The 2023 USFL Championship will be full of former Wisconsin Badgers after the Pittsburgh Maulers defeated the Michigan Panthers this weekend.
The Maulers possess six former Badgers: guard Jon Dietzen, fullback Mason Stokke, defensive end Izayah Green-May, running back Garrett Groshek and defensive lineman Olive Sagapolu. If you need a rooting interest in the title game next weekend, the Birmingham Stallions have zero.
The final two listed above had significant roles in the Maulers’ overtime win to send the team to the championship game. Groshek tallied over 70 scrimmage yards and scored a touchdown, while Sagapolu ended the game with a terrific pass breakup.
THE MAULERS WIN THE NORTH IN OT ⚒ pic.twitter.com/5z591PhMOt
— USFL (@USFL) June 25, 2023
Sagapolu has tallied 22 tackles and four sacks this season. His pirouette, back-handed pass deflection to close out the North Division Championship is likely the highlight of his season.
Sagapolu and the other five former Wisconsin standouts will be in action July 1 at 7 p.m. Central in the 2023 USFL championship game.