By DaVince “Dino” Wright
Game Info
Houston Gamblers vs New Jersey Generals
Sunday – May 22 – 3:00 p.m.
TV: FOX
Protective Stadium – Birmingham, AL
Records Before the Game
Houston Gamblers (1-4)
New Jersey Generals (4-1)
The USFL is beginning to be the next big thing for spring professional football. I love watching some talented young players make a name for themselves on Saturdays and Sundays. Being honest with you, I looked at the USFL as a filler for football and needed something to watch besides baseball during the NFL offseason. The USFL is turning out to be pretty good! Let’s take a look at this week’s USFL Game of the Week.
Houston Gamblers
The Gamblers have a roster full of talented players in every spot on the chart. On offense, the Gamblers have a big physical running back that’s averaging 5.3 yards per carry. They average 21.4 points per game while giving up 23.3 points to opposition. The Gamblers have lost their last couple of games in the closing minutes of the 4th quarter. The key for Houston is to get down and play some tough defense in the 4th quarter. The defensive back field (cornerbacks and safeties) are giving up 247.2 yards of passing to opposing quarterbacks every week.
New Jersey Generals
The New Jersey Generals quarterback De’Andre Johnson is playing lights out under center. The team has a balance on offense in the passing and running game. The offense is averaging 186.6 yards per game through the air. The running game is averaging 180.2 yards on the ground. The defense is only giving up 16 points per game to opposition. This will be a test for the Generals this week. They have been solid in all three phases of the game and with a win this week they can stay in 1st place in their division.
Prediction
This game boils down to Houston’s ability to play tough defense against New Jersey’s high-octane offense. Creating turnovers for both teams will be key this week. I’m taking New Jersey by 6! Houston dropped the ball in the last two weeks in the last few minutes of the game which makes it hard to pick them.
Final Score
Generals – 23
Gamblers – 17
