Dallas Vigilantes at Tulsa Talons: Pregame Primer

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Dallas Vigilantes (8-5, 3-4 road) vs. Tulsa Talons (6-7, 3-3 home)

TV: N/A
Stream: Click here
Radio: KRMG 740 (740 AM)
Time: 7:00 CT

Passing Yards per Game: Talons – 230.2 (16th), Vigilantes – 266.6 (11th)
Rushing Yards per Game: Talons – 47.5 (1st), Vigilantes – 46.2 (2nd)
Total Yards Allowed per Game: Talons – 281.5 (8th), Vigilantes – 319.0 (18th)

View from the enemy: N/A

Tulsa is coming off a strong road win over the Philadelphia Soul last Friday. Justin Allgood over the last couple of weeks has just been outstanding.

Dallas coming in: The Vigilantes had a strong victory over the Iowa Barnstormers last Saturday.

THE MATCHUP

Dallas is a team that has struggled on the road this season. Dallas QB Dan Raudabaugh has been on and off throughout the season. On top of that, the Vigilantes give up more yards than any other team in the league.

QB Justin Allgood has not thrown a pick in two games now. His timing with the receiving corps is improving as well. Troy McBroom is looking to be even better than Donovan Morgan last year. If the Talons continue to click, it will be hard for Dallas to stop them.

On Defense, J.C. Neal has become a force to be reckoned with. Neal is currently 10th all time in INT return yards in a season. If the Talons can get some pressure, Raudabaugh is a QB that will make mistakes. The front line will need to stay on their heels however as Vigilantes FB Derrick Ross is probably the best FB in the league.

With a win, the Talons would move one game behind the Vigilantes for the 3 seed in the Playoffs.

Kickoff at 7:00 CT.

Talons at Soul - Pregame Primer

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Tulsa Talons (5-7, 2-4 road) vs. Philadelphia Soul (5-8, 3-2 home)

TV: N/A
Stream: Click here
Radio: KRMG 740 (740 AM)
Time: 6:05 CT

Passing Yards per Game: Talons – 225.8 (16th), Soul – 228.0 (10th)
Rushing Yards per Game: Talons – 50.3 (1st), Soul – 14.9 (14th)
Total Yards Allowed per Game: Talons – 278.1 (7th), Soul – 268.0 (2nd)

View from the enemy: N/A

Tulsa is coming off a huge blowout win over the Utah Blaze behind QB Justin Allgood and a strong defensive peformance.

Philadelphia coming in: The Soul played last Friday in a big loss to the Spokane Shock on the NFL Network.

THE MATCHUP

QB Justin Allgood will be looking for revenge against the team that benched and then traded him earlier in the season. Having knowledge of the Soul defense should help Allgood with his reads this week. The most interesting dual of the game will be between Soul WR, and former Talon, Donovan Morgan and new Talons WR Troy McBroom. McBroom, if he had been with the Talons all season, would be 3rd in the league in receiving yards. Morgan is 1st in the league with 124 yards per game. (McBroom has a little over 119 yards per game)

On Defense, the Talons will face a QB who hasn't played organized football in 3 years in Brandon Kirsch. Hopefully the Talons defensive line, lead by Victor DeGrate, can get pressure and force some mistakes. Fred Shaw and league MVP J.C. Neal will have their hands full this week with a slew of strong Soul receivers lead by Donovan Morgan.

Kickoff at 6:05 CT.

Utah Blaze at Tulsa Talons: Pregame Primer

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Utah Blaze (5-6, 1-4 road) vs. Tulsa Talons (4-7, 2-3 home)

TV: N/A
Stream: Click here
Radio: KRMG 740 (740 AM)
Time: 7:00 CT

Passing Yards per Game: Talons – 222.3 (18th), Blaze – 301.5 (1st)
Rushing Yards per Game: Talons – 51.4 (1st), Blaze – 14.2 (15th)
Total Yards Allowed per Game: Talons – 273.0 (6th), Blaze – 303.5 (14th)

View from the enemy: N/A

Tulsa is coming off a last second loss to the Chicago Rush. The return of Justin Allgood in last week's game was a surprise to many.

Utah coming in: The Blaze were rocked last weekend by the Arizona Rattlers.

THE MATCHUP

Utah is a team that has struggled on the road this season. Also, Utah QB Tommy Grady was tormented by the Talons last season. This could be the key to Tulsa picking up a win.

QB Justin Allgood should get his second start for the Talons this season. If he can continue to gel with the new set of Talons receivers the Talons offense should start to catch fire like last season. The return of Al Hunt off injured reserve this week should help.

On Defense, the Talons have continued to make teams work for every score and grind out situations where the team can win. The loss of DL Colin Bryant to suspension this week may end up being a big factor as pressure on Grady is key.

Also, with a win the Talons will move into a four-tie for the 4th seed in the Conference with San Jose, Utah, and Spokane! Go Talons!

Kickoff at 7:00 CT.

Talons at Rush - Pregame Primer

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Tulsa Talons (4-6, 2-3 road) vs. Chicago Rush (7-3, 4-1 home)

TV: Comcast Sports Network Chicago (DirectTV 665)
Stream: Click here
Radio: KRMG 740 (740 AM)
Time: 3:00 CT

Passing Yards per Game: Talons – 222.2 (18th), Rush – 228.0 (14th)
Rushing Yards per Game: Talons – 53.7 (1st), Rush – 28.9 (6th)
Total Yards Allowed per Game: Talons – 279.7 (6th), Rush – 299.9 (12th)

View from the enemy: N/A

Tulsa is coming off a tough loss to the Kansas City where the Talons lost on a last second KC touchdown, when Tulsa failed to recover a fumble on the play before.

Chicago coming in: The Rush played last Sunday with an impressive win over the Dallas Vigilantes to regain the lead in the division.

THE MATCHUP

The stats and matchups aren't much different that the team played a fews week ago: See the last preview.

QB Matt Bassuener is likely to get the start. However, Mitch Allner has said that Justin Allgood will get playing time. What concerns me is that Allgood looked terrible is his last start against Chicago, going 12-22 and 2 TDs to 3 INTs. Matt wasn't impressive either is their last matchup going 17-31 and 3TDs to 3INTs.

On Defense, the Talons pass rush of Victor DeGrate, Collin Bryant, and Nekos Brown will need to be stellar once again. In the previous matchup, Rush QB Russ Michna was harassed all game long and the Rush committed 6 turnovers. The Defense will need to continue to force turnovers to help the team to a big road win.

Kickoff at 3:00 CT.

Command at Talons: Pregame Primer

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Kansas City Command (2-7, 1-4 road) vs. Tulsa Talons (4-5, 2-2 home)

TV: N/A
Stream: Click here
Radio: KRMG 740 (740 AM)
Time: 7:00 CT

Passing Yards per Game: Talons – 217.7 (18th), Command – 297.2 (3rd)
Rushing Yards per Game: Talons – 59.1 (1st), Command – 18.2 (13th)
Total Yards Allowed per Game: Talons – 278.2 (5th), Command – 299.4 (14th)

View from the enemy: N/A

Tulsa is coming off a National televised win against the New Orleans VooDoo. The return of Justin Allgood this week has added a lot more attention to the Talons this week.

Kansas City coming in: The Command played last Friday losing a tough one to the Tampa Bay Storm.

THE MATCHUP

Just as in the Chicago game two weeks ago, the numbers lie in this one. The Command is near the top of the league on the offensive side of the ball. However, Kansas City is just 2-7 and put their top 2 receivers on Injured Reserve this week. While Tulsa continues to prove that defense and rushing still matter in this league.

QB Matt Bassuener will get a break this week playing against one of the worst defenses in the league. However, as stated above, he will have Justin Allgood standing behind him the whole game. It will be fun to see how Matt responds to that.

On Defense, the Talons will need to continue to be physical and cause turnovers. While the Talons are -5 in turnover differential, they have come alive since the Arizona game and have a +1 turnover differential and are getting more turnovers on downs.

Kickoff at 7:00 CT.

Talons at VooDoo: Pregame Primer

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Tulsa Talons (3-5, 1-3 road) vs. New Orleans VooDoo (2-6, 0-4 home)

TV: NFLNetwork (Cox 252, CoxHD 723, DirectTV 212)
Stream: n/a
Radio: KRMG 740 (740 AM)
Time: 7:00 CST

Passing Yards per Game: Talons – 216.8 (18th), VooDoo – 231.4 (14th)
Rushing Yards per Game: Talons – 58.6 (1st), VooDoo – 30.4 (5th)
Total Yards Allowed per Game: Talons – 282.9 (7th), VooDoo – 279.1 (5th)

View from the enemy: N/A

Tulsa is coming off the best win of the season taking down Chicago in impressive fashion last Saturday. Talons continue to evolve into one of the better Defenses in the league (5th overall in the past 5 games, see "Last Five Games" stats here).

New Orleans coming in: The VooDoo played last Saturday upsetting the Kansas City Command behind a defense that had two pick-6s.

THE MATCHUP

Last week, the Offense behind QBMatt Bassuener gave up three turnovers, which cannot happen again. Troy McBroom continues to be one of the most dominant WRs in the league and new addition JJ Payne adds a much needed traditional rushing attack. If the offense can continue to click then they should be able to put up good numbers on the board.

On Defense, the entire defense seems to bring the pain. Last week the Talons defense forced several fumbles and came up with six turnovers. The pass rush gets a much needed break this week against a VooDoo line that has had trouble protecting the quarterback. There is still one unknown at the moment, however, as VooDoo coach Stingley has yet to name a starting QB for tonight.

Kickoff at 7:00 CT.

Rush at Talons: Pregame Primer

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Chicago Rush (5-2, 2-1 road) vs. Tulsa Talons (2-5, 1-2 home)

TV: N/A
Stream: Click here
Radio: KRMG 740 (740 AM)
Time: 7:00 CT

Passing Yards per Game: Talons – 215.9 (17th), Rush – 210.7 (18th)
Rushing Yards per Game: Talons – 58.1 (1st), Rush – 34.0 (5th)
Total Yards Allowed per Game: Talons – 282.1 (7th), Rush – 294.6 (10th)

View from the enemy: N/A

Tulsa is coming off a tough loss to the Gladiators where the Talons lead at halftime before losing both Al Hunt and Troy McBroom to Injury. This week Brian Paysinger replaces Hunt and needs a big game.

Chicago coming in: The Rush played last Saturday easily handling the New Orleans VooDoo.

THE MATCHUP

The numbers lie in this one. The Talons lead Chicago in all my normal categories: Pass Offense, Rush Offense, and Total Defense. However, Chicago is 5-2 and leads the division. While Tulsa is 2-5 and tied for last in the division.

QBMatt Bassuener will have some tough looks against Chicago's tough Defense. As stated above, in addition to Troy McBroom's normal game. Paysinger will need to come off injury with a big game.

On Defense, J.C. Neal and Fred Shaw will have their hands full with all-star QB Russ Michna who is one of the best QBs in the league. Hopefully they can get a boost from an improving Talons pass rush of Victor DeGrate, Collin Bryant, and Nekos Brown.

Kickoff at 7:00 CT.

Talons at Gladiators: Pregame Primer

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Tulsa Talons (2-4, 1-2 road) vs. Cleveland Gladiators (3-2, 1-1 home)

TV: N/A
Stream: Click here
Radio: KRMG 740 (740 AM)
Time: 6:30 CT

Passing Yards per Game: Talons – 211.5 (17th), Gladiators – 273.8 (9th)
Rushing Yards per Game: Talons – 61.7 (1st), Gladiators – 19.0 (10th)
Total Yards Allowed per Game: Talons – 294.5 (12th), Gladiators – 257.8 (1st)

View from the enemy: N/A

Tulsa is coming off an exciting last second field goal to take down Iowa. Talons have established a strong WR core of Copeland, Hunt and McBroom.

Cleveland coming in: The Gladiators played last Saturday loosing to Jacksonville after being shutout in the 4th Quarter.

THE MATCHUP

The Offense behind QBMatt Bassuener has finally begun to click. Troy McBroom, as one commentator has said, appears to be the heir apparent to Donovan Morgan. Bassuener and McBroom face a tough challenge this week against the league's best defense.

On Defense, J.C. Neal and Fred Shaw may have caught a break with the recent injunction lifting the NFL lockout. Cleveland WR Troy Bergeron has a futures contract with an NFL team and may not be allowed to play in this week's Gladiator's game. The Talons' defensive backfield will still need to play better than last week when the Talons gave up the most points they have all season.

Kickoff at 6:30 CT.

Barnstormers at Talons: Pregame Primer

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Iowa Barnstormers (2-3, 1-2 road) vs. Tulsa Talons (1-4, 0-2 home)

TV: N/A
Stream: Click here
Radio: KRMG 740 (740 AM)
Time: 7:00 CT

Passing Yards per Game: Talons – 195.8 (18th), Barnstormers – 289.0 (8th)
Rushing Yards per Game: Talons – 60.6 (1st), Barnstormers – 28.0 (6th)
Total Yards Allowed per Game: Talons – 286.8 (9th), Barnstormers – 291.0 (13th)

View from the enemy: N/A

Tulsa is coming off a tough loss to the SaberCats where the Talons lead for the entire first half. Talons new WR Tory McBroom continues to impress with his amazing skillset.

Iowa coming in: The Barnstormers played last Saturday loosing to Chicago due to a last second field goal.

THE MATCHUP

The San Jose SaberCats players after lasts week's game said it best; if we play as well as we are capable of we should win. While the Barnstormers have had some impressive wins this season, they are far from being an elite team.

QBMatt Bassuener will have some tough looks against the Barnstormers' tough Defense. He will need big plays out of WRs Al Hunt and Troy McBroom.

On Defense, J.C. Neal and Fred Shaw will need to keep an eye on WR Jesse Schmidt who may be one of the best receivers in the league. The Talons' biggest strength is their defensive backfield that has begun to evolve into one of the best in the league. If they can put up the same performance as last week, where the Talons held the high-scoring SaberCats to 42 points, the Talons should win this game hands down.

Kickoff at 7:00 CT.

SaberCats at Talons: Pregame Primer

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San Jose SaberCats (3-2, 0-1 road) vs. Tulsa Talons (1-3, 0-1 home)

TV: N/A
Stream: Click here
Radio: KRMG 740 (740 AM)
Time: 7:00 CT

Passing Yards per Game: Talons – 183.0 (18th), SaberCats – 296.8 (5th)
Rushing Yards per Game: Talons – 72.8 (1st), SaberCats – 17.2 (14th)
Total Yards Allowed per Game: Talons – 278.0 (5th), SaberCats – 339.4 (18th)

View from the enemy: N/A

Tulsa is coming off a bye week after an impressive win over the Pittsburgh Power. Talons are now lead by new QB Matt Bassuener who had an outstanding game both passing and running the ball two weeks ago.

Pittsburgh coming in: The SaberCats played last Friday, pounding the talented Utah Blaze.

THE MATCHUP

Like the Talons last BOK Center appearance, the Talons may be outmatched in this one. While the SaberCats give up more yards than any other team in the league, they have improved on defense and an offensive powerhouse.

On Offense, Matt Bassuener lucked out with former Talons DE Gabe Nyenhuis on the Injured Reserve, however another former Talon Adam Huebner will still be leading the SaberCats rush. Luckily, Bassuener has been great at the quick release, and buying time to find a receiver so far. Having the WR core of Al Hunt and Troy McBroom definitely helps as well.

On Defense, Jamar Ranson and Fred Shaw still need help from the defensive line that has improved, but need to get better to help out the secondary. Mark Grieb is a future AFL Hall of Famer and has a talented group of receivers at his disposal. Despite the great showing last week, the Talons D may be in trouble.

Kickoff at 7:00 CT.

Talons at Power: Pregame Primer

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Tulsa Talons (0-3, 0-2 road) vs. Pittsburgh Power (2-1, 1-1 home)

TV: N/A
Stream: Click here
Radio: KRMG 740 (740 AM)
Time: 6:30 CT

Passing Yards: Talons – 564 (16th), Power – 644 (14th)
Rushing Yards: Talons – 226 (1st), Power – 57 (10th)
Passing Yards Allowed: Talons – 849 (12th), Power – 774 (9th)

View from the enemy: Boltsburgh Blog

Tulsa is 0-3 on the season, coming off the worst loss in franchise history. So the Talons will be ready and hungry. They’ve been learning together and on the verge of turning the corner. But beating the Power will definitely be a challenge.

Pittsburgh coming in: The Power played Monday, barely escaping Milwaukee.

THE MATCHUPS

The teams are much closer than their records reflect. However, where things went wrong for the Talons, they went right for the Power.

On Offense, Bobby Reid will be pressured constantly by former Talons Terrance Carter. The offensive line will need to be on its game tonight to give Reid the time he needs to get the ball to the Talons receivers. A bright spot for the Talons is that for Pittsburgh, the defensive backfield has been the weak point on their defense.

On Defense, Jamar Ranson and Fred Shaw will need help from the defensive line that has been struggling all season. The power have had some injuries on the offensive side of the ball, especially at quarterback. So, some pressure could possibly force some mistakes that will help the Talons pull this one out.

Kickoff at 6:30 CT.