This is the definition of a trap game.
The Birmingham Stallions (3–1) sit atop the USFL Conference. The Memphis Showboats (0–4) sit at the bottom.
As the name implies, this game feels like a trap.
The Stallions are a good team, but they aren’t perfect. They are also obviously beatable since they have already lost once.
The Showboats, on the other hand, look somewhat bad on paper, but they have found some success this season. Their games against the Defenders and Roughnecks both went down to the wire.
There is also the fact that grown men don’t like to lose. The Showboats’ season isn’t going well, but the players are still fighting for pride and their NFL dreams. That makes them a dangerous opponent.
The Stallions will have to show up ready to play if they want to walk away with the victory.
Memphis Showboats
You don’t start the season 0–4 without flaws.
The Showboats’ offensive consistency has been a huge issue.
They also have a league-leading turnover margin, in a bad way.
However, it might not be as bad as it seems. Their two multi-score losses both came against the Michigan Panthers.
Outside of games against Michigan, they have been competitive.
- They only lost by 5 points to the (3–1) D.C. Defenders.
- Their game against the Houston Roughnecks went down to the wire (17–18).
Is it possible that Michigan just has their number?
The Showboats’ defense has looked improved as the season wears on. Plus, the Stallions are dealing with some injury issues.
They are coming into the game as 10.5-point underdogs, but that might be deceiving. This game might be tighter than it seems on paper (not betting advice, just an observation).
Birmingham Stallions
The Stallions must feel good sitting at 3–1 after a tough loss in week one.
The 23–16 win over the Roughnecks was Matt Corral’s best game of the season. Unfortunately, he was also injured in that victory.
The current injury report is a mixed bag.
Matt Corral didn’t practice this week. Coach Skip Holtz has confirmed that Cookus will get the start in his place.
Case Cookus will be making his first start of the season. Normally, starting your 3rd string QB isn’t a great sign. But, as I pointed out in the preseason, the Stallions’ QB depth is impressive.
There are a couple of other injury concerns that are trending in a more positive direction.
Regardless of the QB, you always want your top pass catchers healthy. Deon Cain (Knee) and Jordan Thomas (Quad) will both be active for the game despite being limited in practice this week.
Running back Ricky Person Jr. is poised to return from an ankle injury after missing week 4.
The defense is poised to get a little help as well. DB Kenny Robinson Jr. has been dealing with an ankle injury that’s kept him sidelined since week 1. He was a full participant on Tuesday and Wednesday and will be available for the game.
Despite the injury concerns, the Stallions have improved weekly. They will look to keep that momentum going in week 5.
Game Information
Date and Time: April 25, 8:00 PM ET
Location: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL
TV Broadcast: Fox
Betting Odds Per DraftKings (April 23rd):
Spread: Stallions -10.5
Moneyline: Stallions -650, Showboats +470
Over/Under: 37.5
2 Comments
by Ken Granito
When Case Cookus was not brought back or signed by anyone until after J’Mar Smith announced his intention to leave the game it was another sign the UFL was intentioning to get younger getting away from Darius Victor, Vinny Papale, De’Veon Smith, Brandon Silvers, Ethan Westbrooks, Tyshun Render, PJ Walker, Mark Thompson, Darrius Sheppard, D’ Juan Hines, Vontae Diggs, Anthony Butler, Quenton Meeks all players that were told their services are no longer needed. So far it has become clear that some of their services are needed as Brandon Silvers, De’Veon Smith and Case Cookus are back. Case Cookus gets the nod tonight. Does the 2022 Cookus emerge or does the 2023 bomb crazy to start the year Cookus come of the reeled-in Cookus that finished the year, looking like his 2022 even working in the short game throwing Corey Coleman, yes that model or does the 2024 Memphis QB come on board that looked a deer in headlights. I, personally, always wondered what would happen if Case Cookus played for a Skip Holtz, Birmingham Stallions team. Tonight I find out. So for those who feel there is no need to tune in, remember both the Stallions and Showboats are dealing with injuries, both have new quarterbacks tonight and they are the wildcards. If Dresser Wynn is a godsend the Showboats will do alright and would do better IF the Showboats were smart enough to sign Vinny Papale, but they weren’t. Jay Adams cannot be everywhere as was evidenced when he was injured against the Roughnecks and with 2 minutes remaining was on the sidelines despite a great half. If Case Cookus throws 4 picks obviously the Showboats will look good and Jarren Horton knows all about Case Cookus. However, Skip Holtz knows all about beating Jarren Horton and even better putting the writing on the wall. Noel Mazzone is an experience, proven coach. In 2022, the Breakers had 4 great receivers AND the league’s leading rusher. He knows how to put it on the field. Despite that Skip Holtz’ Birmingham Stallions beat them three times. I know that Defensive Co-ordinator is no longer with the team, but I feel pretty good, especially with the defensive line they have. I hate to say it, but they have Carlos Davis & Willie Yarbury, maybe this league’s best secret. Keep it up, Willie. I’m watching and rooting. One more thing, the league keeps saying how much better the talent is, but I feel the gameplay is MUCH choppier this year than last. I think most can see it. It is also no accident that the teams with the most experienced quarterbacks (Defenders & Renegades) are 6-2.
by Ken Granito
Do you see what I mean about the fix being in. The Left Tackle of the Showboats should literally have 10 holding penalties by now. It’s just so stupid. It is like the league thinks we are all so stupid, like we don’t even know football. I am personally VERY insulted. Do you see what I mean Greyson, this league should mean very little to us. I keep trying to help them, but they are hell bent on making a mockery of the game of football. Hell Bent! Please, let all of us show we are pissed off and none one, show up at or watch on TV next Friday’s game. Let’s hold out on the league. They fully deserve it. And if we want to save our league it is the best thing we can do. I don’t even care if the league cries headwinds. They are causing their own headwinds. It’s a joke. Let’s hope for a better second half, because this is a joke. And Greyson, please stand with me and get anyone else you can to stay away from next Friday’s game. Maybe fox will listen when they have no one watching.