Week four of the USFL continued today with a primetime FOX showdown between the Birmingham Stallions and Tampa Bay Bandits. Whoever won tonight’s game would either maintain, or take first place in the division.
Coming into Saturday night, Birmingham was the final undefeated team in the USFL. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay was 2-1, having an inconsistent year – but showing resilience through it all.
“I’ve grown to love it. He can’t help himself he gets so proud.” @USFLBandits WR Vinny Papale shares what it’s like playing with his dad Vince Papale in the stands ❤️🏈 pic.twitter.com/UmbmNOJ5AP
— USFL (@USFL) May 7, 2022
As expected, this faceoff turned out to be an entertaining affair, despite the defensive standoff. Let’s take a look at what happened in tonight’s matchup between these two South Division rivals.
First Quarter
Tampa Bay received the opening kickoff, and looked solid to start. Jordan Ta’amu marched the team down the field, putting them in scoring range. A 37 yard field goal from Ty Rausa put the Bandits in front early, 3-0.
We’re on the board courtesy of @T_Rausa!
📺 @FOXSports pic.twitter.com/nKxXY5U4Mh
— Tampa Bay Bandits (@USFLBandits) May 7, 2022
Interestingly enough, Birmingham went with Alex McGough as the starting QB. Because J’Mar Smith was out for most of the week with an illness, Skip Holtz decided to put McGough out instead. Things did not go smoothly on their first drive, however, as Birmingham punted the ball quickly.
Feeney with the spin cycle sack 🌪️
📺 @FOXSports pic.twitter.com/HptE9T3e7H
— Tampa Bay Bandits (@USFLBandits) May 7, 2022
Throughout the rest of the quarter, neither team was able to find much of a rhythm. Penalties weighed down both sides, and we went into the next period with a 3-0 Bandits lead.
Second Quarter
Birmingham had possession of the football to start the second quarter, but another mediocre drive resulted in a punt. Alex McGough had a chance to pick up a first down, but slid early, leading to a fourth down situation.
Tampa Bay was quickly forced to punt, and that gave Birmingham another chance with the football. This time, they capitalized.
A long, methodical drive down the field set up Alex McGough with a scramble as he dove towards the endzone, giving the Stallions a 7-3 lead with under two minutes left in the half.
Mcgough knew it was good 😏
WE TAKE THE LEAD 🐎🐎
📺: @FOXSports pic.twitter.com/A37vOT00wT
— Birmingham Stallions (@USFLStallions) May 8, 2022
Tampa Bay responded immediately. A trick play set the Bandits up in excellent field position, as Tampa Bay ran the first double-pass of the USFL season on a flea flicker.
A little trickery indeed!
The Flea-Flicker is a success ☑️
📺 @FOXSports pic.twitter.com/ppNZ1Z2xuE
— Tampa Bay Bandits (@USFLBandits) May 8, 2022
On the very next play, Jordan Ta’amu threw a dart to Rashard Davis, securing it in the back of the endzone. Ta’amu has looked a lot more like…
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