2009 UFL season in review: Florida Tuskers
Without a doubt the Florida Tuskers were the best UFL team in 2009. They completed an undefeated regular season, only to lose to the Las Vegas Locos in overtime of the first ever UFL championship game. Beyond being a great team, this is a fun team. Without doubt the best name, and best uniforms of the new league. In fact the Tuskers are one of the most uniquely named pro-football teams to come along in a long time. Given the many Arena leagues, and other football leagues that have sprouted up in the last decade that is really saying something.
In all the Florida Tusker offense, led QB Brooks Bollinger gained 2,609 yards. They earned 150 first downs, and both of those numbers led the league. Bollinger completed 67.8% of his passes, the Tuskers through for 17 TD’s and had only five INT’s. They gained 1,898 yards through the air and averaged 7.8 yards per pass play. Their running attack was led by Tatum Bell who had 85 carries for 320 yards. As a team they gained 711 yards on the ground and scored 7 TD’s.
On the defensive side of the ball this unit recorded 18 sacks, and 14 forced fumbles. They were able to recover 7 of those fumbles, and as a team recorded 321 tackles. This defensive unit was led by Tim McGarigle and Odell Thurman. Tim had 34.5 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT, and 1 forced fumble with a recovery. Odell had 34 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and a recovery. Not to shabby.
In the end they could not beat the Las Vegas Locos for the third time in one season, and lost the first UFL championship game by three points. Depending on how many players return, and if Coach Jim Haslett doesn’t take the Head Coaching job with the Buffalo Bills this team could return in 2010 with a big chip on their shoulder.
