One week away from the kickoff of another USFL season, the 31st after last year’s big anniversary celebration, and this offseason has certainly been a busy one, and in many ways a surprising one. We did not have the big QB drama of some past years, but plenty of moves, signings, shakeups, and surprises to keep us all on our toes. Cap it all off with one of the biggest draft coups in the league’s history and you have an offseason that deserves another look before we hit the field. And so, here it is. We will preview the 2013 season for each club in our next edition, but now we are focused on the changes that occurred all across the league during the offseason and the latest news as teams break camp and prepare for the regular season.
USFL Shocks NFL With Rookie Signings
The trend has been well known for a long time. The USFL holds its Collegiate Draft, the NFL follows, and then the contract negotiations and bidding wars begin. What we have also come to expect is that there will usually be around a 80% concordance between the players chosen in the 10 rounds of USFL Draft (3 Territorial and 7 Open) and the 7-round NFL draft, and that when we look at all the shared players selected, each league will typically sign half of their draftees, with the NFL typically faring better in their earlier rounds, where their higher salary range often wins out, while the USFL, with more equitable salary structures, tends to do better at landing players who graded out as NFL mid-round and lower. That is the norm. But that is not what happened this year.
When we look at the NFL’s 1st round, their top 32 selections, we are stunned to see that a full 22 of 32 picks ended up signing with the USFL, just devastating the draft plans of nearly all NFL clubs. When we add in the 2nd round of NFL selections, the number still mostly holds (11 of 32 2nd round picks signed with the NFL). That means that of 64 picks in the NFL’s first two rounds, 43 signed with the USFL instead, a whopping 67%. We have never seen this before and with the reaction this has sparked within the NFL, we expect we won’t see it again.
What sparked such a strong USFL draft? Well, for one thing, the first two rounds of the NFL draft were considered weaker by most accounts, with no marquee quarterbacks, very few high value positions overall, and a lot of linemen and defenders, players whose value within the NFL is often within the USFL budget capacity. So, the lack of Andrew Lucks or Ricky Williams-type players meant that the USFL was on a more equal footing, and with a strong NFL raid on USFL rosters during the Fall transfer window, especially on defenders and linemen, there was need within the USFL to do well in the draft to fill holes.
The NFL Did land several of the bigger name “skill” players, including QB E. J. Manuel, HB Cordarelle Patterson, and WR DeAndre Hopkins, but when it came to linemen, backes, corners, and edge rushers, the USFL did extremely well. We will recap all the big signings in our team-by-team analysis, but just to give you a sense, let’s take a look at the NFL’s first 10 picks.
1—OT Eric Fisher (CMU): Drafted by both KC and the Seattle Dragons, he opted to play for the Dragons despite being the number 1 overall pick in the NFL draft.
2—OT Luke Joeckel (Texas A&M): Chosen by Houston in the T-Draft and by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Joeckel could not pass up the chance to play in Tony Boselli’s position with the Jags.
3—DE Dion Jordan (Oregon): The ability to stay in Oregon and on the West Coast with the Stags trumped the money that Miami offered him to jump to the NFL, he became the highest rated T-Draft pick to join the spring football world.
4—OT Lane Johnson (OU): Not protected by the new Dallas Roughnecks, the Breakers took an early shot at Johnson and the combination of their city as an attractive place to play, its proximity to Texas, and the recent coaching change with the Eagles, meant that Johnson would opt for the USFL over an uncertain situation in Philly.
5—DE Ezekiel Ansah (BYU): Taken by Las Vegas in the T-Draft, this was one of the longer negotiations but eventually Ansah took a shot with Detroit of the NFL.
6—DE Barkevious Mingo (LSU): While Mingo himself campaigned to be picked by his childhood team, the Renegades, being drafted by Jacksonville meant his family could see him play, something the Cleveland Browns could not compete with.
7—OG Jonathan Cooper (UNC): That home cooking keeps working for the USFL as the appeal of playing for Charlotte, after the T-Draft pick, was just too much for the Arizona Cardinals to compete with, even though it was rumored that their deal would have given Cooper about $300,000 more per year.
8—WR Tavon Austin (WVU): Austiin went back and forth between the Maulers and the St. Louis Rams, but in the end, the Maulers gave him more opportunity to play in his first year and ended up coughing up some sizeable cash as well.
9—CB Dee Milliner (Alabama): The lights of NY with the Jets or the down home charm of Orlando with the Renegades. Honestly, one factor trumped both, the lack of income tax in Orlando meant that even with a lower overall contract value, Milliner would see more income if he signed with the Renegades, which he did.
10—G Chance Warmack (Alabama): Drafted by the Copperheads of the NFL and the Wranglers in the USFL, Warmack was looking for a deal that would give him 5 years, and the NFL rookie limits would not allow that, while the Wranglers were happy to comply.
Bush and Jackson Headline NFL Transfers
The NFL did not only suffer some defeats in the draft pool, quite a few in fact, but also in their free agency pool, where the USFL again spent considerable capital to land NFL talent. After a fall window that saw the NFL sign 4 USFL players for every USFL signing, the script was flipped, with the USFL landing a very solid class of 30 NFL veterans during the February window (and the window is still open for 1 more week, though late signings during the season are rare.)
What stung more was the name recognition of at least two USFL signings, both halfbacks. Reggie Bush and Steven Jackson were both high profile players on the outs with their NFL clubs, but the fall league had hoped to see both stay as NFL players. That did not happen. Bush was a pretty easy sell, leaving the Dolphins to return home to the LA area with the USFL Express. He signed on with LA on the 2nd day of the transfer window, bringing a sigh of relief to both LA fans and Coach Andy Reid, himself one of the bigger name USFL signings this offseason.
Jackson was a bit more of a surprise, and a positive one for sure if you are a fan of the Atlanta Fire. With Darren McFadden gone in free agency and Tennessee HB Cordarelle Patterson signing with the NFL Vikings, Atlanta was in need of a new bell cow back. Jackson played hardball, looking at several offers before signing a 3-year deal to join the Fire.
Others who signed on in the past few weeks include a third halfback in former Oiler Justin Forsett, now with Ohio. Wideout Emmanuel Sanders is likely the new number one target for Brady Quinn in Chcago after moving on from his time with the Steelers. He was atop a pretty shallow WR group, though the USFL did land two more NFL vets in slot receiver Brian Hartline (now with Baltimore) and return specialist Josh Cribbs (moving from Cleveland to the Pittsburgh Maulers, which did not make Browns’ fans happy.) Tight End Dennis Pitta was the other receiver of note to make the leap to the spring, joining the Seattle Dragons in their revamped offense.
Among notable defenders, perhaps the biggest name was DT Glenn Dorsey, formerly of the Chiefs and now centering the D-Line for the Wranglers. DE Junior Galette is now an Oakland Invader, former Buc Michael Bennett is with Michigan, and, while not yet official, it seems that former Colt sack specialist Dwight Freeney may be signing a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Maulers to play out his career in the Steel City.
Others signed include LBs Rocky McIntosh (NOR) and Dannell Ellerbe (WSH), corners Chris Gamble (OAK) and Derek Cox (OHIO) and safety Glover Quinn (WSH). No special teams players were signed by the USFL, and a QB group headed by “Draft bust” Jamarcus Russell and veteran backups Tarvaris Jackson and Rex Grossman also did not see any league switches.
USFL Signings
It has been a busy offseason and rather than break down the signings by type (NFL, Free Agent, Rookie) we thought it made more sense to look team by team at all the new faces that will make or break the season for all 28 teams. So, here is our team-by-team breakdown of all the new arrivals and who you should keep your eyes on. We focus here on the later signings, though we may comment on a few from way back in August as well.
ARIZONA: LB Demorrio Williams (NFL), DT Glenn Dorsey (NFL), HB Frank Gore
ROOKIES: G Chance Warmack, LB A. J. Klien, CB Jeremy Harris, DE Kapron Lewis-Moore
Arizona shores up their defense with two good NFL signings but the big splash was nabbing Frank Gore to replace the retired LaDainian Tomlinson.
ATLANTA: HB Steven Jackson (NFL)
ROOKIES: CB Darius Slay, HB Marcus Lattimore, DE Armonty Bryant, TE Vance Donald
The one late move for the Fire was a big one, nabbing former Ram HB Steven Jackson, who likely will not see the field for 2-3 weeks, but who will then step in as the number one back.
BALTIMORE: WR Brian Harline (NFL), G George Bussey, HB Maurice Clarett, QB Kevin Kolb (Trade)
ROOKIES: OT Terron Armstead, CB Dwayne Gratz, LB Brandon Jenkins, HB Kerwynn
Williams
Baltimore’s draft class did not pan out as well as many other clubs, but they feel good about addition of sure-handed wideout Brian Hartline.
BIRMINGHAM: DT Harry Melton (NFL), LB Brian Kehl
ROOKIES: LB Nico Johnson, S D. J. Swearinger, DE Corey Lemonier, S Bacarri Rambo, DT Brandon Williams
The Stallions focus on defense was pretty comprehensive, from rookie safeties and LB Nico Johnson to the late signings of veterans Harry Melton and Brian Kehl.
CHARLOTTE: DE Jevon Kearse (Trade)
ROOKIES: G Jonathan Cooper, TE Luke Willson, LB Steven Means, G Travis Bond, CB Marc Anthony, QB Jeff Tuel, S Zeke Motta
Charlotte did little in free agency, but signed 9 rookies by trading for more picks and then spending on their younger players. One trade did bring them a known commodity, getting Jevon Kearse from the Generals.
CHICAGO: OT Ryan Clady (NFL), WR Emmanuel Sanders (NFL), HB Ben Tate, CB Josh Norman (Trade)
ROOKIES: WR Aaron Dobson, S Shawn Williams, LB Manti Te’o, CB Nickell Robey-Coleman, CB Jordan Poyer, K Jason Myers
Chicago was one of the more active teams all offseason, and that included the last 2 months, signing two quality NFL veterans, trading Michael Turner for CB Josh Norman, and then signing 8 draft picks from12 selections, including two more corners and LB Manti Te’o from Notre Dame.
DALLAS: C Phil Costa (NFL), LB Brandon Chillar, SS Mark Dillard
ROOKIES: DT Star Lotulelei, QB Landry Jones, G William Campbell, DE David King, WR Tim Wright.
The Roughnecks landed their top draft targets, Jones at QB and Lotulelei at DT, and also strengthened the O-line with veteran center Phil Costa.
DENVER: CB Keenan Lewis (NFL), HB Jacob Hester, DT Jesse Mahelona, LB Mohammad Brown, SS Dashon Goldston (Trade)
ROOKIES: G Larry Warford, S Daimion Stafford, DT Sharrif Floyd, OT David Bakhtiari,
G Garrett Gilkey, DE Michael Buchanon
The Gold looked to strengthen their defense even more in the later stages of the offseason, not only through the draft, but by signing a corner from the NFL and several defenders from the USFL free agent ranks.
HOUSTON: DE Antwan Applewhite (NFL), LB Pat Angerer, Michael Turner (Trade)
ROOKIES: DE Damontra Moore, S Kenny Vaccaro, DT John Jenkins, G Ryan Seymour
Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro may be the player that Houston fans are most excited to see, but the addition of LB Pat Angerer could also be impactful for a Gambler D hoping to get back to their glory days as one of the league’s most feared squads.
JACKSONVILLE: LB Jarrett Johnson, TE Visanthe Shiancoe, WR Chastin West
ROOKIES: DE Barkevious Mingo, DE Mallicah Goodman, S Matt Elam, OT Ryan Jensen, G Patrick Omameh
The Bulls were another team that focused on more affordable players on defense and the O-line, though they did also add depth at TE and WR with two late free agent additions. The star of the signings is Mingo, who is already selling Bulls gear in his new number.
LAS VEGAS: CB Tyrone Bell, TE Ben Watson (Trade)
ROOKIES: LB Jonathan Bostic, OT Jordan Mills, S Duke Williams
Not a great yield from 9 draft picks as only 3 players sign on with the Thunder. It seems the financial questions are making talent leary of the franchise.
LOS ANGELES: HB Reggie Bush (NFL), LB Nathan Triplett, QB Terrelle Pryor, DE Tim Jameson, HB Rod Smart
ROOKIES: CB Jamar Taylor, WR Robert Woods, TE Gavin Escobar, C T. J. Johnson, DT Sylvester Williams.
All the excitement right now in LA is about Reggie Bush, but this is a team that has invested in offense, adding two good looking rookies in the T-Draft and signing Rod Smart, who will likely get a lot of work until Bush is ready to start in a couple of weeks.
MEMPHIS: G Louis Vasquez (NFL), DT Tank Johnson, WR LaVelle Hawkins, C Ryan Kalil
ROOKIES: LB Jarvis Jones, HB Knile Davis, FB Zach Line, WR Cobi Hamilton, TE Ryan Griffin, C Brian Schwenke
After the huge trade with Orlando brought Eli Manning to Memphis, they spent the latter
stages of the offseason adding depth to the O-line and adding weapons, particularly in the draft with HB Knile Davis as well as a wideout, TE, and fullback.
MICHIGAN: DE Michael Bennett (NFL), QB Drew Stanton, LB Spencer Adkins, FS Matt Ware, G Alton Hulsey
ROOKIES: HB LeVeon Bell, LB Sean Porter, HB Michael Cox, TE Dion Sims, OT Carter Bykowski
The Panthers believe they have their new bell cow back in former Spartan LeVeon Bell. They added another MSU guy in backup QB Drew Stanton, but the biggest splash may be from former NFL DE Michael Bennett, who is slotted to start at RE.
NASHVILLE: TE Delaney Walker (NFL), C Chris Chester, QB Curtis Painter, HB Ray Rice, LB Nate Irving, QB Cody Pickett
ROOKIES: TE Tyler Eifert, CB Kayvon Webster, G Dallas Thomas, WR Justin Hunter, K Brett Maher
The Knights think they have a first week starter in Eifert, and they know they do after rookie Brett Maher won the kicking job in camp. Ray Rice is the other new acquisition from whom a lot will be expected this year.
NEW JERSEY: LB Chase Blackburn (NFL), OT Charles Spencer, LB Rey Maualaga (Trade)
ROOKIES: DE William Gholston, S ShamarkoThomas, S Johnathan Cyprien
The Generals traded away a lot of picks, and then failed to sign more, bringing in a rookie class of only 4 players. Their LB group, however, should benefit from both NFL vet Chase Blackburn and former Monarch Rey Maualaga joining the team.
NEW ORLEANS: LB Rocky McIntosh (NFL), G Dan Buenning
ROOKIES: OT Lane Johnson, DT Bennie Logan, LB Kevin Minter, DT Everett Dawkins, HB Jawan Jamison, K Caleb Sturgis
A rookie class that has not impressed the pundits, but the Breakers are liking what they see in LB Kevin Minter, and there is a good chance that Sturgis will beat out veteran Graham Gano as the team’s kicker.
OAKLAND: DE Junior Galette (NFL), CB Chris Gamble (NFL), QB Bob Volek, FS Darcel McBath, G Chris Kemoetu, C Antoine Caldwell.
ROOKIES: OT D. J. Fluker, WR Keenan Allen, TE Zach Ertz,OT LaAdrian Waddle, G Tim Lelito
The Invaders went heavy on offense in the draft, but it paid off with some real talent joining the team in the form of WR Allen and TE Ertz, along with several linemen. From the NFL the focus was defense and both Galette and Gamble should find starting positions.
OHIO: CB Derek Cox (NFL), HB Justin Forsett (NFL), WR Sean Morey, QB Chris Weinke (Trade)
ROOKIES: DE Datone Jones, LB Sio Moore, OTReid Fragel, DT Johnathan Hankins, G Edmund Kugbila
The Glory had many holes to fill but they like the value they got both in free agency and in the draft. The big story this camp has been the QB Battle between Vince Young and Chris Weinke, a situation that could remain in flux as the season opens.
ORLANDO: HB La’Rod Stephens-Howling (NFL), G Ben Hamilton, QB Dereck Anderson, TE Gary Barnidge, S Chad Scott (Trade)
ROOKIES: CB Dee Milliner, G Barrett Jones, HB Latavius Murray, G Eric Herman, DT Montori
Hughes, LB DeVonte Holloman
Moving up and down the draft board was the story for the Renegades after they traded away Eli Manning. 2nd year QB Russell Wilson will take over an offense with a lot of new pieces.
PHILADELPHIA: OT Sebastian Vollmer (NFL), WR James Hardy, G Chris Kuper, DE Allen Bailey
ROOKIES: TE Travis Kelce, DT Jesse Williams, HB Zac Stacy, DT Jared Smith
The Stars did not go into the offseason with much cap room but still managed to make a few additions to their roster, most notably by signing former Patriots’ tackle Sebastian Vollmer. They added some potential offensive weapons for Matt Gutierrez in TE Kelce and HB Stacy through the draft.
PITTSBURGH: WR Josh Cribbs (NFL), WR Kelley Washington, QB Jeff Smoker, OT Jared Gaither, QB Quincy Carter
ROOKIES: WR Tavon Austin, OT Brennan Williams, DT Josh Boyd, WR Adam Thielen,
CB A. J. Bouye
The trade of Cody Pickett helped Pittsburgh free up some cap space and avoid a QB controversy. And while there are still a lot of questions about the offense with Andy Dalton at QB, the Maulers should be a quicker, more diverse offense with the additions of four new receivers to the squad, but are any of them as reliable a target as Vincent Jackson had been?
PORTLAND: HB LeGarrette Blount (NFL), HB Kevin Smith, G Mike Briesel
ROOKIES: DE Dion Jordan, OT Tanner Hawkinson, QB Matt McGloin, LB Kiko Alonso
Portland had some success in the T-Draft, landing both of their top targets, Jordan and Alonso, both of whom should help their already stacked defense. They also built some depth into their offense with two new backs to help spell Jonathan Stewart.
SEATTLE: TE Dennis Pitta (NFL), FB Jerome Felton (NFL), HB Cadillac Williams, OT Joseph Bragg, TE Joe Toler
ROOKIES: OT Eric Fisher, CB Desmond Truffant, OG Jeff Baca, CB Khalid Wooten,
HB C. J. Anderson, TE Levine Toilolo
Seattle is trying to retool their offense around the run game and a shorter passing game.
The additions of TE Dennis Pitta from the NFL and HB Cadillac Williams should go a long way towards that, but it is rookie OT Eric Fisher who could be the biggest help to a less mobile Byron Leftwich this season.
ST. LOUIS: TE Jeramy Stevens, WR Devery Henderson, OT Joe Staley
ROOKIES: HB Eddie Lacy, DT Sheldon Richardson, P Sam Martin, LB Zaviar Gooden
The Skyhawks went for quality over quantity in the draft and having fewer draftees allowed them the funds needed to sign both of their top picks. Lacy will have huge shoes to fill as he steps into the lead back roll vacated by Antowain Smith.
TAMPA BAY: OT Jake Long (NFL), TE Dustin Keller, WR Vincent Jackson, G Elton Brown
ROOKIES: DT Kawann Short, LB Nick Moody, DE Tank Carradine, QB B. J. Daniels, P Tress
Way, HB Rex Burkhead
The Bandits got the player they most coveted in wideout Vincent Jackson, who will take on the number one target spot, but also added quality in TE Dustin Keller. The rookie class looks like a slow-developing group that will likely not see a lot of action this year but could develop over time.
TEXAS: K Kai Forbath, HB Felix Jones
ROOKIES: G Kyle Long, WR Marquise Goodwin, P Jeff Locke, CB Demetrius Mcray, QB
Sean Renfree, S Earl Wolff
Not a very impactful offseason for the Outlaws, though they did manage to find replacements for both vacant kicker positions. Felix Jones will once again likely find himself with spot duty despite good career numbers as he backs up Arian Foster.
WASHINGTON: S Glover Quinn (NFL), LB Dannell Ellerbe (NFL), HB Jahvid Best, WR Roberto Wallace, OT David Stewart, DE Everson Griffin
ROOKIES: LB Alec Ogletree, C Khaled Holmes, G Oday Aboushi, FB Tommy Bohanon,
DE David Bass
The Federals believe they have reinforced their LB group with the addition of NFL veteran Ellerbe and rookie Alec Ogletree. They also provided the offense with a nice change of pace back in Jahvid Best, who brings a very different style to the team than that of their star, Deuce McCallister.
Las Vegas Financial Mess Coming to Light
It may be worse than first imagined. The USFL and City of Las Vegas appear to have uncovered some significant issues with the financing of the Las Vegas Thunder and potential criminal actions taken by ownership, particularly casino developer Phil Ruffin. Both the league and the city have been keeping quiet, with the potential for criminal charges still very much a possibility. What is known is that the valuation of the Thunder and their ownership could be in serious question. With the city having already sunk tens of millions of dollars into the construction of a new domed stadium just off the strip, the possibility that either criminal proceedings or violation of league bylaws will force the dissolution of the Thunder is one that no one wants to face, but neither party can escape.
Not to bog this down in financial lingo, let’s just say that the Thunder ownership are overextended and very likely unable to meet their financial obligations, not only to the stadium project, to which they are committed for over $300M over the next 5 years, but to the league and its 27 other franchises as well. It appears almost certain that some action will need to be taken, and with the potential for criminal action being brought against Ruffin and others within the Thunder ownership, the penalties could start to pile up.
So, what happens to the stadium project? It is far too late to halt the project, which is headed for a Spring 2015 completion, but that does not guarantee that the facility will have a franchise to call it home. The Thunder now appear very shaky, and could very well be dissolved unless another option comes to light, and the city of Las Vegas has, as of yet, been unable to woo a potential NFL franchise to town, though not for a lack of trying. The project will continue, but it looks like the USFL may well have to foot a much larger portion of the bill than originally intended. Their 30% cut could now jump close to 60% if the Thunder are unable to support their end of the deal, a major catastrophe for the league.
One possible saving move, one floated already within league circles, is to divest the franchise from current ownership, a move that will be made easier if the city or the state of Nevada do bring charges against Ruffin and the ownership group, and then to sell the Las Vegas market to a new investment group, a deal that would come with major expense, since the new group would not only be buying into the USFL, but into a stadium construction deal as well. Despite what could be a very high price tag, there may well be investors willing to take a shot on Las Vegas, particularly if the deal comes with an ownership stake in a new domed stadium and the potential for income from an NFL lease as well. Some have even speculated that another USFL franchise could elect to get into the market to relocate to Las Vegas if the Thunder are dissolved, a move which would not result in an expansion or purchase fee, but would still come with significant stadium costs.
All of this is speculation at present, but it seems very much a possibility that Thunder ownership will find themselves both in legal issues with the league and with the city and state as well, which could, quite dramatically, lead to major changes for the franchise and the league. We will, of course, stay on top of these developments as they proceed.
League Schedule Provides Plenty of Must See TV
Yes, it is an old expression, must see TV, but it certainly applies to the 2013 USFL schedule. There are games every week that folks are not going to want to miss. Not if you love football. Here is our rundown of highlighted games for each and every week of the season.
WEEK 1: Charlotte @ Atlanta
An opening week clash of two teams sure to be battling for the SE Division title all season long. Other Games to Catch include Denver @ Arizona, Baltimore @ Philadelphia, Washington @ Pittsburgh, and Dallas’s home opener at the Cotton Bowl as they face the Express.
WEEK 2: Houston @ Texas
The Texas Tussle continues, but will Dallas shake up the rivalry between these two longstanding Texas squads?
Other Games to catch include St. Louis @ Michigan, Orlando @ Jacksonville, Philadelphia @ Washington, and Seattle @ Portland in the Cascade Clash.
WEEK 3: Washington @ St. Louis
Defense against offense in a game many expected we would see last summer in the title game.
Other games to catch include Texas @ Atlanta, Tampa Bay @ Charlotte, New Jersey @ Philadelphia, and Oakland @ Portland.
WEEK 4: Las Vegas @ Oakland
These two were neck and neck in 2012 battling for the Pacific, and we think they will be again.
Other games to catch include Atlanta @ Nashville, Jacksonville @ Tampa Bay, Denver @ Texas, Chicago @ Michigan, and Denver @ Texas.
WEEK 5: Nashville @ New Jersey
Manning vs. Bradford, old guard and young turks, plus two potential division contenders from the NE and South.
Other games to catch include Texas @ Arizona, Baltimore @ St. Louis, Michigan @ Ohio, Pittsburgh @ Chicago, and Oakland @ Los Angeles.
WEEK 6: Philadelphia @ Charlotte
A rematch of the playoff shocker from 2012 when the Monarchs stunned the Stars to reach the Summer Bowl.
Other games to catch include Nashville @ Tampa Bay, Baltimore @ New Jersey, Birmingham @ Memphis, Dallas @ Texas, and Las Vegas @ Seattle.
WEEK 7: Arizona @ Denver
A rivalry that always entertains and one that could go a long way to determining the season for both clubs.
Other games to catch include Washington @ Baltimore, Chicago @ St. Louis, Los Angeles @ Las Vegas, and Tampa Bay @ Atlanta.
WEEK 8: St. Louis @ Las Vegas
The Western Conference final rematch with the offense of the Skyhawks again facing that tough Las Vegas D.
Other games to catch include Charlotte @ Tampa Bay, Houston @ Arizona, Jacksonville @ Orlando, Birmingham @ Atlanta, and New Orleans @ Nashville.
WEEK 9: Dallas @ Houston
A new phase for the Battle of Texas as the state’s two biggest cities clash in the Bayou City.
Other games to catch include Portland @ Seattle, St. Louis @ Pittsburgh, and Nashville @ Oakland.
WEEK 10: Philadelphia @ Pittsburgh
It has been a decade since the Keystone Clash has been a divisional game, but the bitterness of this rivalry has never faded.
Other games to catch include Denver @ Houston, Nashville @ Charlotte, and Orlando @ Atlanta
WEEK 11: New Jersey @ Washington
If the Generals want to be considered true NE powers, they need to win games like this one, a tough road matchup in DC.
Other games to catch include Arizona @ Dallas, Texas @ Denver, Atlanta @ Charlotte, and Philadelphia @ Nashville.
WEEK 12: Michigan @ Chicago
We don’t know if these two will be 9-3 or 3-9 when they clash, and, honestly, when they do the records rarely matter.
Other games to catch include Houston @ Dallas, New Jersey @ Pittsburgh, Baltimore @ Washington, Portland @ Los Angeles, and Charlotte @ Philadelphia
WEEK 13: Philadelphia @ New Jersey
The most celebrated rivalry in the USFL sees the Stars headed up to East Rutherford to take on the Generals. It never disappoints.
Other games to catch include Atlanta @ Orlando, Houston @ Denver, St. Louis @ Ohio, New Orleans @ Memphis, and Las Vegas @ Portland.
WEEK 14: St. Louis @ Chicago
Blues-Blackhawks, Cubs-Cards, Machine-Skyhawks. OK, the last one is not the oldest rivalry in the USFL, but it is turning into a good one as animosity between these two cities always brings out the fans.
Other games to catch include Arizona @ Houston, Texas @ Dallas, Charlotte @ Orlando, New Jersey @ Tampa Bay, Los Angeles @ Oakland, and Pittsburgh @ Philadelphia
WEEK 15: Washington @ Philadelphia
This game could well determine the NE Division, as the Stars and Federals are both expected to be Summer Bowl contenders once again.
Other games to catch include Baltimore @ Pittsburgh, Oakland @ Las Vegas, Tampa Bay @ Orlando, Nashville @ Memphis, Texas @ Houston, and New Orleans @ Charlotte.
WEEK 16: Nashville @ New Orleans
Is it even a season finale if these two are not fighting it out for the Southern Division title? And, for the second year in a row, it will take place in the Big Easy.
Other games to catch include Arizona @ Texas, St. Louis @ Denver, Portland @ Oakland, Pittsburgh @ New Jersey, and Atlanta @ Tampa Bay
The second half of our season preview is up next, with team-by-team analysis, as well as a look at the top stories as we enter the USFL’s 31st season of spring football. From player decisions to rookie standouts, new faces in new places, to high expectations and dreams of glory. We will look over the entire league and do our best to assess what we think 2013 could hold across the USFL.
Hello, faithful readers. We will be publishing the 2nd half of our season preview tomorrow, rather than waiting the usual 3 days, but then, there will be the usual 3-day gap before you get to see the results of Week 1's actoin and we will stick with the every-third-day publication schedule as that has proven to be a viable long-term strategy that allows me to keep publishing and neither lose my day job or get divorced. So, see you tomorrow for Part 2.