USFL 2011 Conference Championship

[rollaway]

NC Championship Game

Hartford Diesel 11-5 at Florida Hurricanes 12-4.

If some prognosticators thought that the Hartford players were just going to be glad to be in the playoffs this season, then they were very wrong. With their win against the Milwaukee Mauraders in the divisional playoff game, Hartford continues to have never lost a playoff game. Their defense lead the way once again only allowed 3 points in that game. Ricky Caldwell didn’t throw any interceptions in the game which is very rare. Since taking over for the injured Junior Skipper mid-way through the season he has thrown 15 interceptions. They also got a 100 yard rushing game out of rookie 2^nd round pick Anthony Quinn. Quinn only had one such game in the regular season and the Diesel won that game. It will be very unlikely that they both these things will happen in the same game again.

The Diesels were only 4-4 away from the Roundhouse in the regular season. Florida has to love that they are playing this game at home where they are 7-1 in the regular season. Florida needs to get off to a better start than they did in their divisional playoff win with the Iowa Bulls. The Hurricanes were down 3 touchdowns after the first quarter. Florida running back Cris Stump rushed for 91 yards and 2 touchdowns in the game. They will need a similar effort from him because Hartford plays tough against the pass. The Hurricanes did lose defensive tackle Anthony McFarland out of the middle of their defense. This may not be a problem because Hartford may be without guard Melvin Farias.

The Hurricanes are going to win this game. They are much more talented than the Diesels and they are so tough to beat at home. They also don’t fumble the ball often and creating turnovers is what the Diesels thrive on.

AC Championship Game

Columbus War Dogs 14-2 at Denver Death 14-2

The War Dogs are in uncharted territory. Before a win in the wildcard playoff round, the War Dogs had never won a playoff game much less play in the conference championship. Will this be too much pressure for this team? It might be but they are led on offense by quarterback Daunte Culpepper, who was the starting quarterback in Hartford’s Walker Bowl III victory. Columbus has played well on the road this season going 6-2 in the regular season and taking the victory in the divisional playoff round in Boise. It will be tough for Columbus to move the ball against the Denver defense normally, but it will be made even more difficult with the loss of second leading rusher Bernie Irwin, and second leading receiver Ronald Daniels, due to injury.

The Denver Death have been to the last 4 Walker Bowls and have won 2 of them. The Death have an incredible AC playoff record of 8-1 at home and were 7-1 at home in the regular season. Denver quarterback Byron Leftwich had possible his best season with an amazing 109.3 quarterback rating. Leftwich led the Boston Killer Bee’s to the Walker Bowl twice, including a win in Walker Bowl V. The Death will miss offensive tackle Ryan Burkholder who started 8 games. Not only do the defending AC champs have a good offense they also have the best defense in the USFL. Their defense was first in turnovers created, total yards allowed, and points allowed.

Denver will defend their title successfully. The Denver defense is just too tough for Columbus to put up too many points on the scoreboard.

[ShaneTheMaster]

Nice write up. I like Denver to play Louisiana in the Walker bowl.

[rollaway]

Originally Posted by ShaneTheMaster

Nice write up. I like Denver to play Louisiana in the Walker bowl.

Louisiana? Are you smokin' something?

[ShaneTheMaster]

Shoot.. meant Florida...