USFL Week 9: Philadelphia Stars-Pittsburgh Maulers top plays

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Week 9 of the USFL season comes to a close Sunday with a matchup between divisional foes Philadelphia (5-3) and Pittsburgh (1-7) on FS1.

It’s these South Division rivals’ second meeting this season. The Stars defeated the Maulers back in Week 2.

Earlier Sunday, the New Orleans Breakers took down the Tampa Bay Bandits, 17-6, to clinch the final spot in the inaugural USFL playoffs in Canton, Ohio.

Here are the top plays.

Philadelphia Stars vs. Pittsburgh Maulers

Picked!

The Stars got off to a hot start, picking off Maulers QB Vad Lee near the red zone to take over. Philadelphia took a 3-0 lead after nailing a 47-yard field goal midway through the first frame after the turnover.

Bombs away

Lee redeemed himself on the following drive, connecting with tight end Hunter Thedford for a 23-yard gain. Then, the Maulers knotted things up with a monster 59-yard field goal to keep things close.

Reeling it in

On the Stars’ following drive, QB Case Cookus found TE Bug Howard for a 29-yard pickup to move Philly downfield.

Turnover

Misfortune struck the Stars early in the second quarter, however, when Matt Colburn fumbled near midfield.

Tricks up their sleeves

The Maulers came out strong once they got the ball back. First, they picked up a huge first down on a fake punt on fourth-and-3.

Maulers snag six

Then, with momentum on its side, Pittsburgh found the end zone on a fake field goal to take a 10-3 lead.

How’d he catch that?

The Stars’ defense showed up in a big way, intercepting Lee’s pass to keep the Maulers in check.

Another one!

The Maulers quickly returned the favor, picking off Cookus to close out the first half.