In week three of the USFL power ranking, Birmingham remains the show horse of the league.

The Maulers can’t escape their 1980’s ways. We break down the entire USFL league in week three power rankings as we watch the Michigan Panthers climbing to the top of the power rankings.

WEEK THREE

#8. PITTSBURGH MAULERS (0-2) DROPPED ONE SPOT FROM LAST WEEK

The Maulers most definitely need home improvement of their offensive game which only mustered up a field goal in week two. The Maulers offense still have not scored an offensive touchdown after two weeks of regular season. In week one, the Maulers only had a total of 166 yards in the game. In week two, the Maulers were ten yards worse with a total of 156 yards which is only going down an entire football field once and on the way back getting to the 50 yard mark. Old ladies with their walkers have walked further than this Maulers team.

This Maulers team changed its colors but still have the same problems they had last season. It’s a shame the Maulers defense has played well. What is the status of their star defender Reuben Foster? Foster left the game in the second half and did not return.

#7. MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS (0-2) DROPPED ONE SPOT FROM LAST WEEK

One team the Maulers did out score in week two was the Showboats, who only got on the scoreboard with a safety, had them destroyed by the Stallions 42-2. This beat down did not go well with head coach Todd Haley, “that we’ll remember it,” he said to Stallions head coach Skip Holtz. Haley’s thoughts, he thinks the Stallions ran up the score on his Showboats. Week one Memphis was hanging in there with the Stars, but in week two the wheels fell off the bus and went over the cliff. The team could not do anything on both sides of the ball as the Stallions dropped kick the bucket as the Showboats came through the door. Haley may have started an arch rivalry between the Showboats and the Stallions with his crying after the game.

Maybe in football it’s ok to let it out. My question is: Will Todd Haley team think the Stallions are their future arch rival? If you don’t want the other team to run up the score, then stop him. Haley probably needs the slaughter rule to take place in future games.

#6. HOUSTON GAMBLERS (0-2) MOVED UP TWO SPOTS FROM LAST WEEK

The Gamblers have not won a game but moved up in the power rankings because they actually have a pulse unlike the Maulers and the Showboats. Kenji Bahar rebounded from his week one performance and threw three touchdown passes as he had 266 yards. The Gamblers went step by step in a shootout with the Breakers but mistakes prevented this team from winning. Bahar had three interceptions.

Running back Mark Thompson, in street clothes, got into a scuffle with the Breakers defenders on the sidelines during the game. Thompson got kicked out of the game and the Gamblers were penalized. Gamblers are not the sharpest tool in the shed but they found some stuff next to a rusty shovel on their offense. Wide Receiver Justin Hall had 8 catches for 110 yards. Then the Gamblers still have former NFL receiver Isaiah Zuber which gives Bahar some nice weapons. The Gamblers need to clean up their mistakes.

#5. NEW JERSEY GENERALS (1-1) SAME SPOT FROM LAST WEEK

The Generals rebounded from a week one loss with a win versus the Maulers. It did not look pretty with sugar on top but the Generals felt they improved on both sides of the ball. The Generals’ strength in their defense gave the Maulers nothing on offense as they had 5 sacks and forced three turnovers. The Generals on offense relied on their running game as the team rushed for 112 yards. The Generals star running back, Darius Victor, had 71 on the ground.

The Generals dueling quarterbacks showed signs of improvement as well. Let’s not forget the Generals have only lost two games since the USFL has come back and both losses came from the Stallions on opening week of the season.

#4. PHILADELPHIA STARS (1-1) DROPPED TWO SPOTS FROM LAST WEEK

A star has fallen. Philadelphia’s star quarterback, Case Cookus, looked like the best signal caller in the game week one. In week two, Cookus looked ordinary and had a pair of interceptions. In week one, the Stars victory against the Showboats might not have the clout it did. The Showboats were destroyed in week two and they hung with the Stars most of that game in week one. The Stars have one of the best offenses in the game but their offensive line is a problem as the Showboats pressured Cookus in week one and last week the Panthers got to the Stars quarterback. Philadelphia only scratched out ten points. The Panthers pushed around the Stars in week two like they were a bottom of the barrel team. Stars can get back on track versus a Mauler team that can’t generate any points on the offensive side of the ball.

#3. NEW ORLEANS BREAKERS (2-0) MOVED UP ONE SPOT FROM LAST WEEK

Are victories against the Maulers and Gamblers trophy kills? Probably not, but the Breakers did not make the schedule as the team right now is riding high especially on offense.

The Breakers running back, Wes Hills, does have eyes as he gives the Breakers a nice balance offensive attack. Hills, another former CFL star, had three scores with 110 yards for the Breakers. Ryan Fitzpatrick junior McLeod-Bethel Thompson had another big game under center for the Breakers. My worries is the defense of the Breakers who came in, we thought and many others, as one of the best units in the league. The Breakers allowed 355 yards to the Gamblers offense.

#2. MICHIGAN PANTHERS (2-0) MOVED UP ONE SPOT FROM LAST WEEK

The Panthers are no fluke after week one beating the Gamblers. In week two, they torched the Stars right out of the skies and this team looks legit. Josh Love came back down to earth from his impressive first game where he completed almost all of his passes. In week two, it was Mike Nolan’s defense who held the Stars to only ten points, sacked Case Cookus 4 times, and picked him off twice.

On offense, the Panthers handed the ball off to their stud running back Reggie Corbin who had 11 carries for 131 rushing yards with two touchdowns. The Panthers will play their first home game at Ford Field in Detroit as they are roaring right now and hope they have a crowd to roar with them.

#1. BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS (2-0) SAME SPOT FROM LAST WEEK

In week two, the Stallions sunk the Showboats in a 42-2 beat down. The Stallions even made Head Coach Todd Haley cry by the time the humiliation was over.

The Stallions are still clicking on all cylinders despite some key injuries in week one. At the quarterback position, last year’s champs get better. Alex McGough went 21-28 for 334 yards with 4 touchdown passes. INSANE!!! The defense without Scooby Wright, the mystery machine, made the Showboats look like a junior varsity team. The Stallions defense will have their hands full with the Breakers offense they face this week. I suspect the Stallions will be one of the top teams by the end of this regular season because they have depth to their roster.

The XFL has completed a regular season and will move on to try to determine a championship in this football Spring league on its third attempt to establish itself. Only thing stopping the XFL post-season would be the apocalypse.

The last time the XFL declared a champion of any kind, you’d have to go back to 2001when the Extreme played the Demons.

Tommy Maddox led the LA Extreme over the San Francisco Demons as the XFL looked like a one year wonder and actually were, until the league popped back up in 2020 and was derailed by the Corona virus.

2023 XFL PLAYOFFS

THE SOUTH DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP

#2. ARLINGTON RENEGADES (4-6) AT #1.HOUSTON ROUGHNECKS (7-3)

This is the rematch of last week’s final regular season game from both teams. The Roughnecks swept the Renegades in both match ups during the regular season. Can the Roughnecks beat the same team for the third time in one season? Which is hard to do because teams know each other’s intangibles.

QUARTERBACK PLAY

Both quarterbacks for both teams in the South are full bred Spring football quarterbacks. Brandon Silvers for the Roughnecks has played in XFL 2020 with Seattle and before that, the American Alliance Football League. Then Luis Perez, the King of Spring Fling, has done the American Alliance Football League, XFL both reboots, and the USFL. Perez is on his second team of the year as he started with the Vipers. Both Perez and Silvers are tier two quarterbacks in the XFL in which tier one would be AJ McCarron of St.Louis and Ben DiNucci of Seattle. Both Silvers and Perez can be streaky and are always prone to make a mistake that can put their team at risk at any point of the games.

THE SKINNY

Luis Perez, since arriving in town after the trade from the Vipers to the Renegades in Arlington, has scored more points per game. The Renegades passing game starts out with their tight end Sal Cannella who has caught 42 balls. On the ground, the Renegades running back DeVeon Smith has 7 rushing touchdowns which is tied for the most in the league. On defense, the Renegades have been solid most of the year. Early on, most of the scoring came from the Renegade defense. Defensive back Joe Powell is second in the XFL in interceptions.

The Roughnecks passing game is Deontay Burnett who has six receiving touchdowns which is tied for second most in the XFL. The Roughnecks defense has been stingy at times this season. In the trenches, Trent Harris leads the XFL with the most sacks with 9.5. Now that’s getting to the quarterback in ten regular season games. Then Roughnecks defensive back, Ajene Harris, has the most picks in the XFL.

THE VERDICT

PREDICTION ROUGHNECKS

The Roughnecks feed off their own division opponents.

Houston has dominated the teams in their own division and had problems with teams in the North. I like the Roughnecks double barrel action in the running game with Max Borghi and Brycen Alleyne. They’re getting the job done of the offense side of the ball instead of relying on Brandon Silvers making a costly mistake. Houston Defense has looked rejuvenated after they finally snapped their mid-season losing streak. I think the Roughnecks will force Luis Perez into some costly turnovers that decide the faith of the Renegades for this season.

THE NORTH DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP

#2.SEATTLE SEA DRAGONS (7-3) AT #1.DC DEFENDERS (9-1)

The North Championship in my opinion is the XFL Championship. Either Seattle or DC will able to handle anything coming out of the Texas division. The Defenders swept the Sea Dragons in both games they played each other during the regular season. I will ask one question like I did in the South Championship match up. Can the Defenders beat the Sea Dragons for the third time this season? The last meeting, the Defenders won by one point.

QUARTERBACK PLAY

When it comes to quarterback play, Seattle has the edge with Ben DiNucci behind center as he has led the league in passing yards, touchdown passes, and interceptions. He has limited those mistakes the last few games closing out regular season. Jordan Ta’amu stat wise is the second best quarterback in the XFL this season. The Defenders play duel quarterbacks every game. Ta’amu started off slowly but his game has picked up half way through the season and does not make mistakes throwing picks like DiNucci does for Seattle. Both quarterbacks in this North Championship are duel threats and get positive yardage with their legs.

THE SKINNY

The Defenders average 29.8 points per game which is most in the XFL. The Defenders have the top running back in the game in Abraham Smith who gained 791 yards on the ground. Jordan Ta’amu has an arsenal of pass catchers as Lucky Jackson has the most receptions of 20 yards or more receptions with ten. The Defenders have Michael Joseph, a play maker on defense, who is a ball hawk with 4 interceptions. Two of those interceptions were pick sixes.

The Sea Dragons have one of the top offenses in the league. Jecour Peterson has the most receiving yards in the league with 670 and catches with 60. Juwan Green had 6 touchdown catches which is second most in the XFL this season. Let’s not forget Josh Gordan who demands attention and can make defenders look silly by grabbing balls that are uncatchable to most receivers.

THE VERDICT

PREDICTION: SEA DRAGONS

Sea Dragons can win on the road as they won in St.Louis in front of a full capacity crowd. The Sea Dragons can find a way to beat down the beer snake and flying lemons in DC. Ben DiNucci has carried this team on his back the last few weeks. What happened to the Defenders solid defense? The Guardians scored points on them to give the Defenders their only loss of the year. Even the poor Renegades offense who could not score points in a whore house on free hump day, scored their most points of the season versus DC.

Again it’s hard to beat a team three times, so this will favor Seattle.

Many people tell you to not burn the bridges of your former employment. If you are a Packers fan it’s the same old story about your legendary quarter back kicking and screaming on the way out of town. It started with Brett Farve when the Packers sent him packing to the New York Jets in a trade. How ironic it is that Aaron Rodgers, who was Farve’s replacement, has been traded to the same franchise, the Jets. The Packers drafted Rogers’ replacement, Jordan Love, and now can breathe a sigh relief not having to deal with Rogers who was an ultimate royal pain in the rear for the Packer franchise the last few seasons. I would imagine it has alienated many of the orange vest round face chubby fat guys wearing a piece of cheddar on top of their heads who cheered for number 12 for over two decades. In the end, the Packers get multiple draft picks in the 2023 draft for a 39-year-old bum who definitely has torched the bridges on his old employment on the way out the door and it does not matter what he says in his Instagram farewell to his former organization.

In 2005, Aaron Rogers was drafted by the Green Bay Packers as he alienated Brett Farve who knew his replacement was his new shadow. Rodgers would play 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers during which he was a 4-time MVP and led the Packers over the Steelers in the Superbowl in 2011. Rogers has thrown 475 touchdown passes which is the 5th most in NFL history and first all-time in the Packers record books. Rodgers has accumulated 59,055 passing yards over his career which ranks number 9 all-time in the NFL and number two in the Packers record books. Rodgers had a 147-75-1 regular season record behind center as I want to vomit to think how many of those wins came against the Bears. Those 147 wins is second all-time in Packers’ history. Rodgers-led teams were a staple in the playoffs during which he started 22 games in post-season and went 12-10 behind center.

The New York Jets are giving up a lot which could be a one-year rental with Aaron Rodgers. The Jets are more established as a playoff team than they were when Brett Farve escaped New York after one season and seeked revenge on his former team by signing with Vikings to get back inside the division. The Jets have been starving for a quarterback for years as each top selection in the first rounds have been swings and big misses. The Jets have a young established defense hungry to win games. The Jets have some play makers on the offensive side of the ball. They think the team is missing one ingredient and that is the quarterback position as Rogers is the spice to this New York pot of chili. Rogers will have no doormats in his new division to own like the Bears and the Lions. The AFC East is loaded with the Josh Allen led Buffalo Bills, the Miami Dolphins aerial attack and Bill Belichick and the Patriots could scheme with the best of them.

The New York Jets are desperate for a quarterback and to make it back to post-season. The Jets have had 7 consecutive losing seasons as last time they made the post-season was the 2010 season. Last year, the Jets looked like a playoff team that got off to a good start. The Jets used three quarterbacks last year as veteran former Raven and Superbowl champions Joe Flacco won one game behind center. Mike White won one of his starts. It was Zach Wilson who went 5-4 as the starter for the Jets, the number one draft pick who completed only 54.5 % of his passes while throwing 6 touchdown passes and 7 interceptions. It was Wilson who criticized his team which did not go well for him in the Jets locker room and for the coaching staff. Now the Jets are bringing in a guy in Aaron Rodgers who has openly criticized his own teammates and the coaching staff and management. Rodgers last year went 8-9 behind center for the Packers. Rodgers completed about 64% of his passes as he had 26 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions for 3.695 passing yards. Rodgers had a bad season & then got hot at the end, but by then it was too late for the Packers to find the back door for the post-season. Could the Jets get Rodgers from 2019-20 & 21 seasons where he went 13-3 behind center each of those seasons? Rodgers will reunite with his former offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett who left Green Bay took a head coaching job in Denver and did not last even the entire season. The Jets have hired him as the team’s new offensive coordinator. The AFC is a loaded conference with lots of tough teams if the Jets can win the AFC East or even claim a wild card in the conference, they will need MVP Rodgers. Not the gothic loon going on a retreat to a dark room for days to think things over. Can Rodgers make this work putting on another uniform? Can Rodgers handle the New York media? The media in New York will dissect Rodgers like an eighth-grade science experiment if he calls losing to Detroit, that team. The Lions would end up sweeping the Packers because of Rodgers’ big mouth. The Jets season this year will be like living on the ledge of a tall skyscraper hanging on to the loose brick waiting for it to fall. That will be the question when the wheels fall off this trade. Meanwhile the Packers organization better hope Jordan Love can be the guy. Even though if Love does not work out, at least the Packers organization is not being held hostage by Rodgers anymore. The Packers have some pieces they can work with, and extra draft capital means they may be ok in the next few seasons with life without Rodgers. If they’re not, the cheese heads will rise up with their torches and pitch forks with a convoy of rusty pick-up trucks and look for blood. Especially if the Bears start owning the Packers. It would sure be nice to see gang green catch something funky from the Rodgers pores that just affects their locker room and turns the big apple sour.

We have a Battlehawk down !!!

Can the Battlehawks survive their crash landing versus the Sea Dragons? The XFL has two division winners after week 9. Two playoffs spots are still out there. Will it be the Renegades or the Brahmas in the South? Who will take the other spot in the North: the Sea Dragons or the Battlehawks? We know the Guardians still suck. Let’s try to sort it all out as we roll out the week ten XFL power rankings.

#8. ORLANDO GUARDIANS (1-8) SAME SPOT FROM LAST WEEK

When it comes to the Orlando Guardians, their new slogan should be, “I shot myself in the foot.”

The Guardians broke out the entire playbook versus the Brahmas including executing a fake punt. The Guardians had the lead most of the game versus the Brahmas. Once again the Guardians are snake bitten, you can even say Plaxico Burress themselves late in that game when Quinten Dormady’s screen pass attempt results in a pick six.

Terrell Buckley, head coach, looks like a deer in head lights. Probably thinking of the idea taking on the head coach position at the time sounded like a good idea. Buckley’s defense is the loosest slot machine in the tri-state area where everyone comes away with big time awards for the back of their football card. It’s a shame the mistakes because the stupid penalties with an Guardian offense in the second half of this season has been one of the best in the league putting points on the board.

#7. SAN ANTONIO BRAHMAS (3-6) SAME SPOT FROM LAST WEEK

The Brahmas still have playoff hopes despite a 3-6 record as they chase the second spot in the division as Arlington lost to the Defenders. The Brahmas had to battle it out just to get by the dreaded Guardians who they swept this season. If the Brahmas offense could play the Guardians every week, this is the team where their junior varsity elevated to varsity. The Brahmas found their running game and Jack Coan back in the mix looked like the guy from Notre Dame and the first time he faced the Guardians. Coan threw a 29 yard strike to Travis Toivonen.

Jaques Patrick had a 6 yard rushing touchdown. On defense the best unit on this Brahma team, Drew Beesley had a pick six to help San Antonio prevail and keep their playoff hope alive as they perhaps can sneak through the doggy door after week ten.

#6. VEGAS VIPERS (3-6) DROPPED ONE SPOT FROM LAST WEEK

Only the Vegas Vipers can look like they have the game in command. The Roughnecks offense looked flat. Like the Vipers are that notorious vilian that has the super hero in their grasp.

All’s the Vipers have to do is step on their neck and close out their enemy. In all those Batman classics, the main vilian walks out while they have the super hero trapped & then the escape happens. The Roughnecks found some offense, but it was the defense that changed the tide of the game as the Vipers left early again and could not close out the game.

The Roughnecks made Vipers wide receiver just look silly after he caught the ball & still standing got the ball stripped out of his arms in not much of fight. Plays like that, I don’t see Bryant getting back to the NFL any time soon. Then Jalen McClendon behind center has showed the Vipers promise the last few weeks of his play. McClendon did not have a good game as he fumbled and was sacked 4 times.

#5. ARLINGTON RENEGADES (4-5) MOVED UP ONE SPOT LAST WEEK

Even though the Renegades lost last week, they made a nice comeback in the second half versus the best team in the league, the Defenders. The Renegades forced an overtime with the Defenders but could not convert in the XFL Hockey shoot out.

It was the Renegades defense who got the rally started. Joe Powell, who is not talked about a lot, but a very talented defensive back in the XFL had the interception that injected life into the Renegade team. The Renegades then picked off a D’Eriq King pass, Luis Perez looked sharp, and the Renegade offense drove the length of the field. The Renegades fed the ball to their running back De’Veon Smith who had two rushing touchdowns. In OT, Perez could not sneak the ball past the Defenders defense as they defended the goal line with three impressive stands. Arlington could have clinched a playoff spot with the win. The Renegades will have to wait until week ten to decide their playoff faith.

#4. HOUSTON ROUGHNECKS (6-3) SAME SPOT FROM LAST WEEK

The Roughnecks suddenly have won two straight and have won the Southern Texas division in the XFL. Only Orlando in the South division does not play in the state of Texas. Maybe next season they will be the Austin Guardians. It was the Roughnecks defense that changed the tide of the game last week versus a Vipers team that likes to gift wrap turnovers. Houston had two key fumbles in this contest that help the Roughnecks get back in the game and prevail. The Roughnecks clinch the division because of the defense & then turned to the running game. Brandon Silvers was horrific behind center which may be a concern for the post-season. Silvers is 16-27 for only a 105 passing yards with two bone-headed interceptions.

Roughnecks running back did his version of Superman flying over the Viper defenders to get a key touchdown late in this game to help Houston win the division. Max Borghi and Alleyne, the two-headed monster backfield had a combined 116 yards on the ground which Houston needed with the bad play from Silvers who was not golden.

#3. ST.LOUIS BATTLEHAWKS (6-3) DROPPED 2 SPOTS FROM LAST WEEK

The Hawks fall from their nest in week 9 as they were gobbled up by the Sea Monsters.

Is the sky falling in St.Louis? The Battlehawks had their worst loss of the season to a Seattle team they need to stay ahead of for the final playoff spot. In a game where it was supposed to be the clash of the titans, it ended up in a blow out fashion. AJ McCarron did return behind center for the Battlehawks from an injury he suffered the week before.

McCarron was under duress the entire game as he had two interceptions. The Battlehawks in their last 8 drives of the game either turnover the ball or punted it back to the Sea Dragons. The Battlehawks can still make into the post-season but they need to bury the Guardians next week.

#2. SEATTLE SEA DRAGONS (6-3) MOVED UP ONE SPOT FROM LAST WEEK

When Seattle lost to the Defenders last week, which broke their losing streak, I thought their season suddenly was in the crapper. Seattle had to fly across the country and play a road game in St.Louis who lead the league in attendance and can make things difficult for the opponents. The Sea Dragons as road warriors throttle the Battlehawks and keep their playoff hopes alive heading into week ten. Ben DiNucci who leads the XFL in passing yards but also leads the league in interceptions, played a clean game versus the Battlehawks.

DiNucci played like he had a chip on his shoulder as he went 20-30 for 242 passing yards while throwing two touchdown passes and he ran one in for another score. The Sea Dragons defense is not talked about enough. Seattle defense held one of the best, maybe the best, quarterbacks and that Battlehawks offense to 12 points. It’s too bad the Sea Dragons and BattleHawks can’t both make it into the post-season. Those two teams are power houses over feather weights like the Renegades and the Brahmas of that South division.

#1. DC DEFENDERS (8-1) MOVED UP ONE SPOT FROM LAST WEEK

It took quarterback Jordan Ta’amu’s two point conversion pass to Josh Hammond in the hockey shootout version of the XFL overtime the Defenders North title.

For most of the game last week, the Defenders look like they were in cruise control & then the Renegades rallied to send this game to overtime. In the end, the beer snake will see post-season play.

The Defenders did survive in overtime as they had their normal recipe cooking early on. Another defensive score as DJ Swearinger had a pick six off Luis Perez of the Renegades. Then two more touchdown catches for wide receiver Lucky Johnson. DC clinches the much tougher division. They still need to beat the Battlehawks or Sea Dragons, one of these teams they swept in the first round of the XFL playoffs that should be the championship game. Can the Defenders beat one of these teams for the third time in one season? Who ever comes out of the North should win the XFL championship over Houston or the other guys in the South.

With week one over in season two of the USFL, we have some interesting things occur. The Maulers are swinging the hammer. The Panthers are getting the Love. We have hammered out the details in week two of the 2023 USFL power rankings.

#8. HOUSTON GAMBLERS (0-1) SAME SPOT LAST WEEK

The Gamblers may be the worst football team in the town of Houston. Houston has three football teams in three different leagues.

The Gamblers thought they had a quarterback with the late emergence of Kenji Bahar who had a few starts under his belt last season. Houston fans would rather have Bengi over Kengi looking at his first week performance of the 2023 season.

Bahar only managed 96 yards through the air with three turnovers as Gamblers looked like the worst team in the week in the first game of the season. Bright side is Houston running back, T.J Pledger, had two rushing touchdowns with 41 yards on the ground.

#7. PITTSBURGH MAULERS (0-1) DROPPED ONE SPOT FROM LAST WEEK

The Maulers looked better than last season as they debuted their new uniforms black and gold colors. Once again, the Maulers offense is MIA as they could not generate any points. The Maulers did score, but the points came from special teams and the defense. The Maulers defense looks legit.

Former number one pick of the San Francisco 49ers, Rueben Foster, played his first football game since 2019 & immediately made an impact on that Maulers defense with 9 tackles and forced a fumble against the Breakers. Defensive lineman Olive Sagapoly had two sacks. If the Maulers can generate any kind of offense, this team could win some close games. Head coach Ray Horton has these Maulers playing better from the eye test than what Kirby Jackson did last year which was junior varsity like.

#6. MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS (0-1) DROPPED ONE SPOT FROM LAST WEEK

The Memphis Showboats did show me some good stuff in their first game since the original league in the 1980’s. The Showboats are last year’s Tampa Bay Bandits. One new face that should be talked about is running back Alex Collins who could be one of the best backs in the USFL this season. The former Seahawk and Raven of the NFL showed some nice moves while breaking some tackles and getting some tough yards in his first game for the Showboats.

Collins looks bad ass with long dreadlocks coming out of the helmet with the tinted visor. Collins scored a rushing touchdown and had 14 carries for 61 yards. Memphis quarterback play has potential. The Showboat defense has a wicked pass rush as they can get to the opposing quarterback as they sacked Stars Case Cookus 5 times. The Showboats have potential and could be motor boating all the way to the playoffs.

#5. NEW JERSEY GENERALS (0-1) DROPPED TWO SPOTS FROM LAST WEEK

The Generals start the season again versus the Stallions who were last year’s champions in Birmingham. The story of the game is the Generals coughed up the ball twice and the Stallions cashed in on both turnovers with 14 points. The Generals only mustered up 10 points all in the second quarter. The Generals once again throw out dueling quarterbacks that may not be quite in synch yet as last year it worked well for this team.

Dakota Prukop threw the ball well for the Generals going 13-17 for 146 yards in his first game in the USFL. Then last year duel threat DeAndre Johnson only went 4-13 for 29 yards but had 45 yards using his legs. Generals lost their first game last year & then won 9 straight.

#4. NEW ORLEANS BREAKERS (1-0) SAME SPOT FROM LAST WEEK

The Breakers have their own version of Ryan Fitzpatrick and the beard. McLeod-Bethel Thompson back in the states in his first ever game in the USFL, a two time champion in the CFL, leads his new team down the field under two minutes and throws his first touchdown pass. The touchdown pass to Anthony Jones seals the deal for the New Orleans as it breaks the 15-15 tie and gets the Breakers in the win column. Bethel Thompson looked good and may be one of the best quarterbacks in the USFL. The Breakers moved the ball the entire game settling for field goals. Maulers defense played well. You have to believe the field goals will start to turn into more touchdowns. The Breakers defense did not allow any points from the Mauler offense.

#3. MICHIGAN PANTHERS (1-0) MOVED UP 4 SPOTS FROM LAST WEEK

I’m showing the Love for the Panthers who get out of the gate with an impressive victory. You have to love Josh Love who had a career day behind center for the Panthers.

Love completed 90.5% of his passes by completing 19-21 for 216 yards with three touchdown passes. You have to take the hot tub time machine back to the 1980’s when Greg Landry played for the Chicago Blitz.

Love had a better day at the office than Landry as Panthers all around look solid in their first week of the season as they scored the most points over the weekend with 29.

#2. PHILADELPHIA STARS (1-0) SAME SPOT FROM LAST WEEK

The Stars have the best quarterback in the USFL with Case Cookus. Cookus who had the Stars in last year’s championship but was knocked out of the game with a broken leg. Cookus had the Stars winning that championship game versus the Stallions. After he left, the Stallions ended up prevailing. Cookus is back and healthy and showed us in week one he still has the touch going 20-19 for 212 yards with two touchdown passes in the win over Memphis. Chris Rowland gaining big yards in the return game even caught a touchdown pass from Cookus.

Rowland is one of the elite play makers in the USFL and in due time will be scooped up by an NFL team. The Stars offense is going to be tops in the league. Can the defense catch up? The Stars defense can force turnovers, but teams still can score points off them. We will see if the offense carries this Philadelphia team the entire season.

#1. BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS (1-0) SAME SPOT FROM LAST WEEK

I have to give the Stallions the number one spot until some team is capable of knocking them off their top perch. The Stallions start out of the gates strong on both sides of the ball. The defense recovered two fumbles in last year’s rematch in the first ever game of the USFL reboot between the Stallions and Generals. Stallions cashed the turnovers in for points. The Birmingham defense only gave up ten points and shut out the Generals in the second half of the game. The Stallions did lose their number one starting quarterback, J’Mar Smith, who will miss the entire season. The Stallions star defender Scooby Wright left the game with an injury but is expected to return. The Stallions did not miss a beat with back up quarterback Alex McGough playing a solid second half.

McGough can use his legs as he is a duel threat quarterback who had a 29 yard rushing touchdown to help the Stallions defend their first title offense. McGough was originally the starter for the Stallions last season until Smith played better. The Stallions just signed Kyle Sloter who played for the Breakers last year and led them to the playoffs. However Sloter went to the XFL, did not play well, and was cut by the Arlington Renegades.

The Chicago Blackhawks as an organization has been sinking slowly for years. It seems like the Blackhawks’ last Stanley Cup Championship in 2015 was played lights years ago, even though it has been 8 years. It was the Blackhawks dynasty with that dynamic duo of Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane that took Chicago hockey out of the dark times as they collected three championships. How quickly Blackhawks management and ownership dug the grave of that great run in Chicago sports since the Michael Jordan and the Bulls era in the 1990’s. The 2022-23 NHL season ended with another bad season for the Blackhawks as they missed the playoffs once again. As the ship has been sinking all those years, like something out of the tar pits in prehistorical times, he was the last player off the ship from that dynasty, Captain Serious. At the age of 34 years old, Toews plays his last game ever in an Indian head sweater in front of the Blackhawks faithful at the United center in the last game of the regular season.

In 2006, the Blackhawks drafted Jonathan Toews in the first round with the third pick overall in the NHL draft. In Toews’ rookie season, he came on like gang busters with 24 goals dishing out 30 assists in the first NHL season in the 2007-08 season. A Captain was born with his leadership skills along with his play on the ice. Toews played 15 seasons with the Blackhawks as he was an instant asset to the roster for the reward of playing bad hockey for decades. Finally the front office picked the right players in the draft to build a core. Toews did his part playing in over 1,000 regular season games & not counting all the contests he played in the post-seasons when the team went deep almost every year. Toews would score 372 regular season goals while dishing over 511 assists for a grand total of 883 points all in a Blackhawks uniform, the only team he has ever played for. Health issues have derailed Toews over the last few seasons. Toews would miss the 2020-21 season dealing with Chronic Immune Response Syndrome dealing with long term symptoms of the Covid-19 virus. This season, Toews would only play in 52 games for the Blackhawks as he scored 15 goals with 16 assists for only 31 points. In the 2021-22 season, Toews would play in 71 games and his numbers tell the tale of the tape scoring 12 goals with 25 assists for 37 points. Suddenly the Captain is like a sports car with lots of mileage suffering from rust throughout the body that once upon a time ago was a smooth shiny ride on the ice.

The Captain will be the last link of that Blackhawks dynasty who played his final game versus the Philadelphia Flyers, the first victim in that Stanley Cup championship run. Jonathan Toews has played out his 2014, 84 million dollar contract extension with the full no-trade clause. The Blackhawks General Manager, Kyle Davidson, said the Blackhawks had no plans of re-signing their Captain so Toews scoring a goal in his final game made his last game special to him and the sold out crowd. Who knows if they will ever see a dynasty like this again from the Blackhawks being played in their own backyard. Living in the Chicago area all my life, you can’t trust any of the sports teams building a dynasty. The Blackhawks would end up losing to the Flyers 5-4 in overtime. The Toews break away in overtime was unfortunately stopped by the Flyers goalie. A winning goal by the Captain would have brought down the Mad House on Madison. Toews could have skated off into the sunset on a goal like that. That did not stop the crowd from chanting Johnny and giving him a standing ovation after the game. The Blackhawks are quietly pushing the Captain off their boat so we do not know what the future is of Jonathan Toews. Will he retire and hang up the skates for good? Will he find another team and wear someone else’s hockey sweater and just not look the same like a Michael Jordan wearing a Washington Wizards jersey? We know Toews will have his number 19 retired by the organization & maybe they’ll throw in the usual Chicago statue. The NHL hockey hall of fame should be on the horizon for the Captain. The Blackhawks should have found a way to build around Toews and Patrick Kane. The organization failed as they traded Kane to the Rangers and could have gotten more if they would have dealt their superstar years ago. Toews would have gotten something back years ago. Trade clauses handcuffed the franchise as the Blackhawks were stupid to give them in the first place while not surrounding these guys with talent to start another playoff run. Kane is playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs as Toews scored his last goal on the last game of the regular season wearing the Blackhawks sweater. Kane did not get that send off. I understand you can’t bring back the Captain during a rebuild. Toews may come back as some sort of ambassador to the organization as the Blackhawks try to make up for something as they alienated their players at the end of their days in Chicago. Jonathan Toews will give us Blackhawks fans great memories of the three Stanley Cups he helped us win. In Chicago how these things end and how the organization does things, it just pisses you off from head to toes. You know dark days will return. You know when the team gets good again, however long that takes, they will do the same stupid things they did with this dynasty. It’s the Chicago way. Jonathan Toews will go down as one of the best Captains in Blackhawks history and he earned it.

Last season the USFL did something other Spring football leagues could not. Finish a season and have a championship. The USFL did that done that. Now the USFL will be doing something that no Spring league has done in 40 years. Coming back for year two. Last time, the original USFL did it. The USFL will return with 8 teams and have 4 hub cities playing home games instead of all the games last year centralized in Birmingham. As always, we roll out the power rankings of the USFL and try to see if anything we write sticks.

#8. HOUSTON GAMBLERS: Last Season (3-7)

Last season the Gamblers lost a few games having a lead in the 4th quarter, but they just could not close out these contests. It seems like the entire Gambler defense is playing all over the XFL. The defense this season has 14 new players which could be asking a lot from that side of the ball. The Gamblers have a new head coach in Curtis Johnson, former Sean Payton disciple during the Saints days.

Johnson replaces Kevin Sumlin. The Gamblers offense was average last season while their defense was talented. The Gamblers may be a work in progress and we take a wait and see approach to see if they climb the ladder of the USFL power rankings.

#.7. MICHIGAN PANTHERS:Last Season (2-8)

Panthers have a new head coach in Mike Nolan as Jeff Fisher is out. The Panthers will have a home field advantage as they are one of the hub cities so they will play their home games in Detroit at Ford Field. Panthers have a great running game and Reggie Corbin returns to run the rock who had 500 yards on the ground last year for Michigan, the former Fighting Illini running back.

Can Carson Strong be the man behind center for the Panthers? Will the Panthers choose Josh Love who bounced around the USFL last season?

#6. PITTSBURGH MAULERS: Last season (1-9)

I’m swinging for the fences on this number six ranking for the Maulers. New color scheme, new coach, different results?

Black and Gold which are Pittsburgh’s color scheme to their entire sports landscape. Kirby Wilson, last year’s head coach, was by far the worst and may go down in USFL history as the bottom of the sludge pond hire. It is Ray Horton former NFL player and coach and has ties to the Steelers. This team will be swinging the hammer this season.

#5. MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS: Last Season they were the Tampa Bay Bandits (4-6)

The USFL is bringing back the Showboats and Memphis is a hub city. The Bandits will transform into the Showboats and Tampa Bay may be back in the future when the league expands. It’s the same team with a different wrapper. The Show Boats lost their starting quarterback from last season to the XFL, Jordan Ta’amu to the DC defenders. Todd Haley is still the head coach which in my opinion not good for Elvis town. The Show Boats are going with local flavor and not a BBQ joint.

Let’s hope Haley does not ruin the local kid, Brady White, from Memphis University. Brady is a very successful quarterback name though.

#4. NEW ORLEANS BREAKERS: Last season (6-4) Loss in first round of the playoffs

The Breakers lost their starting quarterback, Kyle Sloter, to the XFL which may be a good thing because he did bad and eventually was cut by the Arlington Renegades.

The Breakers have brought in two time Canadian Champion of the CFL, McLeod Bethel-Thompson, to be the man behind the center. The Breakers have a new head coach in John DeFilippo who was the Eagles quarterbacks coach when they won the Superbowl. Breakers defense which was solid last season has stayed intact. The Breakers could break out and be even better in year two with some changes.

#3. NEW JERSEY GENERALS: Last season (9-1) Last season, the Generals lost their first game to the Stallions & then won nine straight to get knocked off in the first round of the playoffs by the Stars. The Generals had dueling quarterbacks last season and they were very successful at using them. De’Andre Johnson may have to be the man behind center who is a duel-threat quarterback & most of the time more successful with his legs than his arm. Luis Perez left for the XFL. The Generals also have a former NFL quarterback in Kyle Lauletta who did not really do well last year in Pittsburgh uniform.

The Generals have the best head coach in the league in Mike Riley and you know he figures it out. The Generals Offensive player of the year, running back Darius Victor, is back so New Jersey may rely heavily on their explosive running game.

#2. PHILADELPHIA STARS: Last season (6-4) Loss in the Championship

The Stars coming in have the best quarterback in the USFL with Case Cookus. The Stars averaged 26.2 points per game with Cookus behind center and as a starter, Case went 6-3.

If Cookus does not break his leg in the first ever USFL reboot championship, the Stars could have won the title game. The Stars did knock off a very talented Generals team to get into the championship. Cookus will have his running back, Matt Coburn, back and one of his targets throwing the ball to Jordan Suell.

#1. BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS: Last season (9-1) Won Championship

I have the Stallions number 1 as they won the entire enchilada last season. Some other team will need to knock the Stallions off their perch if they want to be number 1 in the power rankings. The Stallions will be targeted being the team to beat or a measuring stick on how you stand. They have their starting quarterback, J’Mar Smith, back behind center and experience matters. The Stallions roster is still intact without any major losses. Last season, Stallions built up a following as they were the only hub city that featured all regular season games. This year the USFL has 4 hub cities, which once again includes Birmingham.

The XFL playoff picture is becoming much clearer after week 8.

The Defenders rebound and mount a Sea Dragon on their wall. Two overtime thrillers which resemble a hockey shootout overtime. How is AJ McCarron for week 9? The Guardians are back to Guardian-like as we have another week of the XFL power rankings to get through. I do hope you enjoy.

#8. ORLANDO GUARDIANS (1-7) DROPPED TWO SPOTS FROM LAST WEEK

The Guardians are back to their normal spot at the bottom of the barrel of the XFL power rankings. How does a team that beats the number one Defenders lay such a clunker the following week against not a very good Renegade team? TURNOVERS!!! Five of them.

Did Guardians quarterback Quentin Dormady forget to make his weekly payment with the devil? Dormady plays the game of his entire life versus the Defenders & then gift wraps a victory for the Renegades last week. It’s a shame too if Dormady cut half of those mistakes last week, Orlando would have won that game.

#7. SAN ANTONIO BRAHMAS (2-6) SAME SPOT LAST WEEK

When the kicker is the offensive force on your team, you have major problems.

John Parker Romo’s leg did his job hitting a 49 yard field goal with one second left on the clock to send the game into overtime last weekend versus the Roughnecks. Romo also hit a 41 yard field goal earlier in the contest. It was a game the Brahmas needed to keep alive for the second playoff spot in the division. In the second OT of the weekend, the Roughnecks sweep the two game series and with the Renegades winning, the Brahmas season is on life support.

With two weeks remaining in regular season, it’s time to call it and pull the plug on Hines Ward and his Brahmas team. The San Antonio fans can come by the Alamo dome and watch offenses score points in the XFL Championship by two other teams if they forgot how it’s done.

#6. ARLINGTON RENEGADES (4-4) MOVED UP TWO SPOTS FROM LAST WEEK

I don’t think it was the presence of Luis Perez starting for his new team that broke the Renegades losing streak. You can say the Renegades defense had something to do with it forcing 5 turnovers.

De’Vante Bausby’s 48 yard fumble recovery return for a touchdown was the third defensive score for the Renegades defense this season. That ties the Defenders defense for most in the XFL. The Renegades only scored 18 points which one was a defensive score. Perez played the part of any other Renegade quarterbacks with a dormant offense, but he did not make any mistakes like other Arlington QB’s. You could say Guardians quarterback Quentin Dormady gift wrapped this victory for the Renegades. Maybe Dormady threw the game as he was accused of selling his play book to the enemy. The conspiracy theories are even in the XFL.

#5. VEGAS VIPERS (2-6) SAME SPOT FROM LAST WEEK

The Vipers took the Battlehawks to the first ever overtime game in the XFL this season. The Vipers were snake bitten by a St. Louis Battlehawk fake punt that led to a 64 yard touchdown earlier in the game. Could that play have been the difference for the Vipers in winning the game in regulation if they prevented that special team mishap?

The Vipers even knocked out the Battlehawks star quarterback, AJ McCarron. Jalan McClendon in his second start of the year did not make any mistakes but did not have a huge game only throwing for 159 yards with one touchdown pass. The overtime in the XFL is compared to a shootout in hockey. You have to convert extra point conversions best out of 3. Overtime did not roll snake eyes for the Vipers.

#4. HOUSTON ROUGHNECKS (5-3) SAME SPOT FROM LAST WEEK

Houston realized they had to play the second half of the season. Maybe the Roughnecks were content on winning the first half of the season like in the XFL reboot of 2020 when they only played half of the season. Roughnecks broke a three game losing streak after starting off perfect 4-0. The Roughnecks had their starting quarterback Brandon Silvers back behind center as he missed last week. The Roughnecks only scored 17 points and needed overtime to beat the Brahmas. The Roughnecks needed defense to win this game as the big fellow Trevon Mason defensive line was able to intercept a Brahma pass that set up a Houston score.

Houston was able to win the shoot out hockey overtime in the XFL and with the win, clinch a playoff spot and now they can eyeball the division title this weekend.

#3. SEATTLE SEA DRAGONS (5-3) DROPPED ONE SPOT FROM LAST WEEK

Like the blink of your eye, the Sea Dragons winning streak comes to an end losing another close contest to the Defenders. The Sea Dragons could be in trouble as St. Louis won last week and moved to 6-2. The Defenders improved to 7-1 with the win and the sweep over the Sea Dragons. Only two spots in the division make the playoffs and Seattle is now outside the box looking in with two weeks left.

Seattle is in must win mode versus the Battlehawks this weekend. In the shootout versus the Defenders, Ben DiNucci becomes the first quarterback in the XFL this season to pass for over 2,000 yards.

#2. DC DEFENDERS (7-1) MOVED UP ONE SPOT FROM LAST WEEK

The Defenders have swept the Sea Dragons and the BattleHawks this season as they own a set of tie breakers versus two key division rivals. The Defenders bounce back quickly after being upset by the hapless Guardian team from last week winning a shoot out versus the Sea Dragons. Jordan Ta’amu threw 4 touchdown passes as he came up big versus a Sea Dragon defense that plays big in big moments. Ta’amu now has ten touchdown passes this season with only one interception which is very impressive.

Ta’amu is playing his best football as the team is on the verge of the post-season. What about the Defenders defense? Any concern the last two weeks that Greg Williams’ unit has giving up over 30 points per game. Williams may have resort back to his old play book from New Orleans and bring back bounty gate the last two weeks of the season.

#1. ST. LOUIS BATTLEHAWKS (6-2) SAME SPOT FROM LAST WEEK

The concern in St. Louis is on the health of their starting quarterback, AJ McCarron, who left last week’s game with an injury. This week the Battlehawks have a big game versus the Sea Dragons which could decide the playoff spot in the division. The Defenders would have the tiebreakers over both the Battlehawks and Sea Dragons as each team were swept by DC. It took a fake punt by the Battlehawks to help send the game into overtime versus the Vipers last week. It was the first overtime game of the season in the XFL which had two of them in one weekend.

Can back up quarterback Nick “the Dick” Tiano save the Battlehawks if McCarron is out this weekend and beyond?

Tiano helped the Battlehawks prevail in overtime over the Vipers at home. Tiano’s numbers are no foot long as he went 19-34 for 194 yards with one touchdown pass and two interceptions. McCarron is the Battlehawks best choice if they want to make the post season and win.

I have always wondered if being a back up quarterback in the NFL is a sweet deal. Some franchises, the back up QB is the most popular guy on the team. Usually that means the starter is not doing well. Guys like Jordan Love for the Packers, a first round draft pick, will finally get his chance if the Packers can successfully move Aaron Rodgers. What about veterans who were once upon a time starters in the league that melt away on some bench with clip board waiting for some injury to occur instead of a mop up role? Some quarterbacks are meant to be back ups and some can make that gig like they are specialists to be called upon duty to come in after an injury or steer the ship for a few games & then go back to holding the clip board. What about aging quarterbacks that want one more act in their book of life? With Spring leagues like the XFL or the USFL, you think you get more guys taking their talents to these Spring leagues. One quarterback did give up that nice cushy office job in the quarterback room to take less money to play in the XFL. Former Bengals & Raiders quarterback A.J McCarron is playing for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL so his kids will get to see him play on the gridiron. I think for McCarron and surprised by others playing the game again as a starter is an itch that you can finally be scratch. McCarron gave up more money in the NFL to play in the XFL.

A.J McCarron now is 32 years old and has played in the NFL for six seasons. McCarron was a hot commodity his rookie season as he saw action for the injured Andy Dalton. In seven games in 2015 in which three of them were starts, McCarron threw for 854 yards with 6 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. McCarron won 2 of the three starts he had in his rookie campaign. After 2015, his next start came with Houston in 2019 after three years in Cincinnati and one season in Oakland. McCarron’s NFL career he has played in only 17 games and is 2-2 in just 4 starts as he threw all six touchdown passes his first season. The last two seasons McCarron has not played as his last action came in a Texans uniform in 2020 where he made 1 pass attempt and completed it for 20 yards. Before signing with the Battlehawks of the XFL, an NFL team had offered McCarron more money to be a back up quarterback.

When the original USFL started in the 1980’s, they found ways to pay young players big money especially at the quarterback position. Guys like Jim Kelly, Steve Young, Doug Williams, and Doug Flutie flourished in the USFL before ending up in the NFL. Back then the NFL lost back up quarterbacks that went on and did well in the USFL like A.J McCarron is having a very good season in St. Louis. The Philadelphia Stars were the New England Patriots of the USFL as they had Chuck Fusina, a long time veteran of the NFL leading the team. The Fusina Stars won two championships as they made it there all three seasons. Chuck Stoudt, former Pittsburgh Steeler, threw for over 6,000 yards for the Birmingham Stallions back in the 1980’s USFL. Stoudt threw 60 touchdown passes and had 14 rushing touchdowns. Brian Sipe, a long time Cleveland Brown in the NFL, played two seasons in the USFL with New Jersey Generals and Jacksonville Bulls and threw 21 touchdown passes while racking up over 3,000 passing yards. These guys wanted to step on the field and play the game of football, not watch from the sideline and fetch the coaching staff coffee.

How many NFL quarterbacks are like Chase Daniel? Daniel has played for 13 years in the NFL and has made 41 million dollars as back up and started only 5 games.

When the Bears had Jonathan Quinn as their back up quarterback, he was stealing money & such a fraud. Quinn never played in Kansas City but knew the system though. Years on the bench until he was thrown to the wolves when the Bears needed him to play for QB 1 who went down with an injury. Horrific. But they are millionaires. Some of these quarterbacks should use the XFL or USFL just to get back to the NFL. Cam soft Newton says no way 30 current NFL starters could be better than him. What has Cam Newton done in the last few years besides throw interceptions. Then Colin Kapernick is another fraud living the life as an activist but the far fetched fish story tales of how he was one best quarterbacks in the NFL and one point and the league took it away. Then quit blaming your adopted parents for the hand you’ve been dealt and prove you’re that quarterback that you never were. These Spring leagues discover guys like P.J Walker, former Roughneck of the XFL reboot in 2020. The Spring leagues are good for developing younger talent not drafted. Playing for the love of the game. Playing for your kids. That’s what it’s all about. How about playing for yourself? A.J McCarron is having fun. His family is loving watching him play again. I know it’s tough giving up millions of dollars. To be in the game again is something better than money. Playing the game is why you became a professional.

The 2023 March Madness NCAA basketball tournament was one of the most exciting ones I ever witnessed. Coming in to the tournament, no team was clearly favorite to win the entire thing. This year’s tournament had upsets and the Cinderella stories were all over the tournament map including a 16th seed knocking off a number 1 seed. Schools no one has ever heard of and small potato basketball universities created some much needed noise. Many of the Big Bad Wolf basketball universities as we’ve seen that done that were eliminated, which happens to most of them rather quickly. The final four had three teams making it there for the first time in their school history. In the end, the University of Connecticut prevails with another championship. A University that is big time basketball program ruins the end of this Hollywood thriller of a movie with a bad ending as the Huskies blow out the Aztecs in the championship.

Before the tournament even gets started, everyone is looking for that awesome Cinderella story. Everyone loves to see the underdog take down a big fish. The very first round had the debut of Kennesaw State University in the March Madness tournament which would have been a nice story of the school’s first ever game knocking down a big school. The Owls were quickly dispatched by Xavier University. Then Texas Southern ties a record with Coppin State and Liberty with their first round lost. Texas Southern now is tied for most tournament losses all-time with 20. The first round had its fairy tales as the Fairleigh Dickinson FDU became the second 16th seed to knock out a number one seed in NCAA history. FDU was the shortest team in the tournament and they took down the University of Purdue’s Giant in the middle cutting his bean stalk down with a weed wacker.

It’s the third year in a row that a 15th seed beat a number two seed. Those Ivy league smarties, Princeton University, pick up their first tournament win since 1988 beating the number two Arizona Wild Cats. Arizona became the first University to lose to a number 15th seed twice as Santa Clara Broncos did them in 1993. The last time Furman University was in the dance was 1980 in which they were number 13th seed and they beat the number 4 Virginia. Remember the University of Virginia was derailed in the first round by a number 16th seed and made history for UMBC, being the first team to ever accomplish that.

The former Ghostbuster, Bill Murray, was seen in every game the University of Connecticut played because his son, Luke Murray, is the assistant coach for the Huskies. We know Bill Murray is a super fan when it comes to sports as the poor bastard roots for the Chicago Cubs. Hollywood actors, when you hear their true life story, just wants to make you vomit.

TROPHY KILLS

This March Madness was really exciting because the big bad bullies on the court were quickly dispatched. Schools like Duke, University of Kentucky, Kansas, Gonzaga and Michigan State. Some schools like North Carolina did not make the tournament. It was great seeing the University of Arkansas take down the Kansas Jay Hawks.

In the state of Kansas, that left the other school doing better than the Jay Hawks. The Wild Cats made it to the Elite 8.

Kansas State would be eliminated by Florida Atlantic University in a close one while the entire school fell on Bill Self and his basketball program. No wonder why he missed the tournament.

HURLEY BLOOD

Dan Hurley’s older brother, Bobby Hurley, won back to back titles playing for Duke University as he made the final 4 3 times in his decorated college career. Dan Hurley played at Seton Hall University and would lose to his brother Bobby and Duke University in 1992 in the elite 8. Now both Hurley brothers are in the college game as head coaches. Dan Hurley has his first title while Bobby is out in the desert with Arizona State, who did not make this year’s tournament.

ELITE 8

It was the first time in March Madness history that no number 1 seeds made it to the Elite 8.

Many thought University of Alabama and University of Houston would be in the final 4. Both schools were ousted in the sweet 16 which even made this 2023 tournament special and busted up your brackets at the same time.

THE FINAL 4

The final four had three teams making their first ever appearance.

I think of palm trees when I think about Florida Atlantic University. The Owls beat number three seeded Kansas State to cement their selves in the final four for the first time. The Owls are the second number 9 seed to make the tournament since expanding to the 64 team format in 1985. The Owls were the first team since George Mason in 2006 picking up their first tournament win in the same season they made it to the final 4. The Owls would be eliminated by San Diego State in a classic final 4 game in the very last second of regulation.

The San Diego State Aztecs make the final four for the first time as a number 5 seed. The Aztecs beat Creighton University with a questionable foul call by the referee at the end in the elite 8. The Aztecs would then proceed to beat FAU with a last second shot and make it all the way to the championship to be destroyed by the Huskies. The Aztecs are still holding on to their Indian name. I’m sure some people will try to pressure the university to change their nickname. They may have already tried. That can be a debate for another time & another place. It’s a very cool logo the Aztecs have.

The Miami Hurricanes surprised me that their University never made it to the final 4.

The Hurricanes are known more for their football program as they were the cons in their rival with Notre Dame back in the late 1980’s. The Hurricanes made a huge comeback to beat number two seeded Texas University to get their spot in the final 4. The Huskies were too much for them as they were dispatched by UCONN in a blow out.

University of Connecticut with their 5th national championship as they beat up on the Aztec in the final game of the tournament. The Huskies beat up on the Hurricanes to get to the final.

Like every March Madness tournament, the ending always stings unless you have the team that wins it in your brackets or pools. If you’re not winning money on the team that wins it, then you’re going against the big time basketball programs unless you went to the school or have family there. Then you have the music chairs when it comes to coaching. The slime ball Rick Pitino leaves Iona University who he got to the big dance for St. John’s University. Then the FDU head coach, Tobin Anderson, quickly jumps ship to take the Iona job Pitino left.

Once again the smaller schools are just a stepping stone for the bigger schools. Once again, the Big Bad Wolf prevails over the smaller school in the National championship.

The 2023 tournament looked very promising most of the way. The ending is once again the same old song and dance.