New Jersey Generals vs. Michigan Panthers Prediction and Preview (USFL Football)

Week 9 of the USFL season begins with a division title-clinching alternative for the New Jersey Generals after they tackle the Michigan Panthers. New Jersey (7-1) made it seven wins in a row final week by turning into the newest group to have its means with the Pittsburgh Maulers. On the opposite facet, Michigan (1-7) dropped its fifth straight in a blowout loss to the surging Philadelphia Stars.

Week 9 Picks for Each USFL Recreation

Moreover extending their profitable streak, the Generals can wrap up the North Division with a victory on Saturday or a loss by the Stars (vs. Maulers) on Sunday.

New Jersey (7-1) at Michigan (1-7)

Kickoff: Saturday, June 11 at 1 p.m. ET
The place: Protecting Stadium (Birmingham, Ala.)
TV: NBC
Unfold: Generals -7.5

Three Issues to Watch

1. Quarterback carousel
In New Jersey’s 29-18 win over Pittsburgh final Friday, Luis Perez began and performed the entire recreation with fellow quarterback De’Andre Johnson nursing an ankle harm. Perez did high-quality flying solo, finishing 18 of 24 passes (75 %) for 220 yards and a landing.

If Johnson is ready to go, head coach Mike Riley will possible return to his two-QB method, particularly contemplating Johnson has been the USFL’s high dashing menace at QB (273 yds, 4 TDs, 5.0 ypc). Michigan additionally has used two signal-callers on offense, however the circumstances for the rotation are fully totally different.

Again in February, the Panthers took former Ole Miss and Michigan starter Shea Patterson with the primary decide within the position-specific draft. After six video games, the group waived Patterson, whom New Orleans shortly claimed. Michigan additionally drafted Paxton Lynch, however he is handled a leg harm that has precipitated him to overlook a number of video games. Josh Love, claimed off waivers after Pittsburgh minimize him in Week 3, has additionally seen time.

Love practically led his new group to an upset of the Breakers two weeks in the past, however Lynch, lastly wholesome, obtained the decision final week in opposition to Philadelphia. He was productive, throwing for 251 yards (27-of-40) with two touchdowns and a dashing rating, however he additionally tossed a pair of interceptions and misplaced a fumble because the Stars received in a 46-24 rout. Head coach Jeff Fisher could give Lynch one other begin on Saturday or might give the nod to Love. Both means, it is extremely possible each quarterbacks will get their alternatives to guide the offense.

2. Each groups can run the ball as properly
Quarterback conversations apart, each New Jersey and Michigan rely closely on their operating video games. The Generals and the Panthers are the highest two groups in dashing offense, with New Jersey averaging 165 yards per recreation and Michigan 152.5.

The Generals’ Darius Victor leads the USFL in dashing yards (524) and touchdowns (9), and Trey Williams (403) checks in at fifth general. To not be outdone, the Panthers’ Reggie Corbin is third with 514 yards whereas averaging a wholesome six yards per carry. Corbin had a tough outing final week in opposition to Philadelphia, which held him to minus-two yards on three carries, however search for him to get loads of touches on Saturday as Michigan tries to decelerate New Jersey’s assault.

3. It might be a defensive battle
Each groups rank within the USFL’s high half in most of the important classes. The Generals lead the league in whole protection (258.1 ypg) and run protection (74.4 ypg), whereas rating second in scoring protection (17.0 ppg). As for the Panthers, they’re fourth in whole protection (285.9 ypg) and third in opposition to each the move (166.5 ypg) and the run (119.4 ypg). The Generals are inclined to wrestle in opposition to the move (183.8 ypg, sixth), whereas the Panthers have been giving up numerous factors in current weeks (23.8 ppg, sixth).

Each groups rank within the backside two in sacks — Michigan with 11 and New Jersey final with solely 9. And relating to takeaways, the Generals are fifth within the league with 9 and the Panthers have registered eight. So this might very a lot be an old-school kind of recreation the place operating the ball and taking part in protection might be the figuring out elements.

Last Evaluation

Whereas each groups appear to be evenly matched in some areas on paper, there are apparent the reason why New Jersey and Michigan are mirror photos relating to their data. The Generals received the primary assembly, 10-6 again in Week 2. This time, the Panthers ought to put up extra factors however the Generals’ expertise and training will produce the identical outcome.

Prediction: Generals 21, Panthers 14

— Written by Gabe Salgado, who’s a part of the Athlon Contributor Community. He is additionally written for NBC, Fox, The Sporting Information, The Sports activities Journal, The Undefeated and Advanced. He will also be heard on WGN Radio. Comply with him on Twitter @GabeSalgado82.