If our current Memphis/Houston rivalry was happening in the 80's, the USFL might still be around. Is there anyone NOT expecting a 3rd game between these two heavyweights? Memphis got the regular season sweep and can wrap up the #1 seed with a victory in Week 14 over Orlando.
Showboats 29 Gamblers 21
If Houston is going to make it 3 straight World Bowl victories, they'll likely have to do it the hard way. Houston got the ball first with a drive ending in a missed FG, while Memphis got a 46 yard TD on their first possession. The Memphis coaching staff ran the numbers and decided to go for 2 points, with Numbers Zielinski plowing in for the conversion and the early 8-0 lead.
Reigning MVP Tony Dean found RB Chase Miles for the TD that cut the lead to 8-7. Memphis answered right away with a 75 yard TD pass from David Allen to Big Play Willie Howland. Memphis once again went for two but Numbers Zielinski was denied, 14-7 Memphis.
For a guy with just 12 yards on 7 touches, Numbers Zielinski had an active game. The first of two 1 yard TD runs by Zielinski gave Memphis a 20-7 2nd quarter lead and his second two point conversion made it 22-7. Zielinski's second TD was the game winner and he crossed the goal line 4 times in all.
Houston may be the likely #5 seed but it wouldn't be wise to write off the Gamblers yet. They have the roster and GM in place capable of running off 3 road wins in a row then winning a neutral site game.
Sun 16 Invaders 13 (OT)
There was actually 15 other games in the league this week and the Southern California Sun have been at the top of the Pacific division most of the season. The Sun have never made the playoffs, so perhaps some nerves were in play today as they struggled with the now 2-11 Oakland Invaders. There weren't many highlights in this game but this 31 yard TD from Christopher Kimbrough to Fred Bates and the ensuing XP tied the game at 13 late in the 4th qtr.
In the overtime period, Oakland got the ball first, going three and out. Southern California made sure Oakland never would see the ball again, driving for the game winning FG and keeping their slim division lead.
Hawaiians 14 Express 10
Honolulu came to the mainland and literally stole a victory from the LA Express. Los Angeles out gained Honolulu 315-225 but a 0-4 turnover ratio sealed their fate. The victory keeps the Hawaiians 1 game behind the Sun for Pacific supremacy.
Wranglers 34 Generals 24
Arizona bested New Jersey in a battle of division winners. The Generals clinched the East after Week 9, the Wranglers clinched the West after handing New Jersey their 3rd straight loss. The Generals have injury problems but that's nothing new for them. What is new to them is how efficiently Arizona carved up the defense. The Wranglers abused the Generals on the ground to the tune of 212 yards on 6.34 yard per carry. They moved efficiently through the air, completing 27 of 36 for 232 yards.
Basically, Arizona took New Jersey's playbook and used it against them. Greg Brady did used to play for New Jersey, maybe he did like his character in the TV show and pulled some schadenfraude with the playbook. In lieu of highlights (I don't want to watch those plays again, haha), here is a pic of the guy stealing the playbook that Greg left on the table.
Panthers 21 Thunderbolts 6
Michigan and Cleveland came into this game tied for the Midwest Division lead, and two first quarter TD's helped the Panthers to the win and the division lead. The two teams combined for less than 400 yards as Michigan ran 34 times for 33 yards. At least they didn't actually use leather helmets as they tried to recreate 1920's football. The Michigan defense smothered the Cleveland air attack.
Stars 24 Stallions 19
Birmingham has already clinched a playoff spot, though the division is far from wrapped up with both New Orleans and Georgia nipping at their heels. All 3 teams need Baltimore to lose, as one of the four won't have a playoff game. The Stars are 2 games behind the Federals in the Atlantic, so this was a huge win for Baltimore.
Birmingham won the yardage and time of possession but was just 2 of 4 in the red zone while Baltimore was 3 for 5 plus a FG.
Renegades 20 VooDoo15
New Orleans couldn't take advantage of Birmingham's loss as they fell to Orlando. The Renegades denied New Orleans the big play and won despite losing the turnover battle 2-0. New Orleans is still in good playoff position, though 2 of their final 3 games are against division leaders (Florida and Washington).
Force 24 Wheels 6
Right now Georgia is on the outside looking in, but this win keeps them in position to pounce should New Orleans or Baltimore struggle down the stretch. The schedule seems to favor Georgia as well, with 3 games against sub .500 teams.
Gunslingers 16 Outlaws 6
Oklahoma's loss opens the door for several teams in the fight for the #6 seed, including victorious San Antonio. Not counting current division leaders, there are 7 teams fighting for 1 playoff spot. These last 3 weeks are HUGE for all of them.
Federals 23 Bell 3
Washington remains on track for the #1 seed.
Gold 19 Blitz 9
Denver's win puts them in a 3 way tie for the #6 seed.
Blazers 25 Steamer 3
All of a sudden, Florida is 9-4 and might overtake New Jersey for the #3 seed. Florida has 4 wins in a row,
Bandits 20 Bulls 19
Despite elimination from playoff consideration, they played an exciting game that came down to the wire.
(NY) Stars 30 Breakers 6
New York dominated Boston in the rain.
Maulers 25 Hornets 0
Pittsburgh keeps their slim playoff hopes alive with the shutout of Charlotte.
Storm 26 SaberCats 6
Portland is now just 1 game back of the 3 teams tied for the #6 seed.
