This format worked well for college football in 2021, with the most memorable overtime contest being Illinois' nine-OT win over Penn State. Experts weigh in | Fantasy spin For all inquiries contact usfffaceoff@gmail.com. USFL News (@Newsusfl) January 19, 2022 One of the major differences is the pass interference (PI) penalty automatically being 15 yards, no matter where the flag occurs on the field. One point for a successful kick between the uprights snapped from the 15-yard line. There are a total of 360 USFL roster spots this season and the league's coaches double as the teams' general managers. Where would [the XFL] be able to compete with us when we talk about the presentation of the product? There are going to be some situations that come up and it's going to be really fun to watch to see how teams will respond.". Furthermore, the league announced some changes to rosters amid some of the injuries teams face. Your login session has expired. Finally, the game clock will also stop on first downs following the two-minute warning. Please logout and login again. After a 37-year hiatus, the eight-team USFL will first play a 10 week regular season that will begin on Saturday, April 16 with a prime-time matchup between the New Jersey Generals and the Birmingham Stallions. The USFL's overtime is designed to limit excess player reps while also creating an action-packed finish to the game. No kicking team member may line up any further back than one yard, while the receiving team must have a minimum of eight players in the set-up zone between their 35- and 45-yard lines. The only caveat is that the first forward pass must be completed behind the line of scrimmage in order to make the second forward pass legal. I think this leads to higher scoring (more fantasy points) per game. a punt or field goal) has to have played at least one other previous play on that drive. Joining the new USFL as Head of Officiating is former NFL Vice President of Officiating and FOX Sports' NFL and College Football Rules analyst Mike Pereira. This will keep the game from running too long if either team struggles to complete passes. This rule change is designed to both shorten the game and make the ending more exciting. But the USFL has employed aggressive ticket pricing to draw people to Protective Stadium, the new 45,000-seat facility built for the University of Alabama-Birmingham. I think this rule will help teams get the ball back when they need it the most. Equipment Manager Andrew Skwara (Birmingham Stallions), Interview with New Orleans Breakers QB Aqeel Glass, Talking with Tony Paul (The Detroit News) | USFL Podcast Interview. Instead, it is looking for ways to differentiate its product and provide the fans with an experience different than watching the NFL. (Both leagues debuted with television ratings that equated to major college football games but declined over time. The overtime period will extend until a winner is declared. Their biggest differences are modifications to the extra-point attempts, kickoffs, and options to keep the ball. 32 teams, 32 nuggets | Top 100 When you're talking about Fox and NBC as partners, I don't think there is a way for the XFL to match what we have created there in the ability to broadcast the USFL into television for the fans. Additionally, the ball must clear the 20-yard line in the air for the kick to be considered legal. And so on. Effect: Fewer player injuries and fewer penalties. The USFL has unique rules regarding extra points, kickoffs, overtime, punts, and more. Could the Cowboys look at a running back in first round again? McShay's 32 favorite picks Here are the 2022 team names, all of which reference original USFL markets: The decision to use USFL branding and team names has not come without controversy. To make pass interference less punitive, the USFL mirrors college football. The USFL has an agreement to split the broadcasts of all 43 games between Fox, NBC, FS1, USA and Peacock. In the USFL, teams will kickoff from the 25-yard line. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: usfl | pageType: stories | That comes at a great time, as the most popular American football league, the NFL, is on a break. When informing the officials of his change of heart, they told him he could not reverse the decision once the ball was made ready for play. We've banged around a little bit. The USFL wants to see more offense in its variant, so the league has decided they will stop the clock for first downs inside two minutes of the second and fourth quarters. XFL teams will still have the opportunity to attempt an onside kick if they so desire. MORE:Full schedule, dates, times for 2023 XFL games. First down measurements that are more accurate than ever Play-by-play announcer Kevin Kugler and analyst Mark Sanchez also contribute to FOX Sports USFL coverage. The XFL is returning for 2023, marking the third time that the league has tried to establish itself as a dominant presence in the spring football market. Johnston worked with both the AAF in 2019 and the XFL in 2020 and he said those leagues proved that demand exists for spring football, both from fans and player interest. "Were excited to play our first playoffs and championship game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium," said Edward Hartman, USFL Executive Vice President, Business Operations. The league will use a single-site format and play all 10 weeks of its regular season at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. Meanwhile, the XFL is newer, founded in 2001. Each team will play a 10-game schedule, with teams in the same division playing each other twice and teams in the other division once. Here they are, with their previous head-coaching experience: Skip Holtz (Birmingham), previously with UConn, East Carolina, South Florida and Louisiana Tech, Kevin Sumlin (Houston), previously with Houston, Texas A&M and Arizona, Jeff Fisher (Michigan), previously with Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans and St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, Mike Riley (New Jersey), previously with Oregon State, San Diego Chargers and San Antonio Commanders (AAF), Larry Fedora (New Orleans), previously with Southern Miss and UNC, Bart Andrus (Philadelphia), previously with Amsterdam Admirals (NFL Europe), Toronto Argonauts (CFL), Omaha Nighthawks (UFL) and The Spring League, Kirby Wilson (Pittsburgh), who has no previous head-coaching experience, Todd Haley (Tampa Bay), previously with Kansas City Chiefs. The USFL will likewise have those three options available. Best remaining free agents | Grades Check out the latest USFL standings and Power Rankings heading into Week 6. Effect: Create more, yet safer, kickoff returns. Overtime will be a best of three-play shootout. First, a defender intentionally tackling a receiver beyond 15 yards would become a spot foul. Finally, the new United States Football League is here! This article was gathered automatically by our news bot. One point for a successful kick from the 15-yard line. The USFL will be broadcast in over 130 countries. The league announced last month that their inaugural postseason will take place inside Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio starting on June 25. Johnston recalled the AAF explicitly pushing in 2019 to beat the XFL to the field, based in part on concerns about the level of talent available at the time. Below is a rundown of some of the key rule differences that you'll see during the USFL's first weekend. The featured image in this article is the thumbnail of the embedded video. Covers does not provide any advice or guidance as to the legality of online sports betting or other online gambling activities within your jurisdiction and you are responsible for complying with laws that are applicable to you in your relevant locality. The 2022 USFL season will kick off Saturday, April 16. In an interview this week, USFL executive vice president of football operations Daryl Johnston said he expects the league to "be ahead of the curve" by the time the XFL gets back on the field. "Our players are practicing full speed," Fisher said. MORE: What is the USFL? Effect: Create more offensive plays during the final two minutes of each half. I think this should, and will, be used a lot once offenses get the double pass figured out. According to Johnston, Saturday night's opening game between New Jersey and Birmingham will have more production elements than any football game Fox Sports covers other than the Super Bowl. Former NFL players set to play in the XFL this weekend. The new United States Football League's inaugural season features a brand of football fans know and love, but with a modern twist. This rule is one that is unique to the XFL. We all know how unsuccessful onside kicks are. I think this rule will help teams get the ball back when they need it the most. The USFL's rules for 1- and 2-point attempts will differ slightly from those of the XFL and AAF. Currently, USFL games are averaging a little over three hours. Sudden death takes place if there is a tie after three possessions. First up: An Overtime like you've never seen before pic.twitter.com/6aGRsUalGt. The USFL will employ 35 officials, 32 of whom are members of the NFL's Officiating Development Program that provides opportunities for college-level officials who are ready to advance to professional football.The USFL will have five crews of seven officials (referee, umpire, down judge, line judge, field judge, side judge, back judge), with two crews each working two games on any given weekend. By changing some of the key rules associated with the sport. To add excitement and trick-play potential to USFL games, teams will be allowed to throw two forward passes from behind the line of scrimmage. Specifically, they want to discourage touchbacks, so if the ball goes in the end-zone, it will come back out ot the 35-yard line. While both of those leagues eliminated the NFL's standard extra-point kick, the USFL will be keeping it. the measurements are done by computer imaging, 2 forward passes behind the line of scrimmage, USFL opens up offensive options with the double pass rule, USFL Week 1 officiating assignments and coverage, New angle shows jersey tug on crucial holding call in Super Bowl LVII, Officiating crews for the 2023 XFL season, Mob rule: USFL and XFL revise touchback rule on fumbles to give the ball back to the offense, 2017-18 bowl officiating assignments by conference, Special rules in place for the 2022 Pro Bowl, 6 officiating observations of Super Bowl LIV, Super Bowl LIV liveblog: 49ers vs. Chiefs. Reason: Successfully executing and recovering an onside kick is rare, so this provides another option while increasing risk/reward strategy for coaches. The current one-man/two-positions game is an issue plaguing special teams. If the offense doesnt convert, then they give the ball up to the other team in good scoring position. Key Dates, Times, and Schedules, 2023 USFL Schedule: Dates, Start Times for Week 1-10 Schedule. Eight Ways the Rules Are Different For USFL Games Sports NFL NFL Home Scores & Matchups Odds Props Futures Free Picks News & Analysis NFL Contest Super Bowl Injuries Teams Players Standings. Teams are allowed to throw the ball forward twice so long as the first pass is completed behind the line of scrimmage. If the team makes a first down, they retain possession, and otherwise, the ball goes to the defense. In the XFL's previous iteration, it was uncommon to see a team attempt a 3-point try unless they were trailing big. If untouched, the kick becomes dead, and the ball belongs to the receiving team at that spot. The only caveat is that the first forward pass must be. Along with implementing several innovations, the original USFL produced several future prominent NFL figures that included futureBillscoach Marv Levy, quarterbacks Steve Young and Jim Kelly, running back Herschel Walker, pass rusher Reggie White, linebacker Sam Mills, and offensive lineman Gary Zimmerman, among others. Here's how pass interference rules will differ in the USFL this season pic.twitter.com/M6p26VBZvv. In the NFL, however, the teams are owned by a franchise system and paid separately, independent of the matches they play in the system. It is up to the coaches to decide which type of conversion to attempt. The semifinal contests will be held Saturday, June 25, featuring the top two teams in each division. After scoring a touchdown, USFL teams will have the choice of going for 1, 2 or 3 points. The USFL's rules for 1- and 2-point attempts will differ slightly from those of the XFL and AAF. NFL competition committee chairman Rich McKay said recently that the league will watch the results of the USFL's punt scheme as it contemplates its own changes to the play. Jacob Camenker is a senior content producer at The Sporting News. The 2022 USFL regular season will begin April 16 and run through mid-June, followed by the playoffs. USFL players and staff can enroll at Strategic Education's Strayer University and Capella University, both institutionally accredited universities that support working adults in achieving their academic goals. XFL rules, explained: The biggest differences vs. NFL, including overtime, 3-point PAT tries & double forward pass, Full results, players selected in the XFL Draft for 2023, Full schedule, dates, times for 2023 XFL games, What is the XFL? Saturday's opener, in fact, will be simulcast by Fox, NBC and Peacock in what the USFL said will be the first scheduled sports competition to be aired simultaneously by competitors since NBC and CBS both televised Super Bowl I in January 1967. Jacob Camenker is a senior content producer at The Sporting News. One of the main ways that the USFL differs from the NFL is in the actual structure, format and schedule of the USFL league. First, its expenses will be minimized by having the single-site format. USFL overtimes are sure to be exciting. Each team will alternate offense from the two-yard line. The USFL's rules for 1- and 2-point attempts will differ slightly from those of the XFL and AAF. All kickoffs will be from the 25-yard line. "On television," Johnston said, "it's going to be completely different to what people are accustomed to seeing. Gunners aren't allowed to line up outside the numbers on punts in the USFL. All rights reserved. USFL rules, explained: The biggest differences vs. NFL, including overtime, 3-point attempts & more, What is the USFL? Its postseason semifinal games and championship will be held at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Additionally, if a team attempts a 3-point conversion and it is returned for a score by the other team, the return is worth only two points. Asked what success would look like, Johnston said: "Crowning a champion in Canton, Ohio, on July 3, and then popping a bottle of champagne and starting to talk about Year 2. If a pass does not cross the line of scrimmage, there can be no pass interference or ineligible player downfield penalties. "Its rare when two competitors can come together and see how cooperation can lead to long-term benefit.". More NFL free agency coverage . Indeed, but there is one quirk in the rule to remember. The 2020 edition of the XFL was on track to fare much better, but it was forced to shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Everything to know about latest spring start-up league. Kickoffs in the USFL will take place from the kicking team's 25-yard line. As has been the case with most spring leagues of recent years, the XFL is looking not to challenge the NFL. Player salaries The United States Football League will begin its "return" season on April 16. Interference could occur 25 yards downfield but still be only a 15-yard walkoff. So, the "coffin corner" punt won't be of much use to XFL punters. The XFL is attempting to encourage returns on punts, so the league has instituted some unique punting rule. Simple enough, right? Still, the rule ensures that an 18-point lead is just a two-score advantage, so that should add some excitement in what figure to be close games. That creates a play that looks something like this: This rule makes kickoffs a bit safer by design, as the collisions between blockers and potential tacklers will not be as large. Reason: Adds offense and excitement before halftime and at the end of the game. Once a team elects to attempt a 1-, 2- or 3-point conversion, it cannot change its mind, even after a penalty or a timeout. The rulebook, for the most part, lines up with the NFL, while adding twists to common rules and adding more opportunities to keep the game exciting. Following Week 4, the USFLs Head of Officiating, Mike Pereira, issued a statement regarding Panthers HC Jeff Fisher not being able to change his mind on the extra-point attempt. Rules are HERE Additionally, the USFL is planning to stop the clock after first downs during the final two minutes of each half. Brian Woods, the founder and CEO of The Spring League from 2017 to 2021 and a co-founder of the new USFL, will serve as the league's President of Football Operations. Dead-ball fouls after an unsuccessful attempt (without live-ball fouls) do not change the fact that the attempt failed, just like any 4th down play. Although they are both professional football leagues, there is one crucial difference between the two professional leagues: the NFL is a major football league whereas the USFL is a minor football league. Below you will find some USFL rules that I think could make big impacts in the game, and in fantasy points! This will allow teams to save time on two-minute drills and, again, create more plays. Each teams offense will alternate plays against the opposing defense from the two-yard line. If it's still undecided at that point, it becomes sudden death, and the next team to score wins. If the score remains tied after three attempts, then the teams will continue to alternate single possessions until a winner is decided. 2.36M subscribers Take a closer look at the differences in rules in the USFL and the NFL, including various extra point opportunities, onside kicks vs. scrimmage plays and alterations in the. These rules apply to the second legal forward pass as well. Reason: Create more excitement and fairness with a designed shootout overtime period. According to the league, this should create more offensive plays during the end of each half while "adding excitement before halftime and at the end of the game.". That is probably the biggest challenge related to the USFL's sprint to the field. For a full list and more information, click here. For FOX Sports, the complete 2022 USFL broadcast team will be led by Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Curt Menefee alongside analyst Joel Klatt, the networks longtime lead college football analyst. For example, if the defense intercepts a three-point try and scores, it's worth three points. NFL draft questions for teams in the top 10: Will the Colts trade up? These are the big changes in the USFL compared to the NFL. The only way it could be over 15 yards is if the defender "deliberately tackles the receiver". Unlike the original USFL, but more in line with recent spring leagues, the new USFL did not pursue costly elite players or seriously consider anyone who was eligible for the NFL draft. February 20, 2022. Effect: Correct obvious officiating miscalls related to personal fouls. Yes, but at least for 2022, those names will be more about branding than representing local markets. The top four teams will then play two semifinal playoff games, followed by the championship on July 3. Kick from the 15-yard line Dates, Times for 2023 XFL games long if either struggles. With the sport a receiver beyond 15 yards would become a spot foul Mark also.: the biggest usfl rules differences are modifications to the second legal forward pass must.... Leads to higher scoring ( more fantasy points ) per game get the ball goes to second... First round again teams in each division featuring the top 10: will Colts! And recovering an onside kick if they so desire and 2-point attempts differ... 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