USFL Week 9 highlights: Birmingham Stallions handle Houston Gamblers

Week 9 of the USFL season is in full swing, and we’ve got you covered with all the action from Sunday’s two-game slate.

The Birmingham Stallions (7-2) kicked things off by beating the Houston Gamblers (5-4), 38-15, in Memphis.

Later, on FOX, the Philadelphia Stars (4-4) will face the New Jersey Generals (2-6) in Canton, Ohio at 7 p.m. ET.

The Pittsburgh Maulers (3-6) began Week 9 with a 19-7 win over the Michigan Panthers (3-6) Saturday, while the New Orleans Breakers (6-3) dominated the Memphis Showboats (5-4), 31-3.

Here are the top moments from Sunday!

FINAL: Birmingham Stallions 38, Houston Gamblers 15

Picked!

Houston and Birmingham each went three-and-out to begin the game, and the latter got into field goal range on its next possession before disaster struck.

On third-and-10 from the Stallions’ 24-yard line, Gamblers quarterback Kenji Bahar’s pass was thrown in front of linebacker Quentin Poling, who came up with the interception.

Loose ball!

Just two plays after the interception, Birmingham gave Houston the ball back when quarterback Alex McGough’s and running back CJ Marable’s timing was off on an option, and the ball hit the ground. Gamblers defensive end Reggie Walker recovered the fumble at the Stallions’ 30-yard line.

Four plays later, kicker Nick Vogel connected on a 47-yard field goal for Houston.

Got it right back

Deon Cain slipped and fumbled the ensuing kickoff for Birmingham, and Tyler Palka hopped on the loose ball for Houston. With that said, the Gamblers settled for another 3-pointer, as Vogel made a 24-yard field goal with 14:14 remaining in the second quarter. Houston led 6-0.

A spark

After the field goal, Birmingham went three-and-out, and Houston was ready to punt it away themselves before punter Hunter Niswander dropped the snap, scrambled and was tackled at the Gamblers’ 20-yard line. The Stallions later settled for a 24-yard field goal from kicker Brandon Aubrey.

Great play

On third-and-14 from the Stallions’ 40-yard line, Bahar hit tight end Josh Pederson to move the chains. The drive ended with Vogel hitting a 36-yard field goal.

Stealing points

On the first play of the next drive, McGough hit a wide-open Jace Sternberger, who ran down the field and through some tackle attempts for a 41-yard pickup. Two plays later, McGough got the ball out to Marable, who took off for a 26-yard gain, putting the Stallions at the Gamblers’ 1-yard line.

Then after getting sacked, McGough hit Sternberger near the pylon, and the tight end got both feet in bounds for the touchdown. Birmingham took a 10-9 lead into the halftime break.

BANG

Birmingham’s offense picked up right where it left off on the opening possession of the second half. On the fourth play of the drive, McGough threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to Cain, who hauled in the contested score.

INT

Houston got a field goal after the Birmingham touchdown and then came up with a turnover on the Stallions’ next possession.

On the first play of the drive, McGough threw a pass up for wide receiver Davion Davis, but Gamblers safety Dayan Lake boxed him out and came down with the interception. Houston got into the red zone but settled for a 29-yard field goal from Vogel, his fifth of the game. Houston trailed 17-15 at the end of the third quarter.

Tough running

Birmingham took the biggest lead of the game on its next possession. Late in the drive, McGough completed a pair of passes to Myron Mitchell and Davis that combined for 27 yards. Two plays later, Marable ran in a gritty 2-yard score, giving the Stallions a 24-15 lead.

Oh no!

Houston and Birmingham each punted after the Stallions reached the end zone. Then disaster struck for Bahar and the Gamblers.

Houston’s quarterback took off for a gain on the ground before stumbling and coughing the ball up in the air. Stallions cornerback Matt Hankins caught the loose ball in the air and ran it back for a touchdown.

Running away with it

McGough faked the handoff, faked out the Houston defense and ran into the end zone for the 16-yard score. The Stallions led 38-15 with 4:09 remaining in the fourth quarter, which would be the final score.

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