Playoff Showdown in Memphis: Pittsburgh Maulers vs. Birmingham Stallions
June 23, 1985 – 4:30 PM at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
The stage is set in Memphis for a high-stakes playoff clash as the Pittsburgh Maulers and Birmingham Stallions meet in the first round of the 1985 USFL playoffs. Both teams bring contrasting styles and strengths to the table, promising a thrilling matchup in front of a packed Liberty Bowl crowd.
Pittsburgh Maulers: Ground Game and Defense
The Maulers boast a run-first offense anchored by Mike Rozier, who has been nothing short of spectacular this season. Rozier’s 1,361 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns highlight his ability to dominate games on the ground. Complementing Rozier’s power running is quarterback Brian Sipe’s efficient passing attack. Sipe has thrown for 718 yards with four touchdowns and a 91.3 passer rating, connecting with top targets like Greg Anderson (915 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns) and Kirk Pendleton (810 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns).
Pittsburgh’s defense, led by stalwarts like Sam Clancy (4 sacks) and Larry Graham (4 sacks), excels at pressuring quarterbacks and forcing mistakes. The secondary, featuring Gary Delaney (3 interceptions, 77 return yards), is opportunistic and capable of changing the momentum with big plays.
Birmingham Stallions: A Balanced Attack
Birmingham enters the playoffs as one of the league’s most well-rounded teams. Quarterback Cliff Stoudt has been a revelation, throwing for 3,358 yards and 34 touchdowns with a 91.2 passer rating. His connection with Jim Smith (1,322 receiving yards, 20 touchdowns) has been the backbone of Birmingham’s potent passing game.
On the ground, Joe Cribbs provides a consistent threat with 1,047 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, complemented by Stoudt’s mobility (437 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns). Defensively, the Stallions are no slouches either, with Dennis Harding leading the charge in tackles and sacks, and David Roe contributing a team-high nine sacks.
Keys to the Game
- Pittsburgh: For the Maulers, controlling the clock with Rozier’s ground game and limiting Stoudt’s explosive plays will be crucial. Sipe must make the most of his opportunities to keep the Stallions’ defense honest.
- Birmingham: The Stallions will aim to spread the ball around and exploit Pittsburgh’s secondary, while their defense must focus on slowing down Rozier and forcing the Maulers into third-and-long situations.
Prediction
This matchup pits the Stallions’ high-octane offense against the Maulers’ methodical ground game and tenacious defense. While Birmingham holds the edge on paper with their balanced attack, Pittsburgh’s ability to dictate tempo through Rozier and force turnovers makes them a dangerous opponent.
Expect a tightly contested battle, but the Stallions’ offensive firepower may give them the slight edge needed to advance.
Final Score Prediction: Birmingham Stallions 28, Pittsburgh Maulers 24.
Don’t miss this electrifying showdown as the USFL playoffs kick off with a bang!