biggest casualty as to why the Stallions have lost two of their last three games is because they can’t stop anybody in the ground game. Over the past three weeks, the Stallions have faced some of the best running backs in the USFL and have been unsuccessful in slowing them down. Birmingham has conceded 434 rushing yards and seven touchdowns since Week 3.
Things won’t get easier in this matchup, as the Panthers have the fourth-best running back in the USFL in Reggie Corbin. He’s rushed for 261 yards and two touchdowns on 51 carries.
It’s hard to imagine a different outcome based on the previous matchups, but it’s reaching a breaking point. If the Stallions want to get back on track and develop championship characteristics, they need to do so in this critical road matchup.
Stallions-Panthers Preview
Similarly to how much of the season has gone, the Stallions are a touchdown favorite in this matchup, but that hasn’t always led to wins. Fortunately for them, they’ll be facing an offense that has struggled as of late, as the Panthers are averaging only 10 points in losses and have scored the least amount of points in the USFL with 73. Meanwhile, the Stallions have the best-scoring defense in the USFL at 84 points despite 45 of them coming against the New Orleans Breakers.
The Stallions have the better team and quarterback, which should play a big role in this game. Alex McGough has done his best to will his team together the past few weeks, and they’ll need another massive performance out of him. McGough leads the league in passing touchdowns (10) and points (72).
Overall, Birmingham does have the edge against a depleted and struggling Panthers squad. Despite a brief losing skid and playing on the road, the Stallions
This is a get-right matchup for the Stallions to get back into the win column, and they should take full advantage of this opportunity.
Final score: Stallions 31, Panthers 14
