The USFL witnessed another exciting week of football in Week 13, with teams battling fiercely for divisional supremacy and playoff contention. Let’s dive into the notable matchups and how they influenced the standings.
Philadelphia Shines, Jacksonville Struggles
In a Saturday clash, the Philadelphia Stars demonstrated their dominance by defeating the struggling Jacksonville Bulls with a convincing 30-9 victory. The Stars’ performance solidified their leading position in the Atlantic Division, boasting an impressive 11-2 record. Meanwhile, Jacksonville faced challenges, now standing at 4-9 for the season.
New Jersey Extends Winning Streak, Pittsburgh Falters
Monday night showcased a commanding performance by the New Jersey Generals, securing a 23-3 win against the Pittsburgh Maulers. New Jersey’s victory, coupled with a six-game winning streak, places them in a solid position within the Atlantic Division with a 7-6 record. On the flip side, Pittsburgh continues to struggle, with only three wins in the season.
Tampa Bay and Birmingham Maintain Southern Dominance
In the Southern Division, both Tampa Bay and Birmingham held their ground with impressive performances. Tampa Bay Bandits secured a 51-41 victory against the Boston Breakers, maintaining their position atop the division with a 10-3 record. Birmingham Stallions faced a tough challenge against the Chicago Blitz, succumbing to a 42-28 defeat but still holding a strong 9-4 record for the season.
Chicago Reigns Supreme, Oklahoma Continues to Struggle
The Central Division saw the Chicago Blitz extending their dominance with a 42-28 triumph over the Birmingham Stallions. Chicago’s 10-3 record keeps them at the top of the division. On the flip side, the Oklahoma Outlaws faced another tough loss, falling 42-30 to the Houston Gamblers. Oklahoma’s struggles persist, with a challenging 1-13 record for the season.
Los Angeles Express Edges Out Michigan Panthers
In the Pacific Division, the Los Angeles Express secured a narrow 15-14 victory over the Michigan Panthers. This win places Los Angeles at the top of the division with a 10-3 record, while Michigan stands at 7-6, facing a more challenging path to the playoffs.
Playoff Picture Takes Shape
As the regular season progresses, the playoff picture is slowly coming into focus. Standout performances and unexpected upsets continue to shape the fate of each team. The battle for divisional supremacy and playoff berths intensifies as the USFL heads into the crucial final weeks of the regular season.
Stay tuned for more gridiron action in Week 14 as teams jockey for position and aim to secure their spot in the postseason. The USFL drama unfolds as teams push to make their mark in football history.
USFL Stat Leaders After Week 13 (1984)
Week 13 Games
Friday
Birmingham Stallions 28, Chicago Blitz 42
Saturday
Denver Gold 48, Arizona Wranglers 31
Jacksonville Bulls 9, Philadelphia Stars 30
Memphis Showboats 27, Oakland Invaders 10
Sunday
Michigan Panthers 14, Los Angeles Express 15
Boston Breakers 41, Tampa Bay Bandits 51
Oklahoma Outlaws 30, Houston Gamblers 42
San Antonio Gunslingers 28, Washington Federals 38
Monday
Pittsburgh Maulers 3, New Jersey Generals 23
Standings
Players of the Week
Offense: Sam Harrell, RB, Houston Gamblers. Houston Gamblers’ running back, Harrell, claimed the coveted Player of the Week title with a remarkable ground performance. Carrying the ball 18 times, Harrell bulldozed through the opposition, accumulating 109 yards with an impressive 6.1 yards per carry. What set him apart was his nose for the end zone, scoring an exceptional four rushing touchdowns.
Defense: Richard D’Amico, LB, San Antonio Gunslingers and John Bungartz, LB, Denver Gold. In a stunning display of defensive prowess, two standout players have emerged as this week’s co-Defensive Players of the Week. D’Amico, with a remarkable performance in Game 2, showcased his tenacity with 10 tackles, including a crucial tackle for loss, and an impactful forced fumble. His disruptive presence on the field undoubtedly influenced the course of the game. On the other side, Bungartz, in Game 6, demonstrated his defensive excellence with 10 tackles, a pivotal sack, and a forceful forced fumble. Bungartz’s ability to penetrate the opponent’s offensive line and disrupt plays made him a formidable force on the field.
Special Teams: Tony Good, KR, Boston Breakers. In an electrifying performance on special teams, Tony Good emerged as the clear standout and earned the title of Special Teams Player of the Week. Good showcased exceptional skills in kick return, tallying an impressive 177 yards on nine returns, with an average of 19.7 yards per return and a long of 31 yards. His ability to navigate the field with speed and agility played a crucial role in providing favorable field position for his team.