The opening week of the 1985 USFL season delivered an array of thrilling matchups, showcasing high-scoring affairs and standout individual performances across the league. Kicking off the action, the Tampa Bay Bandits secured a commanding 34-16 victory over the Washington Federals on Saturday. Eric Truvillion was the star for Tampa Bay, racking up 166 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The San Antonio Gunslingers also began their campaign with a 38-28 win against the New Orleans Breakers, with Jerry Parrish’s nine receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown making a significant impact.
Sunday’s games were highlighted by a dominating performance from the Philadelphia Stars, who cruised past the Las Vegas Outlaws 30-7. John Sutton’s interception return for a touchdown and five tackles spearheaded Philadelphia’s defensive dominance. In Jacksonville, the Bulls overwhelmed the Oklahoma Outlaws 44-28, thanks to Al Williams’ impressive 144 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Herschel Walker powered the New Jersey Generals to a 28-17 win over the Oakland Invaders, showcasing his dual-threat ability with 166 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Capping off the week, the Pittsburgh Maulers edged out the Michigan Panthers 27-20 in a Monday night thriller. Mike Rozier was instrumental in Pittsburgh’s victory, rushing for 103 yards and a touchdown while adding 75 receiving yards. Other notable performances included Walter Lewis leading the Memphis Showboats to a 37-21 win over the Denver Gold with 308 passing yards and three touchdowns, and Steve Young guiding the Los Angeles Express to a 28-21 victory over the Birmingham Stallions with three touchdown passes and a rushing score. The Houston Gamblers also made a statement with a 45-17 triumph over the Arizona Wranglers, highlighted by Fowler’s 148 rushing yards and two total touchdowns.
USFL Stat Leaders After Week 1 (1985)
Games
Saturday
Washington Federals 16, Tampa Bay Bandits 34
New Orleans Brass 28, San Antonio Gunslingers 38
Memphis Showboats 37, Denver Gold 21
Sunday
Chicago Blitz 35, Boston Breakers 10
Las Vegas Ace 7, Philadelphia Stars 30
Jacksonville Bulls 44, Oklahoma Outlaws 28
Arizona Wranglers 17, Houston Gamblers 45
Birmingham Stallions 21, Los Angeles Express 28
New Jersey Generals 28, Oakland Invaders 17
Monday
Michigan Panthers 20, Pittsburgh Maulers 27
Standings
Players of the Week
Offense: Jim Kelly, QB, Houston Gamblers. In a week of dynamic offensive performance, the reigning offensive MVP picked up where he left off last year. Kelly went 19 for 27 for 343 yards and 5 touchdowns in a 45-17 beatdown of the Arizona Gamblers.
Defense: John Sutton, CB, Philadelphia Stars. The entire Stars defense helped the team get off on a winning start. Sutton recorded 5 tackles and returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown to help welcome the expansion Ace into the USFL.
Special Teams: Dennis Gentry, RB/Ret, Jacksonville Bulls. The Bulls performed an absolute theft in the offseason, grabbing former Chicago Bear Dennis Gentry. He rewarded them immediately with a touchdown run and also returning a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown.