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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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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – MAY 20: Kyree Woods #27 of the Memphis Showboats intercepts a pass intended for Tre Walker #89 of the Pittsburgh Maulers during the second half of the game at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on May 20, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Murphy/USFL/Getty Images for USFL)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – MAY 20: Kyree Woods #27 of the Memphis Showboats intercepts a pass intended for Tre Walker #89 of the Pittsburgh Maulers during the second half of the game at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on May 20, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Murphy/USFL/Getty Images for USFL) /

3. Memphis Showboats

Record: 4-3
Most Recent Game: 23-20 win over Houston Gamblers
Week 8: Sunday 1 PM @ New Jersey Generals

The Todd Haley-led Memphis Showboats are the hottest team in the USFL right now, having won their last four games after an 0-3 start to the season.

Cole Kelley took over the quarterbacking duties for the Showboats from Brady White in week three. Kelley seems to have elevated the offense in his starts so far. The Showboats also rely heavily on their running game, led by 2019 seventh-round NFL Draft pick Kerrith Whyte.

The biggest contributor to the Showboats’ recent success, however, has been the defense, which has played incredibly well the last few weeks. The defense is allowing only 252.8 yards and 10 points per game over the team’s four-game winning streak. Moreover, they have played opportunistically, forcing 3 turnovers per game on average over this span.

If the saying “defense wins championships” is true, the Memphis Showboats seem to be on the right track.

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