Express Faces Stoudt, Cribbs and Birmingham at Coliseum

The Birmingham Stallions, led by quarterback Cliff Stoudt, running back Joe Cribbs and one of the United States Football League’s top defenses, will meet the Express at 1 p.m. today at the Coliseum.

Stoudt ranks second in the Eastern Conference in passing with 183 completions in 314 attempts for 2,284 yards and 21 touchdowns. He has been intercepted 13 times. Jim Smith leads Birmingham receivers with 55 catches for 856 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Cribbs has rushed for 795 yards on 197 carries and also has 34 receptions for 258 yards.

Birmingham has scored 280 points and allowed only 218, the second-lowest total in the league. The Stallions (8-4) lead the USFL in defense, having allowed an average of 263.7 yards per game.

The Express (3-9) has been outscored, 114-37, in its last four games. Overall, the Express has scored 185 points while allowing 295.

Express quarterback Steve Young is a questionable starter. Young, who suffered a hyperextended left knee March 23, had to leave last weekend’s 27-6 loss to Oakland in the fourth quarter because of a pinched nerve in his neck. Young has completed 88 of 174 passes for 1,217 yards and 4 touchdowns, with 9 interceptions this season.

Young’s replacement, Frank Seurer, has completed 72 of 148 passes for 951 yards and 4 touchdowns, with 12 interceptions.