Stallions win inaugural USFL Championship over Stars

With Birmingham leading 26-23 with three minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Stallions' Scooby Wright intercepted a KJ Costello pass, returning it 46 yards for a touchdown, sealing the win. 

In a back-and-forth contest, both teams had to overcome injuries to their starting quarterbacks during the game. 

Birmingham's starting quarterback J'Mar Smith went 10-for-18 for 131 yards and a touchdown before exiting with an injury, giving way to backup Alex McGough. McGough threw an interception early but bounced back, helping lead the Stallions to the USFL crown. He finished 7-of-10 for 77 yards with a touchdown and an interception. 

On the Stars' side, Case Cookus left the game late, needing to be carted off the field after suffering a knee injury. Cookus made an argument for game MVP before being injured. He finished 17-of-29 for 222 yards, with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Costello stepped in under center but couldn't lead Philadelphia to the comeback, finishing 5-of-9 for 65 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. 

Former Alabama running back Bo Scarbrough led the way for the Stallions' rushing attack, finishing with 135 yards and a touchdown off 13 attempts. 

Birmingham receivers Marlon Williams and Victor Bolden Jr. combined for 13 catches for 169 yards and two touchdowns. 

The Stallions' defense came away with four sacks and two interceptions. Gates and McFarland combined for 18 tackles, an interception and half a sack to pace the Birmingham effort. 

Birmingham finished the season tied with the New Jersey Generals for the best record in the USFL at 9-1. 

Last week, they defeated the New Orleans Breakers, 31-17, to earn their spot in the USFL title game.