Weather Causes USFL Game Delay
USFL fans are awaiting an exciting USFL game today in Birmingham, Alabama. The game is set to start at 4 p.m. ET and is being shown on USA and FS1. The USFL has decided to play all the games in Birmingham to cut costs and to give fans more opportunities to watch. However, it has resulted in an hour-long delay.
Weather delay
Weather has caused a delay in a USFL game. The game scheduled for Thursday night will now take place on Monday instead. The Philadelphia Stars and Tampa Bay Bandits will take on the New Orleans Breakers and Pittsburgh Maulers, respectively. While these games will be broadcast on the same networks, the start times for the two teams will not be the same.
The weather in Birmingham, Alabama has caused a delay in the game between the Houston Gamblers and Michigan Panthers. The game was originally set to start at noon Eastern Time, but the teams had to delay it for several hours. As a result, the game has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. ET tomorrow, and will be broadcast on FS1.
The delay may have been a blessing in disguise for the USFL. While each USFL game plays in the same facility, a sudden change in weather conditions could potentially cancel several games. The NBC broadcast interviewed both Panthers and Gamblers coaches about the situation. Both coaches appeared to brush off the delays. Jeff Fisher recalled a time when the Rams had to be on the road because of severe weather. They had a game delayed for nearly two hours by lightning.
Coronavirus pandemic
The NFL postponed three games this weekend due to the growing Coronavirus pandemic. More than 100 NFL players have tested positive for the virus this season. Although this is the first NFL game postponement this season, the NBA and the National Hockey League also canceled games this week.
The Rockies’ Charlie Blackmon and left-handed pitcher Phillip Diehl test positive for the coronavirus. Additionally, minor-league pitcher Ryan Castellani tests positive for the virus. The MLB and MLBPA are working to create an Operations Manual for the 2020 season that will detail league health and safety protocols. The league has announced a 60-game schedule for the season, but has not announced how many games will be canceled due to COVID.
Birmingham Stallions debut
The Birmingham Stallions made their USFL debut this past Saturday night, defeating the New Jersey Generals 28-24. The game was simulcast on NBC and Fox, and it was one of several matches in Birmingham on Easter Sunday. The USFL’s first season hasn’t had a particularly successful start, but fans are still showing up for future games.
After being cut down from 18 teams to 14, the Stallions went to work acquiring players from other teams. They acquired safety David Dumars from the Denver Gold and offensive tackle Phil McKinnely from the Memphis Showboats. They also signed defensive back Mickey Sutton and linebacker Ken Kelley from the Chicago Blitz. The Stallions made their season debut against the New Jersey Generals on May 5, 1984, at Legion Field. In the game, the Stallions defeated the Generals, who were led by Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie at quarterback.
After a long rain delay, the Stallions finally kickoff, with the score tied at 10-10 at halftime. The first half saw the Stallions score their first touchdown since opening possession. The extra point tacked on by J’Mar Smith ties the game at 14-14. The Stallions’ next possession saw them punt on third down. Later in the quarter, Michigan forced Birmingham to punt. The Stallions then had a chance to capitalize on a missed field goal.
Tampa Bay Bandits vs Pittsburgh Maulers
A Tampa Bay Bandits vs Pittsburgh Mauliers USFL game has been delayed due to weather. The game was originally scheduled for Saturday night but was delayed over an hour because of severe weather conditions. The game was rescheduled to Monday night and will air on FS1.
This game began as a high scoring contest, but quickly turned into a defensive stalemate. In the end, eight flags were thrown, with three for unsportsmanlike conduct. Both teams were forced to play short-yardage offenses, limiting both teams to minimal scoring.
The USFL schedule also includes games in the Birmingham, Alabama, area. The Pittsburgh Maulers are scheduled to face the Generals twice during the regular season. They will also face the Stars and Panthers twice. The top two teams in each division advance to a two-round playoff in late June. The Pittsburgh Maulers will play all games at Protective Stadium.
The Bandits have two quarterbacks on their roster. The most notable one is Jordan Ta’amu, who previously played for the St. Louis BattleHawks in the XFL. He was the third-leading passer when the league suspended operations.