USFL Playoffs Round 1 (1985)

Stallions Outpace Maulers in Thrilling Playoff Opener

The Birmingham Stallions rode the stellar performance of running back Joe Cribbs to a dramatic 24-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Maulers in the opening round of the playoffs at Legion Field. Cribbs, named MVP of the game, accounted for two rushing touchdowns, including a pair of five-yard scores in the first half that set the tone for Birmingham’s offense. Quarterback Cliff Stoudt sealed the win with a late fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Ken Toler, capping a 69-yard drive that reclaimed the lead with just over a minute remaining.

Pittsburgh, trailing 17-3 at halftime, came alive in the second half with a more balanced offensive attack. Quarterback Brian Sipe connected with Flowers for a 15-yard touchdown in the third quarter and orchestrated a grueling 15-play, 80-yard drive that culminated in a one-yard scoring plunge by Miller to tie the game at 17 late in the fourth. However, the Maulers were unable to capitalize on their momentum as Stoudt and the Stallions engineered a methodical response, exploiting Pittsburgh’s defense with key completions to Jim Smith and Joey Jones before Toler’s decisive catch in the end zone.

The Maulers’ defense fought valiantly, with Mike McKibben and Freeman combining for 16 tackles and two sacks, but they couldn’t contain Cribbs in critical moments. Meanwhile, the Stallions’ defense held strong when it mattered most, with Herbie Spencer leading the way with 11 tackles and a crucial fourth-quarter interception by Tommy Haynes. Birmingham advances to the next round, while Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes end in heartbreak despite a commendable second-half rally.