In a compelling second week of USFL action, the Jacksonville Bulls asserted their dominance with a resounding 34-13 victory over the New Orleans Breakers. Shawn Jones led the charge for the Bulls, rushing for 132 yards and a touchdown, complemented by two receptions for 57 yards. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Generals continued their strong start, edging out the Boston Breakers 13-6. Herschel Walker was the star for the Generals, amassing 184 rushing yards and a touchdown on 36 carries. The Denver Gold also secured a significant win, defeating the Las Vegas Posse 38-28, thanks to an impressive performance from quarterback Bob Gagliano, who threw for 614 yards and four touchdowns.
Saturday’s games saw the Houston Gamblers overpower the Chicago Blitz with a 48-21 victory, highlighted by Kelly’s 377-yard, three-touchdown performance. The Arizona Outlaws bounced back from their opening loss to top the Los Angeles Express 21-10, with Allen Clark rushing for 82 yards and a touchdown. On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Bandits held off the Birmingham Stallions 23-16, with a key interception and 16 tackles from Bill Roe. In a tight defensive contest, the San Antonio Gunslingers edged the Oklahoma Outlaws 14-12, thanks to Crane’s eight receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown.
In other Sunday matchups, the Pittsburgh Maulers continued their unbeaten run with a 27-13 victory over the Philadelphia Stars, with Kirk Pendleton catching 10 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns. The Memphis Showboats remained undefeated, beating the Michigan Panthers 38-27, powered by Harry Sydney’s three rushing touchdowns. Lastly, in a thrilling finish, the Oakland Invaders managed to fend off a fierce comeback from the Washington Federals, winning 37-31. This week’s games showcased the intense competition and standout individual performances that define the USFL, promising more exciting action in the weeks ahead.
USFL Stat Leaders After Week 2 (1985)
Games
Saturday
New Orleans Brass 14, Jacksonville Bulls 34
Chicago Blitz 21, Houston Gamblers 48
Arizona Wranglers 21, Los Angeles Express 10
Sunday
Philadelphia Stars 13, Pittsburgh Maulers 27
Boston Breakers 6, New Jersey Generals 13
Birmingham Stallions 16, Tampa Bay Bandits 23
Oklahoma Outlaws 12, San Antonio Gunslingers 14
Memphis Showboats 38, Michigan Panthers 27
Las Vegas Ace 28, Denver Gold 38
Washington Federals 31, Oakland Invaders 37
Standings
Players of the Week
Offense: Bob Gagliano, QB, Denver Gold. Gagliano eviscerated the expansion Las Vegas Ace defense to the tune of 45 for 80 passing with 614 yards and 4 touchdowns. His performance lifted the Gold to 1-1 with a 38-28 win over the Ace.
Defense: Bill Roe, LB, Birmingham Stallions. Roe racked up 16 tackles and an interception in the Stallions loss against the Tampa Bay Bandits.
Special Teams: Mark Tolbert, KR, Chicago Blitz. Houston kept Tolbert busy with 9 returns for 175 yards.