To kick off week three, the Houston Gamblers took on the Tampa Bay Bandits in a south division duel. With both of these teams sitting at 1-1, it was an important game to attempt to gain some leverage.
“I’m missing my daughter’s graduation… so let’s get her a win please.”
Head Coach Todd Haley is ready and dedicating today to his daughter! ❤️🎓
📺: @FOXSports
📱: https://t.co/d57MT0EuiL pic.twitter.com/LQq1E2p0pk— Tampa Bay Bandits (@USFLBandits) April 30, 2022
The Gamblers lost a tough one to Birmingham last week, falling short 33-28 against the feisty Stallions. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay had been rocked by New Orleans losing 34-3 in an utter blowout.
Heading into Saturday’s slate, both squads were in need of a win to get back on track, especially with how solid the south division is shaping up to be so far. Let’s take a look at what happened in today’s electrifying opener to week three in the USFL.
First Quarter
Tampa Bay needed to get off to a quick start, and they did. On 3rd and 10, Jordan Ta’amu found Derrick Dillon on a short throw, who then took it the rest of the way. Within just a couple of minutes, the Bandits held a 7-0 lead.
😤 @DerrickDillon4 would not be denied
He puts the @USFLBandits on top 💪 pic.twitter.com/rXxPO1U2ub
— USFL (@USFL) April 30, 2022
Houston kicked things off on a solid note offensively, marching down the field quickly. Mark Thompson was excellent as expected, putting the Gamblers in scoring position. Nick Vogel knocked through a 46 yard field goal, and it was 7-3.
.@NickVogel5 is the best kicker in the @USFL and we will not be taking questions at this time.
The field goal is good from 46!
📺: @FOXSports
📱: https://t.co/NID61fKtW9 pic.twitter.com/4Pyev87TFv— Houston Gamblers (@USFLGamblers) April 30, 2022
A bobbled handoff between Ta’amu and Dillon put the Bandits in a deep hole on their next drive. They were forced to punt, giving the ball back quickly to Houston.
The Gamblers capitalized immediately. Clayton Thorson found Anthony Ratliff-Williams deep down the field in stride – who proceeded to fumble the ball, pick it up, and waltz into the endzone for six. Just like that, the Gamblers led 10-7.
JUST how we drew it up…trust us. 😏
📺: @FOXSports
📱: https://t.co/NID61fKtW9 pic.twitter.com/6YJfCIyz62— Houston Gamblers (@USFLGamblers) April 30, 2022
Second Quarter
Things began to get ugly for Tampa Bay, as a promising drive resulted in a missed field goal. On the very next play from scrimmage, Mark Thompson broke loose for a massive score, putting the Gamblers on top 17-7.
.@InMarkWeTrust with the longest run of the USFL season❗️
55 yards ➡️ 🏡
📺: @FOXSports
📱: https://t.co/NID61fKtW9 pic.twitter.com/XLT0MrqYK6— Houston Gamblers (@USFLGamblers) April 30, 2022
The Bandits showed some resilience, however. After giving up 17 straight points, Ta’amu efficiently marched Tampa Bay down the field. An…
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