Playoff Showdown: Birmingham Stallions vs. New Jersey Generals at the Meadowlands
Date: Saturday, June 2,9 1985
Time: 8:30 PM ET
Location: The Meadowlands, East Rutherford, NJ
The stage is set for an electrifying USFL playoff clash as the Birmingham Stallions travel to the Meadowlands to face the New Jersey Generals in a Round 2 showdown. Both teams have displayed offensive firepower and defensive resilience throughout the season, and Saturday night promises to be a high-stakes battle under the lights.
Season Recap
The New Jersey Generals enter the playoffs after a dominant regular season, largely powered by their prolific rushing attack and an opportunistic defense. Herschel Walker, the league’s rushing champion, has been nothing short of spectacular, racking up 2,411 yards on the ground with 21 touchdowns. Walker’s consistency and explosiveness have made the Generals a formidable opponent, particularly at home.
On the other side, the Birmingham Stallions advanced to Round 2 after a hard-fought victory over the Pittsburgh Maulers in the opening round. Led by quarterback Cliff Stoudt, Birmingham’s balanced offense and opportunistic defense have proven effective all season. Stoudt’s precision passing and his ability to make plays with his legs have kept opposing defenses on their heels.
Key Matchups to Watch
Generals’ Ground Game vs. Stallions’ Front Seven
The Generals’ offense runs through Herschel Walker. His ability to break long runs and consistently move the chains has been a hallmark of New Jersey’s success. Birmingham’s front seven, led by linebacker Mike Kolen and a stout defensive line, will need to be at their best to contain Walker and force the Generals to rely on their passing game.
Cliff Stoudt vs. Generals’ Secondary
Stoudt has enjoyed a stellar season, completing nearly 60% of his passes for 3,613 yards and 35 touchdowns. His primary target, Jim Smith, leads the league in receiving touchdowns with 20. The Generals’ secondary, anchored by safety Kerry Justin and cornerback Mike Holmes, will need to step up to slow down Birmingham’s high-flying aerial attack.
Special Teams Battle
In a game likely to be decided by field position and critical moments, special teams could play a pivotal role. Birmingham’s kick returner Dennis Hall has averaged 22.7 yards per return, providing excellent starting field position for the Stallions’ offense. Meanwhile, the Generals’ kicker Roger Ruzek has been reliable, converting 68% of his field goal attempts, including a long of 50 yards.
X-Factors
- Doug Flutie (Generals): While Walker dominates the headlines, quarterback Doug Flutie’s dual-threat ability adds a dynamic element to New Jersey’s offense. If Birmingham focuses too heavily on stopping Walker, Flutie’s scrambling and passing could tilt the game in the Generals’ favor.
- Joe Cribbs (Stallions): Birmingham’s workhorse back Joe Cribbs has quietly put together a solid season, rushing for over 1,000 yards. His ability to control the clock and keep the Generals’ offense off the field will be critical.
What to Expect
This game pits the league’s top rusher against one of its most balanced teams. Expect New Jersey to lean heavily on Walker early, looking to wear down Birmingham’s defense and open up play-action opportunities for Flutie. Birmingham, meanwhile, will likely look to establish an early lead through Stoudt and Smith, forcing the Generals to play from behind.
The Stallions have shown they can win in a variety of ways, but they’ll need to play mistake-free football against a Generals team that thrives on turnovers. With both teams evenly matched, this game could come down to the final possession.
Prediction
In a hard-fought contest, the Generals’ home-field advantage and Herschel Walker’s game-breaking ability could be the difference. However, if Birmingham’s defense rises to the occasion and Stoudt delivers another strong performance, the Stallions have the tools to pull off the upset.
Final Score Prediction: New Jersey Generals 27, Birmingham Stallions 24