The USFL Conference regular season champion will most likely be decided this week in Birmingham.
Michigan would clinch the conference with a win. Birmingham would need a win and either a win or a Michigan loss in week 10.
Regardless of the outcome, these two teams will see each other again soon. The USFL Conference Championship is set to take place in Birmingham due to the Panthers’ home field being unavailable.
Despite the outcome of the game meaning little in the grand scheme of things, I expect a great game.
Birmingham Stallions
The 5–3 Stallions have been in some fun games this season.
- 1 point win over Arlington
- 4-point loss to Memphis in 1st UFL overtime game
- Overcoming a 19-point deficit vs Houston
- 1 point loss to St. Louis
The QB situation has been tough all year. From week to week, you never know who will start or finish behind center.
That uncertainty seems likely to continue with McGough back at practice this week (in a limited capacity).
Cookus and Smith have both looked good at times this season. McGough is a former MVP, so it’s hard to say exactly how the QB situation will play out.
Keys to victory
Establish the run: No Birmingham QB has made more than 3 starts this season. So, regardless of who is at QB, a strong running attack would be helpful.
Limit Turnovers: The Stallions have been struggling to take care of the ball all season. A fumble cost them the game last week, and they have thrown an interception in 7 of their 8 games this season.
Limit Penalties: The Stallions have been penalized 60 times in 8 games. That’s a number that needs to improve.
Michigan Panthers
The Michigan Panthers have looked like contenders all year.
Their 38–14 beatdown of the DC Defenders put the entire league on notice.
Their only missteps this year have been against good opponents in Birmingham and St. Louis.
Despite not having the opportunity to host a playoff game, the Panthers will be motivated. Winning the regular season USFL title would be a feather in their cap.
Keys to victory
Establish the run: The Michigan Panthers have the second-leading rushing attack in the UFL. St. Louis, the #1 rushing team in the league, rushed for 173 yards against Birmingham last week. With starting QB Bryce Perkins out, the run game will be even more important.
Win the penalty battle: The Panthers have 15 fewer penalties than Birmingham on the season. They will want to lean into that advantage to help win the field position battle, especially considering the next point.
Kick and punt well: The kicking game isn’t the Panthers’ strength. They are a league-worst 8 of 12 on field this season (compared to Mevis’s 18–19). They are also in the bottom half of the league in punting and punt returns. Both those issues could become a problem in a close game.
Game Information
Date and Time: May 24, 3:00 PM ET
Location: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL
TV Broadcast: ABC
Betting Odds Per DraftKings (May 22nd :)
Spread: Stallions -2.5
Moneyline: Stallions -125, Panthers +105
Over/Under: 44.5
