USFL Playoffs Eastern Championship (1985)

Tampa Bay Bandits Stage Epic Comeback to Clinch Eastern Championship in Overtime Thriller
By Ryan “Data Dynamo” Anderson

In a game that will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in USFL playoff history, the Tampa Bay Bandits rallied from a 21-point deficit to defeat the Birmingham Stallions 30-27 in overtime, securing their first-ever trip to the USFL Championship. The Bandits, led by MVP wide receiver Eric Truvillion and a resilient defense, overcame five turnovers and a sluggish start to stun the Stallions in front of a rain-soaked Tampa Stadium crowd.

Birmingham dominated the first three quarters, building a 27-6 lead behind a balanced attack. Quarterback Cliff Stoudt connected with Joey Jones for two touchdown passes (18 and 25 yards), while running back Joe Cribbs added a 3-yard rushing score. The Stallions’ defense was equally impressive, forcing four turnovers and sacking Tampa Bay quarterback John Reaves five times. However, the tide turned late in the third quarter when Bandits linebacker Warren Hanna returned an interception 37 yards for a touchdown, igniting the comeback.

Tampa Bay’s offense came alive in the fourth quarter, with Reaves finding Truvillion for a 24-yard touchdown and Spencer Jackson for a 48-yard strike to tie the game with just 1:32 remaining. The Bandits’ defense, which had struggled early, forced three critical turnovers in the second half, including two interceptions by Marcus Quinn. In overtime, Tampa Bay’s Zenon Andrusyshyn sealed the victory with a 24-yard field goal, capping an 8-play, 58-yard drive. Reaves finished with 389 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Truvillion hauled in six catches for 133 yards and two scores. Birmingham’s Stoudt threw for 272 yards and two touchdowns but was plagued by three interceptions, including the game-changing pick-six.