Philadelphia Stars vs. Michigan Panthers Breakdown

This is just what the league officials had been hoping for in private all throughout these last 10 weekends. Sunday, Detroit hosts the game that determines the final entrant in the playoffs.

Philadelphia and Michigan Square Off for Last Playoff Spot

The No. 1 seed in the North Division will be locked up in the 40th and final game of this regular season in the USFL. Quarterback Case Cookus and the Philadelphia Stars (4-5) will duke it out against the other tenant in the Detroit hub, linebacker  Frank Ginda and the Michigan Panthers.

Live coverage begins on FOX Sports at 7 pm ET/ 6 pm CT from Ford Field. Unlike the possibility of a tiebreaker coming into play down south, the playoff scenario is crystalized up north.

The stakes are very simple: Sunday night’s winner advances to the North Division Championship Game next Saturday night in Canton to play the victor of Saturday’s Pittsburgh/ New Jersey tilt, while the loser watches on TV.

Additionally, should Philadelphia win here, the Stars clinch the top seed. If they lose, the Pittsburgh/New Jersey winner takes the No. 1 seed in an amazing finish.

It all comes down to this.

Here is the Week 10 playoff picture 🏈⬇️ pic.twitter.com/wCWBWe8YJ1

— USFL (@USFL) June 15, 2023

Nice Evening for Tailgating

With the last game of the regular season taking place inside a domed stadium, weather concerns won’t directly affect the contest itself. How about the drive to the game and tailgate parties outside the stadium?

Current weather forecasts indicate that it’ll be a sunny afternoon and early evening for those who want to tailgate. High temperatures will top out around 83 degrees with a minimal threat of rain and an east-southeast breeze of 9 MPH.

Philadelphia Stars vs. Michigan Panthers Betting Odds

As of early Friday evening, the oddsmakers have the last game of the regular season as a pick-’em. The point spread is even, with both teams -110 favorites on the money line.

Sunday night’s over-under is set at 42 1/2 points. For the final time in the regular season, if you plan on betting on this or any other game this weekend in the USFL, please wager responsibly.

When Last They Met…

The final game of the regular season is another rematch from week two. Back on April 23, Michigan triumphed 24-10 on the strength of two Reggie Corbin touchdowns.

How will the reverse fixture play out? Let’s break it down.

Can Coleman End as No. 1 Receiver?

In addition to all of the playoff-clinching scenarios this weekend, a host of statistical championships will also be handed out. Philadelphia has a great candidate to finish the year as the top receiver in the league, wideout Corey Coleman.

A week ago, Coleman came just shy of the 100-yard plateau versus New Jersey, catching nine balls for 98 yards. Going into the final day of the regular year, he ranks first for all wide receivers in yards gained (614).

This is a man who has come through in the clutch for Philadelphia so many times this year. His stats certainly reflect this. Coleman needs another big game to get his team into the playoffs.

Look for Samuels to Thrive

Defensively speaking, Philadelphia was led by cornerback Stanford Samuels. The Florida State product has featured in six games for the Stars, recording eight tackles (six solo) last Sunday night.

With the No. 1 seed in the division at stake, he’ll have to wreak havoc up front. If Samuels thrives here, the Stars are in good shape.

Cole Hikutini Needs a Big Game to Finish Season

Throughout the season, one of the impact players that Michigan’s depended upon is tight end Cole Hikutini.  Last week, despite the loss to Pittsburgh, he grabbed six passes for 80 yards and a touchdown.

This was the Louisville product’s best statistical game of the season. While receiver Joe Walker gets the majority of the headlines as the team’s top target, Hikutini can make life miserable for defensive backs on any given Sunday.

This team could use a great performance from him in the final game of the season. They just might travel down to Ohio next week if Hikutini gets into the open field.

Panthers D-Line’s Plan of Attack: Sack Cookus and Sack Him Often

Last Saturday, the Panthers were on another level defensively. All told, their linemen pressured Maulers quarterback Troy Williams six times.

When a defensive line gets that many sacks in a ballgame, it’s evident that they’ve brought the lunch pail with them to the stadium. Their next assignment is Case Cookus.

Going into the last game of the season, Cookus has been brought down a total of 28 times, averaging to roughly three sacks a game, including four sacks last weekend. They’ll need to bring the heat against the Northern Arizona alum with regularity this week.

Final Thoughts

You couldn’t even try to script a better way for the USFL season to end. The last playoff spot gets claimed under the bright lights of primetime television.

An exciting regular year reaches its awesome conclusion this Sunday night. Who wins the day?

Prediction: Philadelphia 28, Michigan 24.