Columnist Sal DeFilippo: XFL’s best set to meet, but will anyone watch

Sal DeFilippo

Friday, March 16, 2001 | 11:15 a.m.

Sal DeFilippo's pro football picks column appears Friday. Reach him at sal@lasvegassun.com or 259-4076.

The two preseason favorites to win the XFL, Orlando and Los Angeles, meet this weekend for the only time during the regular season.

It's really bad timing to show off what most believe to be the league's elite teams. Seems there's a basketball tourney running the next few weekends that people really get into.

I doubt the XFL can do anything to counter the nation's hoopla over the NCAA Tournament, nor should it even bother to try. But Orlando is the league's only unbeaten team and L.A., after a slow start, leads the Western division with a 4-2 mark. This game easily could be a preview of the league's first championship game, which boasts a team bonus of $1 million to be split by the winners.

So how to promote it? Is there any way to drag viewers away from watching North Carolina or Michigan State?

No. But these teams have a common thread that should be exploited -- Mickey Mouse.

I don't mean the manner in which the league operates -- I mean the little high-pitched rodent guy. After all, Mickey's two U.S. mansions are in Orlando and Anaheim, a k a Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Now there's a theme.

Have Donald Duck and Pluto represent the teams in the opening scramble. Put Goofy in the announcing booth -- that would be an improvement.

Maybe the ratings will rise, the league will thrive and football fans will be able to watch nearly year-round. Or maybe I'm just stuck in Fantasyland.

For the record

A 1-2-1 mark versus the points -- Los Angeles was the only savior -- puts the season ledger at 13-9-2.

Saturday's games

MEMPHIS -2 at New York -- The Hitmen had general manager and former Cowboys wide receiver Drew Pearson roaming the sidelines during last week's win at San Francisco. But another former Dallas player -- defensive end Shante Carver of Memphis -- will have more to say about New York's fate this week. Memphis 20, New York 16.

BIRMINGHAM +7 at Las Vegas -- The Bolts take a three-game losing streak into Las Vegas, and will be without starting quarterback Casey Weldon. The 1991 Heisman runner-up will miss the remainder of the season with a torn rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder. The Outlaws return home after a tough three-game road swing, but will struggle early before rallying to win in the final minute. Las Vegas 15, Birmingham 13.

Sunday's games

ORLANDO +2 at Los Angeles -- The two division leaders meet for the only time in the regular season. The Xtreme is playing well of late, but the Rage has never lost as an underdog. True, it never has been an underdog, but there's a reason for that. Orlando 34, Los Angeles 26.

CHICAGO +2 vs. San Francisco -- The Demons scored on a punt return two minutes into last week's game and spent the rest of the game in park. This week, they mount a few drives, but the Enforcers shift gears and pull off the upset. Chicago 16, San Francisco 13.