Is 2011 proving to be the year that broke parity as a concept in the USFL? It depends how you look at it. Yes, this season we have several teams with5 or more wins and either 0 or only 1 loss. We also still have three clubs that have yet to win a game and another 3 who have only 1 win to their names. The usual logjam at .500 is just not that crowded this year (only 6 teams sit at 3-3 and half of those are in the same division.). So, on the one hand we could call this season a year of disparity, but when we realize that the one 6-0 club left was a basement dweller last year, or that 2010 division winners like Atlanta and Oakland are finding 2011 tough going, we could say that there is a form of parity, just not one that produces a lot of middle-of-the-pack teams, more of a mobility parity with teams rising and falling. It seems to depend on what you view as parity and what you view as disparity among teams. In any case, we have a lot of news all across the league to get to, along with a puzzling bit of news related to USFL expansion or relocation, one to keep an eye on.
DENVER GOLD 20 MICHIGAN PANTHERS 14
It was not a marquee matchup, as Denver games rarely seem to be, but the battle between the Gold and the 1-4 Michigan Panthers turned out to be one of the better games of the year so far as Michigan, desperate to right the ship, and the Gold, clinging to a hope that Arizona will start to fade, faced off at Ford Field.
There was no weather to face in Detroit, but it still felt pretty chilly when the two teams took the field. Michigan, trying to avoid dropping a fifth game so early in the season, and hoping to see Brian Griese returning to 2009 form, came out of the gate with energy and a gameplan that seemed to catch the Gold defense off guard. Michigan used a 2-back formation with both Thomas Jones and Mike Hart on the field in a pro set for most of the first half. They also went with 2 tight ends for nearly 60% of their plays, bringing out Jerome Felton along with Bennie Joppru to present Denver with a heavy front.
The strategy paid immediate dividends, with Michigan’s first drive providing the club with a 7-point initial advantage. Coach LeBeau mixed runs from both backs with play action throws by Griese, including a short TD pass to league receiving yards leader Hines Ward to put Michigan up. After a quick 3-and-out by the Gold, they tried the same strategy and again it proved effective. Michigan drove 77 yards and capped off their second long drive with an 11-yard Mike Hart TD run. The first quarter ended with the Panthers up 14-0. The rest of the game would be a slow slog back for the Gold.
Denver made adjustments in the second quarter, first on offense, where they also pushed the run game behind Maurice Hicks and Javon Ringer. The two would finish the day with a combined 32 carries for 125 yards. Matt Leinart also adjusted his priorities, hitting underneath receivers against Michigan’s 2- and 3-deep zones. On Denver’s first drive of the 2nd quarter, it was good enough to get them in field goal range and put the first Denver points on the board. On their next drive they did that one better, with Leinart finding James Hardy in the endzone for a 9-yard TD at the end of an 11-play drive.
At the same time, the Denver defense adjusted its strategy against Michigan’s larger defense. They crashed the line, pulling Ryan Denney in closer to DT Ndamukong Suh, and on early downs swapping out DE Dennis Johnson for a 3rd DT, with Tommy Harris next to Montae Reager and Suh. Suh even moved to the DE spot on a few occasions. The D-line adjustments proved valuable for Denver, who got better pressure on Griese, but also limited the effectiveness of Michigan’s 2-back scheme.
After going scoreless in the 2nd quarter, Michigan struggled in the 3rd, but their defense also held Denver in check. We saw 7 punts in the period, to no one’s enjoyment, but both defenses were doing their jobs. The lone drive of any duration ended badly for Michigan as Brian Griese was picked by Michigan LB Shawne Merriman just inside the red zone.
The 4th quarter saw Denver again try to establish the run game, and with some success, as they opened the period with a 9-play drive that reached the 28 yard line before sputtering out. Leinart missed Peerless Price on 3rd and 7, and Graham Gano was sent out to make it a 1-point game.
Michigan thought it might have answered Denver’s field goal as Griese found Laverneus Coles on a deep ball that Coles brought in and then spun past the corner and into the endzone, but before the Panther faithful could celebrate, a flag in the backfield signaled the dreaded holding call that negated the play. Instead of a TD toss, the Panthers would face a 2nd and 17, enough to kill their drive. Still up by 1 point, Michigan was forced to punt the ball back to the Gold with just over 4 minutes left on the clock.
Needing only a field goal, but also cognizant that they did not want to leave too much time on the clock for a late Michigan rally, the Gold took their time moving down the field. They benefitted from a defensive holding call on 3rd and 8, one which gave them an automatic first down. Creeping into the red zone, well within Graham Gano’s range, the Gold opted to go for 6 and put Michigan in a position where they would need to score a touchdown to retake the lead, not a field goal. On a 2nd and 5 from the 13 they faked the ball to Javon Ringer, Leinart rolled slightly to the right and found WR Keary Colbert on a slant/corner route that had given him a step over the corner. Leinart threw to the corner of the endzone and Colbert came down with the ball and the winning score, leaving only 31 seconds on the clock for a Michigan team that had not scored since the opening period of the game.
Denver, with the win, moved into 2nd place in the SW Division, 2 games behind the Wranglers, solidly on the plus side of .500. Michigan dropped to 1-5, certainly not the return they had hoped to see for Brian Griese after a lost 2010 season. The problem is that the Griese they seem to have on the roster is not the same one that was injured back at the start of the 2010 season.
WASHINGTON 27 HOUSTON 0
Gambler fans are beginning to panic, and after being shut out at home by Washington, it feels justified. Nothing worked for the Gamblers, who have now dropped 4 in a row. Shaun Alexander rushed for only 43 yards and 2.3 YPC, while Matt Hasselbeck was not able to put together enough plays to get Houston into scoring range, failing on 9 of their 14 third down plays. Washington had built up their 27-0 lead before David Garrard went off with a stinger, and the Federal defense looked a solid as ever, limiting Houston to a total of only 254 yards in a convincing win for the visitors.
BIRMINGHAM 14 CHICAGO 38
Chicago finally got a notch in the win column as they dominated the Stallions and rookie QB Cam Newton. Anthony Weaver landed two of the Machine’s 3 sacks, and Brian Urlacher spent about as much time in the Stallion backfield as Birmingham rusher Joseph Addai. The more aggressive stance of the Chicago defense paid dividends and the Machine also got much more out of Brady Quinn than we have seen this year, throwing for 3 scores on a 17 of 22 performance. A good win for a Chicago team that needed one.
ORLANDO 27 JACKSONVILLE 16
The Renegades continue to look like a solid contender, knocking off in-state rival Jacksonville at Alltell. Knowshon Moreno was the star with 154 yards rushing against the Bulls’ Defense, but he was only 1 of 3 rushers to score as all 3 Orlando touchdowns came through the run game. The defense was equally dominant, tormenting Jacksonville’s 2nd year QB Tim Tebow. The result was 8 sacks by the Renegade D, including 2 each from DT Albert Haynesworth and DE Calais Campbell.
TEXAS 17 PORTLAND 13
Tight End Chris Cooley proved to be Texas’s secret weapon as they edged the Portland Stags in the Rose City. Cooley had 4 catches for 102 yards, including the game winning TD in the 4th. Portland’s D was trouble for Joe Flacco, sacking him three times, picking him off twice, and keeping wideout Marques Colston under wraps most of the game. But, the Texas defense was equally tough on Ryan Fitzpatrick, also with 3 sacks and 2 picks. In the end, it was one drive, and one key catch from Cooley that gave Texas the road win.
LAS VEGAS 3 LOS ANGELES 20
The Express came into this game with uncertainty at QB but also with a chip on their shoulder, hoping to prove that they were a legitimate contender in the Pacific. They exited the game feeling very good about both. Mark Sanchez was able to return to action and looked good, going 16 of 25 for 220 yards and key TD tosses to veteran Eddie Kennison and TE Brandon Manumaleuna, along with 9 passes combined to the big name receivers, Moss and Johnson. Las Vegas struggled against an energized LA defense, converting only 5 of 18 third down plays.
ATLANTA 22 TAMPA BAY 10
Tampa Bay drops their 2nd in a row after a 4-0 start as competition in the SE Division heats up. Atlanta got 89 yards from rookie tailback Anthony Allen to spark the road win. The defense also proved tough against Culpepper and the Bandit offense. Despite giving up 11 catches and 121 yards to Joey Galloway, Atlanta picked off Culpepper twice and held LA to only 4 of 12 on third down conversions as the Fire evened their record at 3-3, just a game out of first.
PHILADELPHIA 28 NEW JERSEY 14
New Jersey’s long season of misery continues as once again they come up short. Philadelphia built up a 28-0 lead before New Jersey got on the board in garbage time in a game utterly dominated by Philadelphia’s defense. New Jersey was outgained 366-221 for the game and rushed for only 37 total yards, while the Stars amassed 160 on the ground, most of it Steve Slaton’s 129 rushing yards. This is Philadelphia’s 4th win in a row, but New Jersey’s 6th consecutive loss.
PITTSBURGH 31 NEW ORLEANS 10
Another rough home game for a winless club as Pittsburgh took no mercy on the Breakers. Cody Pickett had a ball, completing 21 of 23 throws, while Ronnie Brown and Kenny Watson combined for 119 yards. Worse yet for the winless Breakers, Drew Brees went out of the game early and could miss up to 3 weeks. Nothing seems to be going right for the Breakers as they drop to 0-6 in a division they had hoped to win this season.
BOSTON 10 BALTIMORE 28
Boston, sitting now at 1-5, is another club looking for answers as rookie Jake Locker continues to struggle. He threw 4 picks in this game, 2 of them just plain ugly tosses, as Baltimore dominated. Ben Roethlisberger returned under center and went 21 of 29 for 259 yards and 2 TDs. Add in 95 yards and a score from Ron Dayne and this game got out of hand early for the Cannons.
OHIO 14 OAKLAND 17
Ohio is looking like a much improved team this year, particularly on defense, but the Oakland Invaders, and Coach Dennis Green are showing toughness as they move to .500 with the home win. It was not easy for Oakland, but we are seeing HB Ryan Williams begin to make plays. In this game he had 71 yards on only 14 carries, including a nice 18-yard TD run on a draw play. Dereck Anderson got the start again for the Glory, but questions abound if we will see Vince Young in Week 7
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CHARLOTTE 13 SEATTLE 23
After a huge win over Tampa Bay last week, Charlotte fell into a trap game as they flew to the Pacific Northwest and came out flat against a Seattle Dragon squad that can still breathe fire on occasion. With Jahvid Best’s 74 yards and Ladell Betts’s 78, the Dragons ran through and over the Monarch defense. That made life easier for Byron Leftwich, who connected on TD tosses to David Boston and Dwayne Jarrett to help Seattle equal their record at 3-3 after 6 games.
ARIZONA 27 ST. LOUIS 17
Arizona wasted no time taking it to St. Louis, with strikes from David Carr to Larry Fitzgerald and Antonio Bryant in the first quarter giving the Wranglers a 14-point buffer. They needed it as St. Louis fought back, with Josh Freeman throwing 2 TDs to Jordy Nelson. It was not enough, however, as Carr connected with Fitzgerald a second time in the third quarter to keep a comfortable lead for the visitors. St. Louis has now lost 4 in a row after a 2-0 start, while Arizona remains the league’s lone unbeaten club at 6-0.
NASHVILLE 14 MEMPHIS 6
Memphis’s defense made life tough for Jay Cutler, picking off the Knight QB three times, but the handcuffed Showboats simply could not muster enough of an offensive attack to steal the win. Ryan Mallett dropped back to pass 56 times but could only complete 22 of those attempts and finished with only 198 yards and no touchdowns. Cutler, for all his issues on the day, was able to connect for scores with Ahmad Merrit twice. Nashville now sits atop the Southern Division at 5-1, a 2-game lead over Birmingham, and 5 games over the winless Breakers and Showboats.
Ohio to Start Young in Week 7
Following back to back losses in which the offense struggled to put points on the board, Coach Andrus has made the decision to put NFL import Vince Young under center for the Week 7 game against rival Michigan. Young, who arrived in Columbus during the opening week of the season, was inactive for the first 3 games, and was designated the backup for the final 3 as he picked up Coach Andrus’s system. Dereck Anderson had started the first 6 games of the season, and while Columbus started strong with a 3-1 opening month, the past two games have seen them fall to both Texas and Oakland while scoring a combined 21 points in the two games.
Anderson has not played poorly, throwing for 909 yards, 7 TDs to 5 picks, but there is hope that Young can provide more dynamism to an Ohio offense that currently ranks 23rd in the league in points per game (14.5 per game) and 28th in passing yards at only 151.5 per game. Young can also add a dimension to the run game, as he is a threat on both scheduled runs and scrambles. The hope, of course, is that Young’s athleticism and NFL experience will help Ohio stay relevant in a Central Divisoin that is seeing traditional powers Chicago and Michigan in dire straights, creating space for Ohio to challenge Pittsburgh at the top of the division.
Memphis Makes a Move
In an effort to improve upon a disastrous 0-6 start, and a defense that ranks 20th in points allowed, the Memphis Showboats executed a 4 player trade with St. Louis. The Showboats are sending starting strong safety Coy Wire as well as DE Marcus Harrison to the Skyhawks in trade for two defensive linemen, DT Kendrick Clancy and DE Antonio Smith. The Showboats will also send a 4th rounder to St. Louis and pick up a 3rd rounder from the Skyhawks.
With backup SS Jarrad Paige playing well, Wire was a commodity that had value outside of the club but was viewed as a player who could be dealt without damaging the Memphis secondary. The hope, of course, is that the arrival of Clancy and Smith will add energy to a D-line which has failed to pruduce much pressure on opposing QBs or to effectively lock down the run game. Both Smith and Clancy could start this week for the Showboats, who last week traded to bring in QB Bob Volek and FB John Kuhn.
Fans are hoping the moves work to get Memphis into the win column, but their focus seems to be the development of QB Ryan Mallett, who has struggled to adjust to the pro game. None of the changes made by Memphis’s front office can address that issue, not unless they club opts to put Volek in as a starter, a move that would almost certainly hurt Mallett’s development and his confidence as a pro quarterback. But at 0-6, there are few options Memphis can turn to that will not bring some form of pain.
For their part, St. Louis expects Coy Wire to start this weekend at strong safety, moving Kendrick Lewis to the 2nd option as well as a role in dime coverages. They have signed DT Langston Moore to backfill the position vacated by Kendrick Clancy. Larry Triplett will move up to the #2 position behind Richard Seymour, with Moore filling in behind him, just as Harrison, acquired in the trade, will serve as the swing DE behind Eddie Freeman and Adrian Clayborn.
New Jersey Seeks Defensive Help
Another trade as New Jersey tries to find answers for their 28th rated defense. The first move coach Edwards made was to take play calling responsibilities away from his coordinator. Edwards, a former NFL DB, will now take on the defensive calls. The second move was to make a trade to strengthen what is considered a weak LB group. Edwards is moving Donterrious Thomas back outside, to the strongside LB position, benching Piso Tinoisamoa in the process. He can do that because the Generals bit the bullet and traded away some draft capital to bring in a true MLB to stuff the run and occupy the middle. The Generals send a 3rd and a 5th rounder in 2012 to Arizona to acquire MLB Napoleon Harris.
Harris, who has been platooning along with Orlando Huff behind starter Pat Angerer is a veteran with 5 years of USFL experience in Arizona, a former starter for the Wranglers before Angerer’s arrival. He will take over the MLB, with Thomas and Fujita outside in New Jersey’s 4-3 alignment. For Arizona, they picked up 2 draft picks and still have Angerer backed up by Orlando Huff and Travis Goethel in the middle. Trading Harris also freed up a roster spot, one used to promote guard Jerry Perrin from the practice squad.
Jacksonville Shifts Spiller to 3rd Down Role
The Bulls, whose run game is 2nd worst in the league to only New Orleans, have apparently decided that C. J. Spiller is just not a 3-down option any longer. Coach Frazier announced this week that LaBrandon Toefield, who Jacksonville acquired from Tampa Bay in the offseason, would be given the start and that Spiller, a highly touted prospect out of Clemson, would remain part of the offense in a reduced role, taking the field primarily in long yardage and passing downs.
Spiller is essentially being recognized for his ball catching skills but also critiqued for a lack of consistency as the team’s lead back. In his rookie season, Spiller averaged only 3.6 yards per carry and rushed for 645 yards despite being the designated lead back since opening week. This season his numbers have dipped even lower, with his per carry average dropping to only 3.1 yards. The hope is that Toefield, who averaged 4.3 yards per carry while in Tampa Bay, could step into the lead back role, take on the tough inside run game on first and second down, and give way to Spiller on obvious passing downs.
John Fox Gets Vote of Confidence
Despite a rough 1-5 start, and issues with highly regarded rookie QB Jake Locker, longstanding Boston coach John Fox appears to retain the full confidence of Boston ownership. This week the team reaffirmed their commitment to Fox, whose contract is not set to expire until the 2014 season. The former NFL player and winner of the 2009 USFL League Title with the Cannons, is dealing with a rough 1-5 start, and with a rookie QB who is struggling to adjust, but has the confidence of team ownership, who, in their statement this week noted that they anticipated that the transition from years of steady team leadership with Drew Bledsoe to a new system, and a new quarterback would be bumpy, but that they have full belief in Coach Fox, his system, and his ability to build a winner in Boston once again.
Just what New Orleans does not need as their top cornerback, Randall Gay, is placed on IR for the year with a tear in his groin (it hurts just to think about it.) Las Vegas is also looking at a gap on its roster as WR Willie Ponder is out for the year after suffering a broken scapula in his shoulder. Add to that list Birmingham guard Ben Grubbs, whose injury was reevaluated, adding him to the IR.
Not quite as long lasting, but still significant were injuries to Baltimore TE Jacob Tamme (6-8 weeks, arm), Houston DT John McCargo (2-4 weeks, back), Texas OT Roger Saffold (1-2 Weeks, quad), Arizona FS Nate Allen (1-2 weeks, toe), and Philadelphia WR Stevie Johnson (1-2 weeks, thigh bruise). Washington will also be without OG Gennaro DiNapoli for 1-2 weeks with an ankle injury. Charlotte WR Derrick Mason could miss 2-3 weeks with a foot issue, and New Orleans QB Drew Brees is expected to miss this week after taking a blow to the head in last week’s game.
Oklahoma City Making a Bold Move to Lure USFL to Town.
A very intriguing story out of Oklahoma, where an investment group led by J. Walter Duncan IV, son of former New Jersey Generals owner J. Walter Duncan Jr., has come to an agreement with both the government of the state of Oklahoma and with Oklahoma City officials to begin construction of a 50,000 seat stadium in the OKC neighborhood of Persimmon Hill, near the exchange of I-35 and I-44 on the city’s northeast side. The open air stadium would provide Okahoma City with a professional scale venue, and while at present the only defined leases would be with the city’s and state’s high school football association, serving as a home for state championships, the clear vision of the investors is to use the facility to attract pro football to the state.
Mr. Duncan, speaking at the announcement, specifically mentioned his affinity for the USFL, a league his father helped to start back in 1982-1983 as the first owner of the New Jersey Generals, and spoke to the brief history of USFL football in the state with the 1987 Oklahoma Outlaws, who played 100 miles away in Tulsa. He also spoke to the idea of Oklahoma City having a showcase stadium, much like Birmingham, that could serve as home to the annual clash between OU and Oklahoma State, as well as to a wide variety of sporting events, concerts, and other entertainment.
The stadium will apparently be a 40-60 split investment between the private investors Mr. Duncan represents, a group called OK Cityzens For the Future, which apparently also includes minority investors with more USFL ties such as former players Brian Bosworth and Thurman Thomas, and the city and state governments. Construction permits have been cleared and work on the 50 acre site is slated to begin this Fall, with hopes for a 2014 completion. Bond offers from the state will help to finance the stadium, while the city will be diverting funds from hotel and restaurant taxes to provide support for the project.
So, what does this mean for the USFL? Well, it almost certainly means that there is yet another player in the potential expansion/relocation conversation. While OKC certainly lacks the cache at present that groups in Dallas, Miami, or San Diego could bring, a shiny new stadium, and the ability to be the big fish in a somewhat small, but certainly football-crazed pond could very well be an attractive opportunity for the right team, or for the USFL as a whole, which has a rich history of developing rabid fanbases in new locations such as Memphis, Birmingham, Phoenix, Orlando, and Jacksonville. Without a doubt, we will be hearing more from this group, and from Mr. Duncan as the league looks at potential growth in the near future.
Who Else is In the USFL Mix?
The news out of OKC once again has fans and pundits debating both relocation and expansion. And while for most fans it is a combination of “not my team” and “maybe my hated rival will move to Anchorage” talk, for those closest to the USFL, the outlook is one of concern. Anything that makes the league look less stable, or which threatens the possible loss of large markets for smaller markets is a threat to USFL revenue and perception of the league as a true major league. The USFL hopes to avoid what the NFL saw over a 12-year span that saw teams depart Oakland, Baltimore, St. Louis, Los Angeles and Cleveland. While 4 of those cities saw the NFL return to town, just as cities like Atlanta, LA, Chicago, and St. Louis have also had 2nd franchises replace departed USFL teams, neither league wants to see that kind of migration among its franchises. It devalues the entire league and creates a perception not only of instability, but a lack of honest connection between a city and its team, something that can drive down fan interest and buy in (both emotional and financial buy in).
So, what are we looking at in the USFL? Honestly, a problem of success in that more and more cities that are currently outside the USFL’s team distribution are hoping to cash in on the immense popularity of spring football. Many of the potential suitors are NFL cities that see the ability to double down on the use of expensive stadia in their cities, increasing tax revenue and the perception of their city as a Major League destination. In other cases it is new markets hoping to join the club of major league sports, just as cities like Indianapolis, Jacksonville, or Memphis have done, with one franchise raising the profile of the city and leading to additional sports franchises looking to find a home in that rising metro area.
When we look at potential contenders for either USFL expansion or potential franchise relocation, we see that mix at work. As of today, we identify 5 serious groups to keep an eye on as conversations continue and cities work with investors to try to attract the USFL. Here is the quick rundown on all six.
DESTINATION DALLAS
Lead Investor: Telecom magnate Kenny Trout
Other Noteworthy Investors: Tech entrepreneur Mark Cuban
Situation: While Trout remains the official CEO and lead investor in this group, it is clear to all that Mark Cuban is now the driving force behind the group and its interest in placing a USFL franchise in the Cotton Bowl. The group is already working with city officials to refurbish the venerable stadium and could be ready to host USFL games as soon as next season. They have been one of the most vocal groups pushing for a quick turnaround by the league between their 2008 expansion and a new round, with Cuban already hinting that a delayed expansion may force DD to look at existing franchises.
Our Assessment: If any market is going to steal away a current team it is Dallas and this group of investors. The market is huge and hugely attractive to the USFL, so unless they attempt to buy and move another huge market team like New Jersey, LA, or Chicago, we don’t see much opposition to another franchise selling out to the group and making the move to Big D.
Miami USFL LLC
Lead Investor: Ken Griffin, CEO of the Citadel Hedge Fund Firm
Other Noteworthy Investors: Former USFL Coach Howard Schnellenberger, Former NFL Coach Jimmie Johnson, Former NFL & USFL Player Bernie Kosar, and pop music star Ricky Martin.
Situation: While the Miami group has a lot of famous names, no one is really sure how much these big names bring to the table financially. It seems clear that Griffin is the major financial backer for the group. Unlike Dallas, this group does not have a stadium project, or a stadium deal in place. Rumors have them looking at the Orange Bowl as well as Joe Robbie Stadium as possible homes, but are getting pushback both from the ownership of Miami’s NFL ownership and the University of Miami.
Our Assessment: If the group can get past the stadium hurdle, Miami could be an attractive market. We expect a lot of resistance from the three existing Florida franchises, and 4 clubs in the state does seem like a lot for one league, especially one that has only 2 teams in larger states like California and Texas, with no teams actually in the state of New York. Add to that the unpleasant prospect of mid-summer football in open air stadia in Miami and there may be some hesitation to add a club in Miami, as attractive as the city and the ownership group may be.
San Diego Football Group
Lead Investor: Supermarket investor Ron Burkle
Other Noteworthy Investors: Daniel Pritzker (Hyatt Hotels), former NFL & USFL player Marcus Allen
Situation: Any San Diego group must contend with the fact that right now the market belongs to the NFL Chargers and owner Alex Spanos, and that includes use of Qualcomm Stadium, the only suitable venue in the area. While there has been talk about a new stadium, either for the Chargers alone or for use by SDSU as well, the issue remains that any new facility is likely to be owned in part by the Spanos family, and that would likely be a non-starter for a USFL club, with Spanos being part of the club along with Jerry Jones and Robert Kraft who see cooperation with the USFL as a bad business deal.
Our Assessment: Unless this group can get a line on Qualcomm Stadium, we do not see how they can bring a club to San Diego. They honestly would have a better chance of getting a 2nd team for Los Angeles than for their home city at this point. They feel very much like a long shot until and unless the stadium situation changes in the region.
OK Cityzens for the Future
Lead Investor: J. Walter Duncan IV
Other Noteworthy Investors: Former USFL players Brian Bosworth and Thurman Thomas, Country superstar Garth Brooks.
Situation: As we outlined above, this group has come to an agreement with the state and the city to build a pro-ready facility in Oklahoma City. Is that enough to draw a team to what is otherwise a small market, though one in a rabid football state?
Our Assessment: Do we think a team in OKC would draw well? Of course. Do we think it offers enough TV cache for the USFL to jump at the chance to add it as a market? Absolutely not. Honestly, this feels like a bid and a city that might get approved for relocation if another franchise is struggling or has an ownership crisis, but a market that will struggle to make waves in any expansion discussion.
Northstar Football Group
Lead Investor: Glen Taylor, Owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves
Other Noteworthy Investors: Former USFL QB Mike Hohensee, former USFL & NFL coach Sam Wyche, actor Kevin Sorbo
Situation: Perhaps the least advanced of the five, this group, which is almost exclusively funded by Mr. Taylor, seems to be furthest from making a serious pitch for a USFL franchise. That said, the Twin Cities are seen as a promising option for future expansion. Adding another midwestern market, one that is not so close to others like Chicago, Michigan or St. Louis to cut into existing fan bases, a team in Minnesota is viewed as a truly new market in an underrepresented region (Upper Midwest).
Our Assessment: Two things need to happen for the Twin Cities to become a frontrunner for a USFL team. First, the investment group needs to attract some more deep-pocketed investors. While Glen Taylor has NBA money, that is not the same as pro football money. Second, the region would need a new facility. The Metrodome is getting old fast, and while the University of Minnesota recently opened a new 50,000 seat venue, they do not seem particularly eager to share that facility with a second tenant. There are rumors that the Vikings are pushing for a new domed stadium to replace the Metrodome, and if that comes to pass, the USFL could get in early enough to make use of the facility as well, something that would make the Twin Cities a much more palatable option than an open-air college field in March and April in Minnesota’s long winters.
Week Seven brings us some games that looked like potential battles between division leaders but this topsy turvy year has clearly changed the situation. That is the case for Friday night’s game, which has a 1-win Chicago headed to the 5-1 Nashville Knights. On Saturday 0-6 New Jersey continues its brutal run of divisional games when it heads to face 5-1 Washington. Winless Memphis is also on the road, hoping to upset Jacksonville. The nightcap on Saturday has a surprisingly troubled Houston Gambler squad, losers of 4 in a row, headed to Denver for a crucial divisional game against the Gold.
On Sunday we have a couple of very intriguing matchups as surprising LA is in Tampa Bay, with both clubs 4-2. New Orleans is hoping to get their first win of the season as they host a St. Louis club that has lost 4 straight. Arizona hopes to remain unbeaten as they hit the road to play the Cannons in Boston, and the weekend concludes with a nice battle in the Southeast as Atlanta makes the short trip to Charlotte to face the 4-2 Monarchs.
FRIDAY @ 8pm ET Chicago (1-5) @ Nashville (5-1) NBC
SATURDAY @ 12pm ET New Jersey (0-6) @ Washington (5-1) ABC
SATURDAY @ 12pm ET Memphis (0-6) @ Birmingham (3-3) FOX
SATURDAY @ 12pm ET Jacksonville (2-4) @ Philadelphia (4-2) FOX
SATURDAY @ 4pm ET Michigan (1-5) @ Ohio (3-3) ABC
SATURDAY @ 4pm ET Baltimore (4-2) @ Orlando (4-2) FOX
SATURDAY @ 8pm ET Houston (2-4) @ Denver (4-2) ESPN
SUNDAY @ 12pm ET Oakland (3-3) @ Pittsburgh (5-1) ABC
SUNDAY @ 12pm ET Arizona (6-0) @ Boston (1-5) ABC
SUNDAY @ 12pm ET Los Angeles (4-2) @ Tampa Bay (4-2) FOX
SUNDAY @ 4pm ET Portland (3-3) @ Las Vegas (4-2) ABC
SUNDAY @ 4pm ET St. Louis (2-4) @ New Orleans (0-6) FOX
SUNDAY @ 4pm ET Seattle (3-3) @ Texas (4-2) FOX
SUNDAY @ 8pm ET Atlanta (3-3) @ Charlotte (4-2) EFN