USFL Week 1 recap: Stallions begin repeat pursuit on high note, Stars spoil Showboats' debut

FOX Sports’ Kevin Kugler and FOX Nation’s Abby Hornacek detail the upcoming United States Football League on ‘Fox & Friends Weekend.’

The USFL returned to the gridiron over the weekend with each of its eight teams in action, including the defending champion Birmingham Stallions who look ready to pursue a repeat.

The Stallions took care of business against the New Jersey Generals, 27-10, starting their title defense off on a high note. Birmingham quarterbacks J’Mar Smith and Alex McGough had a touchdown pass each. Smith had 160 passing yards and McGough had 68 passing yards.

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J'Mar Smith, #6 of the Birmingham Stallions, greets fans after the game against the New Jersey Generals at Protective Stadium on April 15, 2023 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Andy Lyons/USFL/Getty Images)

Birmingham tight end Jace Sternberger had five catches for 62 yards and a score. Smith had a 61-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Austin Watkins. New Jersey running back Darius Victor had eight carries for 84 yards in the loss.

The Memphis Showboats made its USFL debut. The Tampa Bay Bandits changed names and locations in the offseason. The Showboats played against the Philadelphia Stars in the first USFL regular-season game outside of Birmingham in the new hub location, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee.

While Brady White appeared to feel right at home with 182 passing yards and two touchdown passes and an interception, Stars quarterback Case Cookus helped the team to a 27-23 win.

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Case Cookus, #10 the Philadelphia Stars, passes during the game against the Memphis Showboats at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on