USFL – The poster for the first final is known

Gathered in Canton for the final stages, the 4 best teams in the championship launched hostilities this weekend for the semi-finals. And if the Stallions assumed their status as favorites by dominating the Breakers, the Generals were surprised by the Stars. The first USFL final will therefore oppose Birmingham to Philadelphia.

Back to the semi-finals

New Jersey Generals (9-1) 14 – Philadelphia Stars (6-4) 19

Favorites after a controlled regular season, the Generals were surprised in the playoffs. In a defensive match, marked by several actions from the special teams, the Stars managed to create a small feat to reach the final. Because the Philadelphia franchise arrived in the semi-finals with no victory against a team with a positive record…

What’s even more surprising is that the Stars were greatly diminished during this meeting, with the loss of several key players. RB Matt Colburn has been out for a while, but Philly also had to do without QB Case Cookus and CB Channing Stribling (USFL leader in interception) for part of the game.

This rather closed match was therefore marked by several superb actions from the special teams of both teams. Each has indeed scored on a punt return, a signed Ka’Vontae Turpin for the Generals, and a signed Maurice Alexander to give the Stars the definitive advantage.

Birmingham Stallions (9-1) 31 – New Orleans Breakers (6-4) 17

Already winners of the first two clashes during the regular season, the Stallions confirmed their supremacy by dominating the Breakers in the semi-finals. The New Orleans franchise opened the scoring in this meeting, but Birmingham managed to take control just before the break, on a superb kickoff return from Victor Bolden Jr.

The Stallions then closed the floodgates and made the break in the second part of the game, thanks in particular to an excellent J’Mar Smith. The Birmingham QB finished with 190 yards and 1 touchdown in the air, as well as 48 yards and 1 more touchdown on the ground. All without losing a ball. A notable difference with his vis-à-vis, Kyle Sloter, who returned the ball twice to the opponent with interceptions.

Presentation of the final

Birmingham Stallions (10-1) vs Philadelphia Stars (7-4)

• Saturday, July 3, at 7:30 p.m. (US time) – Sunday, July 4, at 1:30 a.m. (FR time)
• Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium (Canton, Ohio)

Winners of the South division, the Stallions arrive as favorites for this final against the Stars who finished in 2^th place of the North division. So far, Birmingham have only lost once, while Philadelphia have already suffered 4 defeats.

The two teams have already met in the regular season, it was during the 5^th daytime. And the Stallions had won quite easily, with a score of 30 to 17. QB J’Mar Smith (203 yards, 2 TD) and RB CJ Marable (114 yards, 1 TD) had made big games in attack , and the defense had contained the prolific attack of the Stars.

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