Philadelphia Stars vs. New Jersey Generals Breakdown

The regular season has proven to be exciting down the stretch. As per the official USFL playoff picture, heading into the ninth week of play, no one has secured a berth in the four-team bracket.

Three teams are in striking distance to clinch this week, including the visiting team in Sunday night’s game.

Philadelphia Meets New Jersey for Second Time in ’23 Sunday Night

If the regular season were to suddenly end at this second, the Philadelphia Stars (4-4) would be the top seed in the North Division Championship. They can officially join the postseason party with a victory on Sunday night if they defeat the New Jersey Generals (2-6).

As far as Mike Nolan’s Michigan Panthers are concerned, a Philadelphia win on Sunday, coupled with a win the day before against the Pittsburgh Maulers, would clinch a spot in the North Division Championship in two weeks.  Needless to say, this could be the night where the playoff picture in that division comes into focus.

The @USFLStars, @USFLPanthers, and @USFLStallions can all secure a spot in the playoffs in Week 9 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/6NrbJiP7d9

— USFL (@USFL) June 7, 2023

Live coverage of the ballgame starts at 7 pm ET/ 6 pm CT on the very network that owns the USFL, FOX Sports. This is the first of three consecutive Sunday evenings of USFL football on the fourth broadcast network.

Much-Needed Rain Expected for Sunday Night in Canton

Northeast Ohio has been in a drought of late. The region has been bone-dry for several weeks now.

Aside from a drizzle earlier on in the week, no measurable rain has fallen. Thankfully, this changes as the weekend closes.

Current weather forecasts indicate that occasional showers will cross the region beginning late Sunday afternoon and continuing on through the ballgame itself that night. Chances of rain max out at 80 percent with a southwest wind at 10 MPH expected.

Temperatures will fall to around 65 degrees by the time the final whistle blows. If you’re going to the game, take a poncho.

Philadelphia Stars vs. New Jersey Generals Betting Odds

As of Friday afternoon, the oddsmakers have Philadelphia installed as a -2 1/2-point favorite on the spread and a -143 favorite on the money line. New Jersey counters as a +110 underdog on the money line.

The over-under for Sunday night’s game is set at exactly 43 points. If you plan on betting on this or any other game this weekend in the USFL, please wager responsibly.

When Last They Met…

As has been the case all weekend long, week nine is for rematches. This game is no exception.

Philadelphia and New Jersey previously clashed in week five. Against the backdrop of the Mother’s Day holiday, Stars placekicker Luis Aguilar converted on all eight of his field goal attempts en route to a 24-21 win.

Tying an all-time pro football record with NFL @Titans K Rob Bironas, @USFLStars K Luis Aguilar kicked eight field goals of 22, 42, 56, 36, 27, 51, 49, and this 55-yard game winner. His 338 yards of combined field goals is a new all-time pro football record. @luisaguilar124 https://t.co/VWuF418UIq

— USFL Comms (@USFLcomms) May 14, 2023

How will round two play out? It’s time to break this one down.

Look for Stars WR Coleman to Get in the Open Field

Seven years ago, Corey Coleman was a wide receiver fresh out of college, having been selected by the NFL’s Cleveland Browns with the No. 15 overall selection in the NFL Draft. Now, he’s finally found his footing on the gridiron with the Stars.

Last Saturday, the Baylor product had a productive outing, catching four passes for 107 yards and a touchdown. Coleman has been a problem for opponents throughout a majority of the season, having recorded at least four receptions in six of the eight games the Stars have played.

As Coleman has illustrated, he’s a guy that can burn the defensive line if he just gets a little space. If he has a big game on Sunday, Philadelphia’s in the playoffs.

Can Alfieri Thrive Again?

Philadelphia’s defensive line was anchored by linebacker Joey Alfieri. A former Stanford Cardinal, Alfieri notched 10 tackles (seven solo) a week ago against Birmingham.

Alfieri’s story is a most interesting one. Prior to joining the Stars organization ahead of 2023, he was out of the sport entirely for close to four years, having been cut from the New York Giants in 2019 after the preseason.

After a lengthy stint away from the game, can he have a decent ballgame to bring his NFL stock back up again? Tune in and find out.

Darius Victor a Dual-Threat Back

Throughout the USFL season, Darius Victor has shown to be a skilled running back, but he can also catch the football. On the ground last week, he gained 26 yards on nine carries.

He showed out through the air, catching six passes for 39 yards and a touchdown. You can only contain Darius Victor for so long.

If he doesn’t hit the defense with a rush, he can hurt them with a reception. It would behoove Philadelphia’s D-line to try to plug up any lane Victor might have to run.

Chris Orr Aiming for Another Productive Evening

On defense, Chris Orr had a heck of an afternoon against the Memphis Showboats. The Wisconsin linebacker recorded 12 tackles (five solo) in the defeat.

Orr’s gone without an interception all season. You’d need to travel back to June 3 last year versus Pittsburgh to find the last time that he picked off a pass.

This is a man who’s hungry to step in front of an errant pass. Look for him to try and cover Philadelphia’s receiving corps.

Final Thoughts

A Philadelphia/ New York (New Jersey) rivalry game is always a must-see affair. Even though these teams’ seasons have gone in opposite directions, this should be an interesting tilt.

Prediction: Philadelphia 28, New Jersey 10.