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USFL Week 1 highlights: Michigan Panthers defeat Houston Gamblers
Week 1 of the 2023 USFL season is in full swing, and we've got you covered with all the action Sunday!
The second day of the season kicked off with the Michigan Panthers facing the Houston Gamblers in Memphis, with Josh Love passing for 216 yards and three touchdowns — completing a USFL-record 90% of his passes along the way — to lead a 29-13 victory.
Later, the Pittsburgh Maulers will go up against the New Orleans Breakers in Birmingham (6:30 p.m. ET on FS1 and the FOX Sports app).
See the full regular-season week-by-week matchups here.
Here are the top plays!
Michigan Panthers 29, Houston Gamblers 13
Thread the needle
The Panthers pounced first, going on a seven-play, 80-yard drive to open the game. They found paydirt on this strike from Josh Love to Marcus Baugh, who pounded the rock into the end zone.
Pledge of allegiance
T.J. Pledger IV has allegiance to the Gamblers, and he showed his loyalty to the squad by helping it tie the game at 6 with a powerful plunge up the gut. The rush capped a 12-play, 61-yard drive full of big plays for Houston. Things remained knotted at six following the first quarter.
Our ball!
The Gamblers kept the momentum up by recovering a misplayed punt in the second.
Two for uno!
He calls himself "Uno", but Pledger gave the Gamblers a double-dose of his scoring ability with another TD to extend their lead.
And Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson was loving it. He was in attendance in support of his son Josh.
Down goes the Gatorade!
The big hits were flying around, and this one in particular ended up pummeling a nearby cooler.
Game of inches
The man they call "Hollywood" played the main role in one of the best plays of the day, as he nearly reached the end zone on a long interception return.
Stevie Scott capitalized on the big play by punching this short-yardage run past the pylon.
Turn 'em over
Michigan got the ball back after scoring when it forced a crucial fumble, keeping momentum on its side.
Lovin' it!
Josh Love had himself, tossing his second TD pass to Trey Quinn to help Michigan pull away, 22-13.
Forcing the issue
The Panthers' defense came to ball Sunday afternoon, forcing yet another turnover courtesy of a QB sack, and hopping on it quickly to buy its offense another possession.
Trifecta!
Love put a bow on things with his third TD pass of the afternoon, this time on a deep dial-up to Joe Walker. Love finished with 216 yards while completing 19 of his 21 pass attempts.
More on the USFL:
- USFL 2023: How to watch, team previews, best players
- The full week-by-week 2023 USFL schedule
- Five potential USFL MVP candidates to keep an eye on ahead of 2023 season
- Michigan Panthers preview: Rising defense under Mike Nolan
- Pittsburgh Maulers preview: Fresh faces and a fresh start?
- Birmingham Stallions preview: Champs look to run it back
- New Jersey Generals preview: Building on a 9-1 season
- Memphis Showboats preview: QB Brady White to steer the ship
- Houston Gamblers preview: A focus on team speed
- Philadelphia Stars preview: Championship or bust
- New Orleans Breakers preview: Back to the postseason?
