USFL Week 7 highlights: Showboats defeat Gamblers in thriller

Week 7 of the USFL season is filled with matchups that carry serious playoff implications, and we’ve got you covered with all the action from a Sunday slate that includes a pair of crucial contests.

First off, the Houston Gamblers (4-3) fell to the Memphis Showboats (4-3) in a fourth-quarter thriller in a failed attempt to keep pace with the Birmingham Stallions (5-2) atop the South Division.

Later, the Michigan Panthers (2-4) face the New Jersey Generals (2-4) as both try to stay within reach of the North Division-leading Philadelphia Stars (4-3) (5:30 p.m. ET on FS1 and the FOX Sports app).

See the full list of regular-season week-by-week matchups here.

Here are the top moments!

Memphis Showboats 23, Houston Gamblers 20

Hot start for Houston!

After a postponed start, the Houston Gamblers’ defense started with a Manny Bunch interception, leading to a field goal for Houston’s first drive.

Memphis answers quickly

After a 45-yard kick return by Memphis speedster Derrick Dillon, the Showboats’ offense went nine plays for 50 yards resulting in a five-yard touchdown pass from Caleb Kelley to Vinny Popale.

At the end of the first quarter, Memphis led 7-3.

Memphis INT!

Towards the end of the first half, Greg Reaves intercepted a pass attempt that was tipped, leaving the Showboats’ offense in a great position to score.

Memphis led 13-6 at the half.

Big return for Gamblers

Houston’s Isaiah Zuber goes 35 yards on a kick return to give Houston good field position late in the third quarter.

However, Memphis’ defense prevailed, holding Houston to a punt, which ended the fourth quarter with the Showboats up 16-6.

Gamblers make it a game!

Houston finally got its break after Kenji Bahar hit Josh Pederson on a 34-yard completion to the Memphis 1-yard line.

Mark Thompson punched it seconds later for Houston’s first touchdown of the day on a one-yard run. The Gamblers cut the Showboats’ lead to three, 16-13 halfway through the fourth.

Gamblers’ defense leads to a clutch TD!

In the midst of a three-play, 28-yard drive, on a long third down attempt, Houston’s Tim Bonner recovered a forced fumble, setting Houston’s offense up on Memphis’ 19-yard line.

Three plays later, Thompson rushed for a 20-yard touchdown, his second of the day, giving the Gamblers their first lead of the day, 20-16.

Showboats answer back QUICKLY!

Less than 30 seconds after Houston’s touchdown, Kelley hit Dillon for a 64-yard touchdown, propelling Memphis back over Houston by three points with 1:32 to play.

Memphis with an INT to seal it

In a desperation attempt for Houston, T.J. Green came up with his an interception, wrapping up Memphis’ fourth-consecutive win.

Stay tuned for more updates!

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