USFL Power Rankings
by Fran Stuchbury
May 19, 2023 - United States Football League (USFL)
The United States Football league hit the halfway point of its 2023 season with upsets highlighting week five action. On Saturday the Pittsburgh Maulers dominated the Michigan Panthers, and the Houston Gamblers held off the defending champion Birmingham Stallions. The Philadelphia Stars edged the New Jersey Generals in a thriller, while the Memphis Showboats surged late over the New Orleans Breakers Sunday.
Week five begins Saturday in Memphis with 2-3 Pittsburgh against 2-3 Memphis and continues in Detroit as 3-2 Birmingham takes on 2-3 Michigan. On Sunday, 4-1 New Orleans lines up against 2-3 Philadelphia at Detroit, and 2-3 New Jersey faces 3-2 Houston at Memphis.
The power rankings after week five:
1. New Orleans Breakers 4-1
Three costly turnovers and Wes Hills finishing the day with just 38 rushing yards against Memphis put an end to their undefeated season.
2. Houston Gamblers 3-2
The Gamblers remained on a roll thanks to the play of running back Mark Thompson who has gained 293 yards and scored eight rushing touchdowns during Houston's three-game winning streak.
3. Birmingham Stallions 3-2
The Stallions defense, normally a strength of the team, has surrendered 47 points the last two games. Quarterback Alex McGough has borne the lion's share of the rushing attack.
4. New Jersey Generals 2-3
Generals running back Victor coughed up three costly fumbles in their loss to the Stars. The stout defense kept Philadelphia out of the endzone, but poor kickoff coverage proved to be a downfall.
5. Pittsburgh Maulers 2-3
Maulers quarterback Troy Williams has provided a spark with his ability to pass and run. The hard-nosed Pittsburgh defense held Michigan to just seven points.
6. Memphis Showboats 2-3
After starting the season 0-3 the Showboats find themselves on a two-game winning streak that includes an impressive victory over the previously undefeated Breakers.
7. Philadelphia Stars 2-3
A record eight field goals by Luis Aguilar ended up being the difference in a win over the Generals. Four takeaways and lengthy kick returns gave the Stars just enough chances.
8. Michigan Panthers 2-3
After matching last season's win total the first two weeks of the season, quarterback play has fallen off while the defense has given up 80 points the past three games.
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United States Football League Stories from May 19, 2023
- What to Expect in New Orleans Breakers vs. Philadelphia Stars - Philadelphia Stars
- USFL Week 6: What to Expect in All Four Matchups - USFL
- What to Expect in Birmingham Stallions vs. Michigan Panthers - Birmingham Stallions
- What to Expect in Memphis Showboats vs. Pittsburgh Maulers - Pittsburgh Maulers
- No Longer 'Lost in the Shuffle,' Gamblers' Mark Thompson Dominating USFL - Houston Gamblers
- USFL Power Rankings - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- USFL Power Rankings - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- USFL Power Rankings - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
