With the new USFL kicking off soon, many fans want to be prepped for the second consecutive season of the spring league with the information they need to know. Below are three of the biggest story lines going into the second season of the USFL 2.0 (streaming on Fox and NBC).
1. Birmingham Stallions are poised to repeat
Nothing is a given, especially in a high variance upstart league like the USFL, but the Stallions are favorites to repeat. The Birmingham Stallions are currently +275 to win (per DraftKings sports book) and for good reason. J’Mar smith returns after electrically taking over the league when started Alex McGough got injured (who is also returning and will likely contribute). These QBs have some of the top weapons in the league with Marlon Williams (perhaps the best WR in the USFL) and Bo Scarbrough (a very dominant hometown favorite running back). Our bet is on the Stallions to go back to back.
2. Darius Victor will make noise once again
Darius Victor is a hyper-talented running back with excellent vision, patience, and burst. He is also strong and versatile, making him a key component of the New Jersey Generals roster. Victor’s vision allows him to see holes in the defense and make cuts that other running backs cannot. He is also patient, waiting for his blocks to develop before bursting through them. Victor has good burst, which allows him to get to the edge and make plays in the open field. He is also strong, which allows him to break tackles and pick up yards after contact. Perhaps most impressive is that, in addition to all this, Darius Victor is one of the best pass catchers in the league. Will he take the crown of offensive player of the year? We bet he does.
3. The New Memphis Showboats are immediate title contenders (and RIP Tampa Bay Bandits)
During this off-season, the USFL announced that the Tampa Bay Bandits would be placed on “temporary hiatus” and the Memphis Showboats would instead be reborn to take their place in the 8 team league. This show watched the original USFL know the Showboats were a prominent, big name team.
This new incarnation of the Memphis Showboats is already expected to be one of the top teams in the league. They have a strong roster with a number of talented players, including quarterback Brady White (Memphis Legend!), newcomer running back Alex Collins, and wide receiver duo of Derrick Dillon and John Franklin III. The Showboats are also led by head coach Todd Haley, who has a proven track record of success in the NFL.
Who do you have winning the USFL championship this season? Be sure to watch the games and chat with us on Twitter @CFBSelect!
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