The Birmingham Stallions got the win in an exciting week eight matchup. The Stallions won 27-24 against the Philadelphia Stars. The win extended the Stallions’ lead in the South and kept the North division much closer in their standings. This was a close game, but in the end, the Stallions got the win. Birmingham now has a 6-2 record, while the Stars fall to a 4-4 record in the USFL. Here is a look at the studs and duds for the Birmingham Stallions in week eight.
Birmingham Stallions Studs
Birmingham Stallions QB Alex McGough (2) – Marvin Gentry/USA TODAY Sports
Alex McGough
Birmingham Stallions quarterback Alex McGough had a pretty strong game against the Stars. McGough was under a lot of pressure yet was still able to make big players. Throughout the game, the quarterback completed 24 passes out of 35 attempts for 333 yards, according to the USFL. He also had three passing touchdowns. McGough was able to rush the ball five times for 19 yards.
The incompletions may seem like a lot, but not in the context of the actual game. While McGough was under pressure, he was sure not to throw any interceptions or take many sacks. He was able to run out of the pocket and avoid sacks from the Stars’ defense numerous times. The game could have gone a lot differently if it were not for McGough’s decision-making.
Davion Davis
Wide receiver Davion Davis also had a strong game. While he only had four receptions, he made each reception count. Davis had a total of 120 receiving yards, according to the USFL. Alone that may not seem like enough to be labeled as a stud, but it is when it is noted that the average yards per reception are 30. He also had one touchdown in the game.
The most notable play from Davis was late in the game. McGough was under pressure and was able to hit Davis with the pass. In what could have been a simple first down, Davis broke away, and the reception was for 71 yards. This put the Birmingham Stallions in the red zone, and the team was able to get the touchdown. Davis was a big reason that the team won in week eight.
Honorary Mention: CJ Marable
Running back CJ Marable had to be mentioned after the game he had. Marable had 11 rushing attempts for just 56 yards, according to the USFL. It was not the greatest run game for him, but he also had five receptions for 46 yards. The way Marable was able to be a receiver when McGough needed someone to throw to is why he stood out in week eight.
Birmingham Stallions Duds
Former NC State RB Ricky Person Jr – Grant Halverson/Getty Images
Ricky Person Jr
Stallions running back Ricky Person Jr. did not have a great game. He had just five rushing attempts for 29 yards, according to the USFL. Marable is the primary running back for the Stallions, but it may have been an easier game for Birmingham if Person could have taken the pressure off of Marable and helped get the run game going. Person’s longest run was for 11 yards. Hopefully, while still being second on the depth chart, Person can make a push next week to help the Stallions continue to win.
Willie Yarbary
Defensive lineman Willie Yarbary did not have a bad game, but more could have been done. He had six total tackles, but only one was solo, according to the USFL. He also had half of a sack. Yarbary did well helping his team, but there was still more he could have done. The hope will be as the season closes out, Yarbary can make a big push as a player and increase his number of sacks.
The Birmingham Stallions are still first in the South. With two games left, they will next face the Houston Gamblers, followed by the Memphis Showboats. The Stallions are in a great position to make playoffs, and if they keep it up, they should be able to go far.
