McGough runs (and passes) wild

Birmingham coach Skip Holtz likes to call Alex McGough “the first Stallion.” And when you’re talking about the modern version of the United States Football League, he is exactly that.

The inaugural quarterback draft of the fledgling league was held on February 22, 2022, and Birmingham had the sixth pick.

McGough was Holtz’s guy.

“I actually played against Coach Holtz twice when he was at Louisiana Tech, and I always loved his offense,” McGough said after donning a Stallions cap and meeting with media members at Protective Stadium. “There’s a lot of passing, which I love, and he’s got a lot of energy. He’s so positive, and I can’t wait to get out there and learn from him.”

Unfortunately for the seventh-round pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, once the 2022 season got under way in April, QB1 soon became QB2 due to injuries.

J’Mar Smith took the reins and became a  breakout star for Birmingham, throwing for 1,572 yards and 10 touchdowns. Even when McGough got healthy enough to play, he was doing so off the bench.

“Last year I prepared like I was going to start … I didn’t act like I was a backup,” McGough said. “So that way if I had to play, I was ready. So, it’s just the same week for me.”

But what’s the expression … it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish?

When Smith got dinged up during the 2022 title game against Philadelphia, McGough came in and played a major role in the Stallions’ thrilling 33-30 victory.

That was a harbinger of things to come.

When the 2023 campaign dawned, McGough was still backing up Smith. However, a season-ending injury to the starter in the opening game against New Jersey put the ball back in McGough’s hands.

To say he’s made the most of his latest opportunity is a monumental understatement.

Entering Sunday’s South Division title game against New Orleans, McGough was 180-267-5 passing for 2,104 yards and 20 touchdowns.

He was also the Stallions’ second-leading rusher, tallying 403 yards and five TDs.

In the 47-22 blowout of the Breakers, he went 21-31-0 through the air for 310 yards and four touchdowns, and rushed for 84 yards and a TD before being lifted in favor of Jalen Morton with under three minutes remaining.

It was one of the finest all-around performances you’ll ever see, and the 27-year-old has turned in a bunch of great ones since April.

“What a pleasure for me to watch him play,” Holtz said. “Honestly, as a football coach, what a pleasure it is for me to watch him play. When things break down, when protection breaks down, he can make things happen on his own and that’s where the artistic nature of him comes in. I’m just really proud of him.”

Beyond the other-worldly stats, a perfect example of what McGough brings to the party came in the second quarter when he suffered a bloody nose after having his helmet pulled off by the facemask.

As he left the field, he pumped his arms, jumped up and down and hyped up the crowd.

Then – after sitting out a play – he came back in and promptly called his own number on a QB carry around end.

“I also know that he’s a guy that’s painting this absolute Rembrandt out there but he’s also going to go down there and try and run over somebody,” Holtz said.

If McGough isn’t named the USFL’s Most Valuable Player when the award is announced next Friday, it’ll be a huge miscarriage of spring football justice.

So, what’s next for McGough – after next Saturday’s USFL championship game, I mean?

Except for a month on the Houston Texans’ active roster in 2019, his NFL experience is of the practice squad variety.

Yes, one has to be an elite signal caller to land a roster spot in football’s biggest league, but McGough has put in the work.

“He was in the quarterback room when I was with the (Jacksonville) Jaguars in 2019,” New Orleans coach John DeFilippo said. “So, I know Alex and I’m proud of Alex. I know he kicked our butt tonight, but there’s a piece of me that’s proud of him. He’s done a tremendous job of not turning the ball over or putting the ball in harm’s way.

“And obviously, we had a hard time containing him tonight. He got out to the right and out to the left and out to the middle.”

As much as Birmingham would love to have him back in 2024 – any pro spring league would want him on their roster – he’s done everything he’s been asked to do at this level, and more.

That’s not to say he won’t get caught in a numbers game and rock Stallions colors for a third consecutive year, but man, it seems like there’s gotta be a spot for him somewhere among the 32 franchises. His combination of skill, attitude and leadership is a recipe for success.

And as a big fan of the Canadian Football League, I’d love to see him get a north-of-the-border gig if the NFL doesn’t work out.

Quarterbacks who pass well, run well and do both without fear can thrive in the three-down game. I think he could not only be a starter right off the bat, but an impact player.

Regardless of where McGough hangs his helmet in 2024, he’s already proven so much – to his coaches, his teammates, even himself. He’s a worker and a winner … a team-first guy you want around and need around.

The first Stallion?

As it turns out, Holtz – and Birmingham – couldn’t have made a better choice.