The Birmingham Stallions (5-2) clashed with the New Orleans Breakers (4-3) on Saturday afternoon from Protective Stadium in a battle for first place in the South Division. Coming into this game, Birmingham, New Orleans, and Houston were in a three-way tie for first place.
Birmingham’s defense had to hold a couple of late drives by the Breakers, including a game-ending interception in the endzone by JoJo Tillery in a Stallions 24-20 win over the Breakers to take over first place for now depending on what happens in tomorrow’s Houston game against the Memphis Showboats at 2:30 pm on USA Network.
Birmingham quarterback Alex McGough completed 16 of 23 passes (69%) for 176 yards, one touchdown, seven carries for 22 yards, and one touchdown. Running back CJ Marable led the rushers with 17 carries for 86 yards, and led the receivers with six catches for 52 yards.
Tight End Jace Sternberger had two receptions for 28 yards and one touchdown. Kicker Brandon Aubrey made one field goal for 22 yards and converted three extra points. Birmingham’s defense allowed 370 yards,73 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, four pass breakups, and two forced fumbles.
New Orleans quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson completed 24 of 42 passes (57%) for 279 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Running back Wes Hills had 20 carries for 77 yards and three catches for 11 yards. Wide receiver Johnnie Dixon led the receivers with six catches for 97 yards, while Lee Morris had three catches for 16 yards and one touchdown.
Kicker Matt Coghlin made four field goals with a long of 55 yards. New Orleans’s defense allowed 261 yards, with 57 tackles, three tackles for loss, three sacks, two pass breakups, and one forced fumble.
Next Saturday, the Birmingham Stallions host the Philadelphia Stars at 3 pm on NBC, while the New Orleans Breakers host the Michigan Panthers next Sunday at 4 pm on FOX. Subscribe to Fubo to watch all of the 2023 USFL Season, and tickets for both games are available today on StubHub and Viagogo.
