The Houston Gamblers defeated the Pittsburgh Maulers in an important week eight matchup. The game was a close one, but the Gamblers came up on top with a 20-19 win. The game knocked the Maulers down to 2-6, while the Gamblers went up to a 5-3 record. This is big news, with only two more weeks of the regular season left in the 2023 USFL. Here is a look at the Houston Gamblers’ studs and duds in week eight.
Houston Gamblers Studs
Houston Gamblers K Buck Vogel (19) – Vasha Hunt/USA TODAY Sports
Mark Thompson
Running back Mark Thompson had a strong game against the Maulers. He even made history this past weekend. In the game, Thompson rushed the ball 14 times for 98 yards, according to the USFL. He also had two touchdowns, which is important for more than just the win. Thompson scored his 12th rushing touchdown with the Gamblers, which is a new record for any nationally televised pro spring football team. This goes back to when the USFL had an 18-game schedule in 1985. Breaking the record is a huge accomplishment for Thompson.
The way that Thompson played is a big reason that the Gamblers got the win this weekend. This was an important game in a tough South division. The more that the running back scores this season, the harder it will be for anyone to catch up to the new record.
Isaiah Zuber
Wide receiver Isaiah Zuber also had a really strong game for the Houston Gamblers. While he may not have broken any records this week, if it were not for him, this game could have gone very differently. The wide receiver had five receptions for 30 yards, according to the USFL. His longest reception was for 15 yards. While other receivers may have had more receiving yards, his receptions were not the only reason that Zuber stood out.
The receiver also had six kick returns in week eight. Against the Maulers, Zuber totaled 149 kick return yards. His longest return was for 39 yards. The field position was a big help for the Gamblers in their win. Hopefully, next week Zuber can get more receiving yards, but he had a great week eight win.
Houston Gamblers Duds
Houston Gamblers CB Bydarrius Knighten (5) – Marvin Gentry/USA TODAY Sports
Justin Hall
Wide Receiver Justin Hall did not have a bad day, but he fell short compared to past games. The team still won and he was a part of that, but more could have been done. In the game, Hall had three receptions for 40 yards, according to the USFL. His longest run was for 19 yards, but he did average 13.3 yards per reception. As stated, he was not bad, but he only was targeted three times. The Maulers’ defense had him covered well, and next week he will need to avoid that.
Hall did fumble the ball but got lucky that the team retained possession. Hall made a fixable mistake, but he still messed up. The hope will be for him to get open for more targets next week and help the Gamblers make playoffs.
Nick Buchanan
The center, Nick Buchanan, made a big mistake, and he ended up being lucky it worked out. At the beginning of the game, he snapped the ball that went right over Bahar’s head. This resulted in the Gamblers being stuck at a 3rd and 46. This was followed by a delayed of game making it a 3rd and 51. Luckily the Gamblers still won, and this was early in the game, but it still was not good.
The Houston Gamblers will next face the Birmingham Stallions in an important week nine game. The Gamblers are in a great position to compete for playoffs this season. Their last two games will be against the Stallions and the New Orleans Breakers. If they stick to how they played in week eight and clean on the silly mistakes, the Gamblers should be just fine.
