The USFL is drawing inspiration from college football and the NHL by holding shootouts to decide games. The XFL is well-funded and there is every reason to believe it will return to the field as projected. The team with the most conversions after those three attempts will be declared the winner. This format worked well for college football in 2021, with the most memorable overtime contest being Illinois' nine-OT win over Penn State. Onside Kicks Upon scoring, teams will have two options in attempting to retain possession: Successfully recover a traditional onside kick attempt from the 25-yard line. There is also one key difference in terms of offensive pass interference. The league's organizers are counting on two attributes to establish a foothold. However, the XFL is known to get very creative regarding its rule book. The USFL uses a system of rules hybrid between the National Football League and College Football, with the only true difference being in the rules regarding stopping the clock. It is up to the coaches to decide which type of conversion to attempt. Here's everything you need to know about the new USFL: How many teams will be in the league? Whoever comes out with the most successful conversions will be the winner. After unveiling its overtime format via Twitter, the USFL highlighted a difference from the NFL in its timing rules. As more high-profile teams and players compete in the NFL than in the USFL, these games will automatically draw in a much larger . 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 first game will feature the Generals against the Stallions and will kick off at 7:30 p.m. Fantasy Football 2023: 3rd-Year Breakout Candidates. Stay up to date on the latest from the USFL at PFN, regarding Panthers HC Jeff Fisher not being able to change his mind on the extra-point attempt, some changes to the rules regarding the clock in the first and third quarters. USFL rules, explained: The biggest differences vs. NFL, including overtime, 3-point attempts & more, What is the USFL? The new United States Football League's inaugural season features a brand of football fans know and love, but with a modern twist. Teams instead must try to get into the end zone to tack on either one, two or three points to their score. EXTRA POINTS One point for a successful kick from the 15-yard line. While its just five players, the changes to the roster rules by the USFL should provide a positive impact. This should allow teams to sign third-string QBs in case of injuries, like the situations in Philadelphia and Michigan. Teams will have two options to retain possession of the ball after scoring. The USFL uses a system of rules that is a hybrid between the NFL and college football. One of the main ways that the USFL differs from the NFL is in the actual structure, format and schedule of the USFL league. 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.". Odds are that plenty of football fans will be tuned in to watch the event, which will take place more than two months after the Rams won Super Bowl 56 to end the NFL season. A twist that the USFL is adding to the kickoff: Once the ball travels 20 yards, the receiving team must be the first to touch it. All standard penalty enforcements apply. Whoever reaches the ball first gets the possession. Defensive pass interference is a much more complex foul in the USFL than it is in the NFL. 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.". Ta'amu was one of the breakout stars of the XFL in 2020 and has since spent time on NFL practice squads. Below is a run down of some of the minor differences between the two leagues. The clock will stop following a first down during the final two minutes of the 2nd and 4th quarters. Offensive pass interference and ineligible lineman downfield apply on passes that are completed beyond the neutral zone. 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 | 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. If untouched, the kick is, and the ball goes to the receiving team. Rather than the coin toss that decides which team will have possession of the ball at the jump, one player from each team is placed at the 30-yard mark with the ball at the 50-yard mark. 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. The NFL, being the most seasoned and the most settled association in North American . Each teams offense will alternate plays against the opposing defense from the two-yard line. One such precaution will be having the kicking team's personnel line up no farther than 1 yard behind the kickoff spot. Which first-round prospects should Raiders focus on at combine? The league allows teams to throw two forward passes on one play. 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. 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. Two points for a successful scrimmage play from the two-year line. Jacob Camenker is a senior content producer at The Sporting News. Receivers and defensive backs could easily translate across, lineman of course, fullbacks/linebackers, running backs/safetys, etc. USFL Replay Command at FOX Sports Control Center in Los Angeles will make all replay decisions. The USFL is taking inspiration from the XFL for kickoffs, and games will start with the. While both of those leagues eliminated the NFL's standard extra-point kick, the USFL will be. If a player is tackled on, say, a slant route 5 yards from the line of scrimmage, it will be a 5-yard penalty. Instead, it is looking for ways to differentiate its product and provide the fans with an experience different than watching the NFL. These rules apply to the second legal forward pass as well. This will allow for more playing time, giving us the opportunity for more fantasy points. Former NFL players set to play in the XFL this weekend. 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. 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 play clock. In the USFL, teams will kickoff from the 25-yard line. David Bernstein, an attorney for Fox Sports and the USFL, said the allegations are "completely without merit," and a federal judge on Thursday decided against granting a preliminary injunction against the current league using the USFL brand. The league returned in 2022, ending an over 30-year absence. Teams will have the option of attempting a pass or run from the . ), But after the AAF folded because of a cash shortage, and the XFL shuttered at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnston said getting through a full season will be the most significant marker. The USFL's rules for 1- and 2-point attempts will differ slightly from those of the XFL and AAF. 10:49 am ET, USFL draft 2023 grades: Analysis, player profiles, Daryl Johnston on USFL's sudden impact on the NFL, Stars QB injures leg ahead of his wedding, USFL 2022 schedule: Dates, times and more, USFL championship: How to watch Stallions vs. Stars, Both QBs in USFL title game overcame big hurdles, USFL Awards: MVP, Coach of the Year and more, USFL stars who could make the leap to NFL, USFL standings: Final look as regular season ends. The United States Football League is significantly older than the XFL. Listen to "Fantasy Football Podcast" on Spreaker. Can the Lions fix their defense? If a team successfully scores on the play, they were be awarded three points, which means that a team can score as many as nine points after scoring a touchdown. The USFL uses a system of rules that is a hybrid between the NFL and college football. Could the Cowboys look at a running back in first round again? Additionally, the ball must clear the 20-yard line in the air for the kick to be considered legal. XFL's double forward pass rule This rule is one that is unique to the XFL. Its postseason semifinal games and championship will be held at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. 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. If the teams remain tied after three attempts, they will alternate additional attempts one by one until a victor emerges. "You look at some things and say, for example, 'What if we have to kick off after a safety?'" Here is a breakdown of some of the most significant ones that will become well-known in the circles of spring football fans. Each successful scoring attempt will receive two points. Please logout and login again. USFL wagering is legal in 27 states and Washington, D.C. (click here for the full list). Each coach can issue a replay challenge once per game. The USFL's are as follows: The CFL is a bit more complex because it is Canadian football. Coaches were hired in January, the draft was Feb. 22-23 and training camps lasted about three weeks. ), Kiper's draft grades for every team The XFL will use a centralized replay system. Representatives of the original owners filed a lawsuit earlier this year, alleging trademark infringement, false advertising and false association. - Three points for a successful scrimmage play from the 10-yard line. USFL overtimes will feature a best-of-three scoring format where each offense will get the ball at the opponent's 2-yard-line. Why the Packers' transition to Jordan Love, whenever it happens, will require patience, A new home for Michael Thomas? ", What you need to know for the USFL's launch this weekend: Notable players, rules and more, Top draft prospect Carter charged in fatal crash, Trade Lamar? Copyright 1995 - 2023 You can see the Week 1 lines here, the odds to win the championship for every team here, and find out how sportsbooks are setting lines on a brand-new league here then head over to our three simple rules for betting on the USFL from former NFL player Geoff Schwartz. 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. Rankings | Analysis of every pick Some USFL rules that will be different from the traditional NFL game include: ESPN Sports Analytics' new Draft Day Predictor tool uses various factors to project the most likely picks at each first-round draft slot, estimated ranges of where top prospects could fall and more. For all inquiries contact usfffaceoff@gmail.com. This will ensure that almost all kicks will be returnable. If untouched, the kick becomes dead, and the ball belongs to the receiving team at that spot. This change will theoretically create more offensive plays during the contest. The NFL currently uses a 40-second play clock, so this change should, in theory, create more plays. The featured image in this article is the thumbnail of the embedded video. USFL Replay Command will also be responsible for determining whether the act of pass interference is obviously intentional when it occurs 15 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. One of the most notable differences between the USFL and the NFL is how the USFL handles overtime. There are a total of 9 points up for grabs on any touchdown. "Birmingham is one of America's most dynamic and welcoming cities with world-class facilities highlighted by the state-of-the-art Protective Stadium, now home to the USFL," saidEdward Hartman, USFL Executive Vice President, Business Operations. While both of those leagues eliminated the NFL's standard extra-point kick, the USFL will be keeping it. There are a total of 360 USFL roster spots this season and the league's coaches double as the teams' general managers. The USFL aims to have fewer penalties, injuries, and enhanced player safety. Most of their conversation centered around last week's NFL playoff games. In fact, I expect several officials calling USFL games this spring to officiate in the NFL later this year.". Finally, the new United States Football League is here! "All I know is I'm going to run the officiating. You're competing. The line-to-gain is established by the sideline chains, but, 5 kickoff players on either side of the kicker, all players must have at least 1 foot within 5 yards of the kicking teams restraining line, The receiving team setup zone is 10 yards from the receivers restraining line (10-20 yards from the ball), and 8-9 players must be in the setup zone. If you choose to make use of any information on this website including online sports betting services from any websites that may be featured on this website, we strongly recommend that you carefully check your local laws before doing so. Each team will alternate offense from the two-yard line. Some of the rules are designed to be a fast-paced game that offers the potential for explosive scoring plays on offense and special teams. 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. Strong backgrounds in College Football are represented as 33 of the 35 USFL officials have worked in Power Five Conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, PAC-12, and SEC). Much like the AAF and XFL before it, the USFL will be experimenting with some rule changes to create excitement and intrigue around the new league. 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. CS Media Limited All Rights Reserved. "Located downtown, it's within walking distance to the hotels where players will reside and many other amenities. Winners, losers: Day 1 | Day 2 (Both leagues debuted with television ratings that equated to major college football games but declined over time. Game timing Halftime is 10 minutes in length Play clock will use 35 seconds, 25 seconds after a stoppage Timing rules for a runner out of bounds apply after the 2-minute warning The USFL has raced to the front of the starting line, moving from its public introduction to kickoff in 11 months, all while implementing an infrastructure that shares many similarities to the XFL's 2020 product. Below you will find some USFL rules that I think could make big impacts in the game, and in fantasy points! The USFL. 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