Week 3 of the 2023 USFL season is in full swing, and we’ve got you covered with all of Saturday’s action!
Closing things out, the Memphis Showboats and Houston Gamblers are battling it out to lock down the first win of the season for one of these teams in Memphis on FOX and the FOX Sports app.
Earlier in Birmingham, it was a battle of two undefeated teams, as the New Orleans Breakers (3-0) handed the Birmingham Stallions (2-1) their first loss of the season.
See the full list of regular-season week-by-week matchups here.
Here are the top plays!
Memphis Showboats at Houston Gamblers
Not happening
Memphis got the ball to midfield on the opening possession of the game but stalled and later punted, which was followed by Houston punting on its first possession. The Showboats then got the ball into Gamblers’ territory on their next possession before being stuffed on fourth-and-1 from the 25-yard line.
First score
After forcing the turnover on downs, Houston put together the game’s first scoring drive.
Quarterback Kenji Bahar hit wide receiver Deontez Alexander for an 18-yard pickup on third-and-6. Six plays later, Nick Vogel connected on a 45-yard field goal, putting the Gamblers up 3-0.
Doesn’t have to be pretty
The Showboats moved the ball once again on the ensuing possession, but they came away with points this time.
Quarterback Cole Kelley picked up a first down with his legs, which got Memphis into the red zone. Four plays later, Brandon Wright connected on a 35-yard field goal.
Just get him the ball
Bahar got the ball to wide receiver Justin Hall on a screen play, and the latter put together one of the highlight reel scores of the season.
After hauling in the pass, Hall sliced and diced his way for a first down, evaded a series of tackles and ran around the Showboats defense for a 41-yard touchdown.
Going DEEP into the playbook
Vogel kicked the ball out of bounds after the score, giving Memphis the ball at the 50-yard line. On the first play of the possession, Kelley hit Osirus Mitchell for a 29-yard gain.
Later in the drive, the Showboats were faced with fourth-and-1 at the goal line and pulled out a trick play. With Kelley under center, Memphis snapped the ball through its quarterback to running back Alex Collins, who found tight end Jay Jay Wilson for the touchdown.
Injury
Showboats wide receiver Vinny Papale will miss the remainder of the game due to a chest injury.
Missed opportunity
Houston and Memphis each went three-and-out after the trick-play score. Then the Gamblers had at scoring chance before halftime, but Bahar was intercepted in the end zone by safety Lamont McPhatter II.
The game was tied at 10 at halftime.
Picked into points
Houston and Memphis went three-and-out to begin the second half, followed by Houston going three-and-out once again. Then Kelley was picked off by linebacker J.T. Tyler on the next possession. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after the play on Memphis tackle Jarron Jones gave Houston the ball on the Showboats’ 13-yard line.
Five plays later, Mark Thompson ran in a 5-yard score.
BOOM
Rashard Davis fumbled the ensuing kickoff for Memphis, giving Houston the ball at the Showboats’ 38-yard line. Four plays later, Thompson ran in another score. This one went for 15 yards and saw the Houston running back bulldoze a pair of defenders in the process.
Vogel missed the extra point, though. Houston led 23-10.
Trying to come back
Davis ran the ensuing kickoff for Memphis out to the Houston 39-yard line. Kelley later moved the sticks on fourth-and-12 with a completion to wide receiver Ryan McDaniel, which led to a 26-yard field goal from Wright.
The Showboats then attempted the alternative kickoff, but Kelley’s pass attempt was incomplete.
Stay tuned for updates!
Pregame scene
United States Football League
Memphis Showboats
Houston Gamblers
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