USFL Week 2: Stallions remain undefeated, take down Gamblers
Week 2 of the inaugural United States Football League season continued Saturday with an instant classic between the Birmingham Stallions and the Houston Gamblers.
After a wild back-and-forth battle, the Stallions took down the Gamblers, 33-28.
Here are the top moments from Saturday's matchup.
Birmingham Stallions 33, Houston Gamblers 28
Setting the stage
The game ball was hand-delivered by NASCAR's Tyler Reddick, who is in Birmingham for the highly anticipated race at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday.
Off to the races!
The Stallions wasted absolutely no time getting on the board in this one.
On the opening drive, Gamblers QB Clayton Thorson was picked off near midfield by Stallions CB Brian Allen, who took it 48 yards to the house to give Birmingham an early 7-0 edge.
Birmingham's Brian Allen intercepts Houston's Clayton Thorson for a TD
Need for speed
Gamblers running back Mark Thompson gave Houston a much-needed boost, exploding up the middle for 41 yards.
It's good!
The big gain put Houston in enemy territory, and Nick Vogel helped close the gap with this monster kick.
Returning the favor
The Stallions got a taste of their own medicine when J'Mar Smith's pass was intercepted by Gamblers CB Will Likely and returned 63 yards for a touchdown, giving Houston a 9-7 advantage.
Gamblers answer with a pick-six of their own, courtesy of Will Likely
Dime!
A short field goal from the Stallions kept the Gamblers within arm's reach headed into the second quarter, but things didn't stay that close for long.
On Houston's first drive of the second quarter, emerging star receiver Isaiah Zuber caught a 25-yard TD pass from Thorson to give the Gamblers the lead, 15-10.
Not so fast
Houston came up short on the 2-point conversion attempt, however, as Stallions linebacker DeMarquis Gates was all over Thorson.
Déjà vu
Thorson was once again picked off near midfield which set up another short field goal for the Stallions.
Just like that, it was a two-point game, 15-13.
Miscue
Misfortune struck on the Stallions' following drive, as RB Victor Bolden fumbled the ball, which was recovered by Houston's Jamar Summers at Birmingham's 15-yard line.
Another one!
The Stallions were able to keep the Gamblers out of the end zone, thanks to yet another clutch stop by Gates.
The Gamblers settled for three on the drive and took an 18-13 lead headed into halftime.
Double trouble
The Stallions cashed in on their first two possessions of the second half with back-to-back scores.
First, Smith connected with wideout Osirus Mitchell for a 34-yard TD to give Birmingham a 19-18 lead.
Osirus Mitchell caps off go-ahead touchdown with a bold celebration
On the Stallions' following drive, RB CJ Marable scampered into the end zone to extend their lead, 26-18.
Stallions' RB CJ Marable scores on the goal line to extend the lead 26-18
What can't Zuber do?
In case you were wondering, Zuber can do it all.
Check out this dazzling 41-yard kick return that immediately put the Gamblers back in Stallions territory.
The big gain helped put the Gamblers in good field position. Vogel drilled a 24-yard field goal, making it 26-21, headed into the final frame.
Bombs away!
The Stallions started the fourth quarter the same way they started the third — with a big-time touchdown. First, Smith scrambled under pressure and picked up 16 yards for a crucial first down.
Then, Smith found WR Marlon Williams for a massive 65-yard TD pass to put the Stallions up 33-21.
J'Mar Smith connects with Marlon Williams for the HUGE 65-yard TD pass
No quit
It only took Houston two plays and 42 seconds to answer the Stallions' score.
Thorson launched one to WR Tyler Simmons, good for a 44-yard score to keep the Gamblers in it, 33-28.
Instant classic
Oh, what could have been!
Watch out!
Meanwhile, Gamblers RB Dalyn Dawkins took down the Stallions' defense on this angry run.
Not over yet
Thorson converted on a huge fourth down for the Gamblers, picking up 12 yards on fourth-and-10.
That's a wrap
Houston's luck ran out there, however, as Thorson was picked off for the third time.
Stallions linebacker Lorenzo Burns secured the interception to close out the game.
