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USFL Power Rankings week 8: Who is ready for the playoff push?

By John Miceli

Jul 3, 2022; Canton, OH, USA; Birmingham Stallions quarterback Alex McGough (2) pump his fist as he celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Stars at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 3, 2022; Canton, OH, USA; Birmingham Stallions quarterback Alex McGough (2) pump his fist as he celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Stars at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan Panthers’ Reggie Corbin (3) runs the ball against the Birmingham Stallions defense at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
Michigan Panthers’ Reggie Corbin (3) runs the ball against the Birmingham Stallions defense at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, May 20, 2023. /

7. Michigan Panthers

Record: 3-4
Week 7: 25-22 win over New Jersey Generals
Week 8: Sunday 4 PM ET @ New Orleans Breakers

The Panthers finally got a win last week after four straight losses. Quarterback Josh Love has struggled throughout this season but two passing touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including a 68-yard touchdown pass to Joe Walker,  helped seal the winning effort last week.

Michigan sits in second place in the USFL’s north division despite its challenges, but the team still has a lot to prove. They’ll get a chance to do so against the New Orleans Breakers this week.

Michigan’s primary strengths come in their defensive front, anchored by edge rusher Breeland Speaks, who leads the USFL with 7 sacks on the season, as well as a solid run game led by the running back tandem of Reggie Corbin and Stevie Scott.

If the Panthers can demonstrate an ability to slow the Breakers’ high-octane offense in week eight, it could not only salvage their playoff hopes but demonstrate their potential to contend. However, Michigan is three week-seven points away from being on a five-game losing streak and remains a longshot contender at this time.

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