Photo Courtesy: Dave Sizer
By DaVince “Dino” Wright
Game Info
Birmingham Stallions vs Tampa Bay Bandits
Saturday – June 18 – 3:00 p.m.
TV: FOX
Legion Field – Birmingham, AL
Records Before the Kick
Birmingham Stallions (8-1)
Tampa Bay Bandits (4-5)
It’s Week 10 of the USFL season and the playoffs starts next week. The Birmingham Stallions have won the South Division and with one more game left. They are looking to go into the playoffs with a win. This week the Stallions are taking on the Tampa Bay Bandits and while the Stallions are looking ahead to next week’s match up against the New Orleans Breakers, they can’t allow themselves to look past the Bandits this week. Let’s take a look at this week’s USFL Game of the Week.
Birmingham Stallions
The Stallions are poised to earn a championship this season. They have two players on the All-USFL offense. Offensive guard Cameron Hunt who plays well on either side of the center and wide receiver Victor Bolden Jr. who has 538 yards in kick returns, 175 yards in punt returns and 1,110 all purpose yards this season. Keep an eye on him because he’s lightning in a bottle. Quarterback J’Mar Smith has to get him the ball early and often. Running back CJ Marable needs his touches early in the game to establish the run. Don’t forget about Bo Scarbrough because he can take it to the house on any given play.
Tampa Bay Bandits
Tampa Bay will need quarterback Jordan Ta’amu to get off to a quick start against the Stallions stingy defense. He has great protection upfront. Offensive tackle play will be huge against the Stallions pass rush. Punter Brandon Wright will be the x-factor for the Bandits this week. He has a huge leg and the ability to pin opposing teams deep into their own territory. Field position will be key for the Bandits this week. Look for the Bandits to steal the last game of the season in the hopes of making the playoffs.
Prediction
If the Stallions think that they have something easy this week. They have another thing coming! Look for the Bandits to come out playing fast and physical. The over/.under is 44. I’m taking the Stallions by 10!
Final Score
Stallions – 27
Bandits – 17
