The summary below combines two articles from Fox Sports.
The first is by Greg Auman for Fox Sports. It was more of a general overview that included several quotes, which I've not copied. The full article can be found at this link.
The second is a list of the major plays in the game, also by Fox Sports. There was no credit provided.
The photography is from social media, though a couple were credited to Andy Lyons in an al.com article. Browsing the Getty Images folder for this game, I believe they should all be credited to him. Unfortunately, I was not able to locate a website or social media account for Mr. Lyons to link to, but if I do, I shall add it here.
Birmingham...entered the game with uncertainty, having lost a starting quarterback, running back, and receiver to serious injuries in last week's game, leaving them shorthanded. Quarterback Alex McGough led the way Saturday, throwing for four touchdowns and 302 yards without a turnover, while Zaquandre White rushed for 75 yards and two scores.
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The 42 points is the second-most scored in a USFL game since the league returned last year — the Philadelphia Stars had 46 in a win last season — and the margin of victory is the largest. In 40 games last season, the most lopsided game was by 31 points, and the losing end of that was the Tampa Bay Bandits, who moved to Memphis and became the Showboats.
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McGough's first pass was a 47-yard throw to tight end Jace Sternberger (below), and the two would connect five times for 126 yards and a touchdown. That score put Birmingham up 21-0 just before halftime. The Stallions did not let up, and McGough credited his teammates for making it easy for him.
McGough's only real blemish on the night came late in the third quarter, when he was sacked in the end zone by Memphis, resulting in a safety and spoiling what could have been just the second USFL shutout in as many seasons. Birmingham outgained Memphis by a 463-183 margin and had a 27-10 edge on first downs, holding the Showboats to one conversion in 11 third-down attempts.
Above by Greg Auman
Deon CainMemphis went three-and-out to begin the game. Then Birmingham was on the verge of punting the ensuing possession before quarterback Alex McGough hooked up with tight end Jace Sternberger going to his left for a 49-yard completion.
Two plays later, McGough threw a dart, 16-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Davion Davis, giving the Stallions the early lead.
After another Memphis three-and-out, Birmingham picked up right where it left off.
A 20-yard completion to Myron Mitchell and a 23-yard completion to Sternberger put the Stallions in field goal range. Then one play after an 11-yard completion to Deon Cain, Zaquandre White ran in Birmingham's second score. The Stallions led 14-0 after the first quarter.
Memphis converted a fourth-and-one from its own 41-yard line, as quarterback Brady White hit wide receiver Ryan McDaniel for the five-yard pickup and the first down.
However, the Showboats couldn't come up with points, as Alex Kessman missed a 48-yard field goal.
Two plays after McGough hit Sternberger for a 28-yard completion, the two hooked up for a score.
Going to his left, McGough found Sternberger for a 25-yard touchdown. The touchdown reception was one of four catches for Sternberger in the first half, which totaled 123 yards.
Memphis got into field goal range before halftime, but White was intercepted by safety T.J. Carter in the end zone.
Birmingham led 21-0 at halftime.
Birmingham was set to punt it away on the opening possession of the second half, but Memphis was called for too many men on the field, giving the Stallions a new set of downs. One play later, White ran through the Showboats defense, evading a couple of tackles for a 35-yard touchdown.
Memphis got the ball past midfield after putting Ryan Willis in at quarterback, but Rashad Smith then strip-sacked Willis and Birmingham came up with the loose ball.
Six plays later, McGough hit tight end Thaddeus Moss for a 7-yard touchdown. The Stallions led 35-0.
The Showboats got on the board near the end of the third quarter when Jeremiah Valoaga sacked McGough in the end zone for a safety.
Memphis turned the ball over on downs at the Birmingham 5-yard line after the safety. The Stallions then ate up 8:43 on a 15-play drive that ended with a touchdown. McGough capped off the drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mitchell.
