All posts by usflcommish

Playoff Preview

USFL Playoffs Round 1 (1985)

Michigan Panthers at Chicago Blitz: USFL’s Premier Rivalry Renewed in the Playoffs

The USFL’s most thrilling rivalry is set to take center stage in the playoffs when the Michigan Panthers travel to face the Chicago Blitz in a Sunday night matinee on June 23, 1985, at 8:00 PM Eastern. Both teams bring a wealth of talent, history, and bad blood into what promises to be an unforgettable showdown.

Regular Season Recap

The Michigan Panthers (9-9) and Chicago Blitz (13-5) meet again after the Blitz swept the two regular seaon games including a victory in week 18. Chicago boasts a high-powered offense led by quarterback Greg Landry, while Michigan counters with the electric arm of Bobby Hebert and a balanced attack. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with a spot in the USFL semifinals on the line.

Team Analysis

Michigan Panthers

  • Offense: Bobby Hebert has been the driving force for Michigan’s offense, throwing for 3,811 yards and 30 touchdowns on the season. Wide receiver Anthony Carter has been Hebert’s favorite target, recording 1,323 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Running back Albert Bentley complements the passing attack with 1,020 rushing yards and 441 receiving yards, proving to be a dual threat.
  • Defense: The Panthers’ defense is anchored by lineman Doug Bethea, who tallied 11 sacks, and linebacker John Corker, with 84 tackles on the year. Michigan’s secondary, led by Clarence Davis (5 interceptions), will be crucial in slowing down Chicago’s aerial assault.

Chicago Blitz

  • Offense: Quarterback Greg Landry led the league with a 63% completion rate, amassing 3,534 passing yards and 26 touchdowns. Running back Tim Spencer is the Blitz’s offensive engine, rushing for 1,212 yards and 17 touchdowns while adding 589 receiving yards. The deep receiving corps, including wideout Jackie Willis (814 yards, 7 TDs), gives Landry plenty of weapons.
  • Defense: Chicago’s defense is highlighted by an aggressive front seven and a versatile secondary. Linebacker Tom Thayer and defensive back Cedric Anderson (3 interceptions) will play key roles in containing Michigan’s big-play potential.

Key Matchups

  • Hebert vs. Blitz Secondary: Hebert will need to exploit mismatches downfield, particularly with Carter and Derek Holloway, but must avoid Chicago’s opportunistic defensive backs.
  • Spencer vs. Michigan Run Defense: Containing Spencer will be a top priority for Michigan’s defense, as the star back has a knack for wearing down opposing defenses and breaking big plays.
  • Special Teams Battle: Field position could be pivotal. Michigan kicker Novo Bojovic has been reliable, hitting 69.2% of his field goals, while Chicago punter David Coral leads in pinning opponents deep.

X-Factors

  • Anthony Carter (Michigan): Carter’s ability to stretch the field and turn routine catches into game-changing plays could tip the scales in Michigan’s favor.
  • Tim Spencer (Chicago): Spencer’s versatility as a runner and receiver makes him a constant threat to swing the momentum.

Prediction

The combination of Chicago’s home-field advantage and balanced attack gives the Blitz a slight edge. However, Michigan’s explosive offense and Hebert’s playoff experience mean the Panthers won’t go down without a fight. Expect a close, high-scoring affair with the outcome possibly coming down to the final possession.

Projected Score: Chicago Blitz 31, Michigan Panthers 27

Football fans, buckle up—this one is destined to be a classic.

Playoff Preview

USFL Playoffs Round 1 (1985)

Leave a comment

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!

Playoff Preview

USFL Playoffs Round 1 (1985)

Denver Gold vs. Oakland Invaders: A First-Round Playoff Clash

Saturday, June 22, 1985, 5:00 PM ET
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA

The 1985 USFL playoffs are here, and the Denver Gold will travel to California to face the Oakland Invaders in a first-round showdown. Both teams have shown strengths throughout the season, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash on the west coast.

Denver Gold: Ground and Pound

The Denver Gold (10-6) enter the playoffs riding the powerful legs of Bill Johnson, who finished the regular season with 1,261 rushing yards and an impressive 15 touchdowns. Denver’s offense revolves around its ground game, averaging 5.6 yards per carry as a team. Behind Johnson, the complementary contributions of Todd Gerhart and quarterback Bob Gagliano’s mobility have kept defenses honest.

When the Gold go to the air, Gagliano’s favorite targets are Leonard Harris (1,432 receiving yards, 8 TDs) and Marc Lewis (1,207 receiving yards, 6 TDs). While Gagliano has struggled with interceptions (17 on the season), his deep-ball ability can create game-changing plays, as evidenced by his long of 69 yards.

Defensively, Denver boasts a fierce pass rush led by Pete Thornton (13 sacks) and Larry Turner (11 sacks). Their ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks will be crucial against Oakland’s high-flying offense.

Oakland Invaders: Balanced and Efficient

The Invaders (12-4) secured home-field advantage thanks to their balanced attack. Quarterbacks Fred Besana and Craig Sundberg have shared duties, combining for 1,234 passing yards and 10 touchdowns. Besana’s veteran leadership and Sundberg’s efficiency give Oakland versatility under center.

On the ground, John Williams leads the charge with 857 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns. His hard-nosed running complements an explosive receiving corps spearheaded by Gordon Banks (1,115 receiving yards, 5 TDs) and Reggie LaFrance (510 receiving yards, 4 TDs).

Oakland’s defense prides itself on limiting big plays, with a secondary led by David Greenwood and a disruptive pass rush featuring Terry Wright and Jeff Stover. Special teams are also a strength, as kicker Jess Atkinson has been nearly automatic, converting 85% of his field goals this season.

Keys to Victory

  • Denver Gold: Establish the run early with Bill Johnson to control the clock and keep Oakland’s offense off the field. Gagliano must minimize turnovers against a ball-hawking Invaders secondary.
  • Oakland Invaders: Protect the quarterback and exploit Denver’s secondary with their deep receiving corps. Stopping Denver’s rushing attack will be a priority for the Invaders’ front seven.

Prediction

This game pits Denver’s punishing rushing attack against Oakland’s balanced offense and opportunistic defense. If the Gold can dominate time of possession, they’ll have a chance to pull off the upset. However, Oakland’s home-field advantage and versatility may prove too much for Denver to overcome.

Prediction: Oakland Invaders 27, Denver Gold 20

Playoff Preview

USFL Playoffs Round 1 (1985)

Showboats Host Federals in Round 1 of 1985 USFL Playoffs

The USFL playoffs kick off this Saturday, June 22, 1985, with a high-stakes clash between the Memphis Showboats and the Washington Federals at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis. Scheduled for a 12:30 PM start, this matchup pits two distinct styles of play against each other, promising a compelling showdown.

Memphis Showboats: Explosive and Resilient

The Showboats enter the playoffs boasting one of the league’s most balanced offenses. Quarterback Walter Lewis has been a revelation, throwing for 1,593 yards and 16 touchdowns with a stellar 99.8 passer rating. His dual-threat capability is further underscored by 591 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground, making him a dynamic challenge for any defense.

Memphis thrives on big plays, with standout receivers Derek Crawford (70 receptions, 1,057 yards, 9 touchdowns) and Greg Moser (57 receptions, 1,145 yards, 6 touchdowns) providing explosive options downfield. Their running game is anchored by Tim Spencer, who has churned out 789 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground.

Defensively, Memphis is formidable. Rufus Brown leads the team with 12 sacks and 50 tackles, while the secondary, led by Marcus Bessilieu (7 interceptions, 1 touchdown), has been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. The Showboats’ ability to create turnovers and apply pressure will be critical against a turnover-prone Washington offense.

Washington Federals: Grit and Grind

The Federals clinched their playoff spot behind a strong finish, leaning heavily on running back Craig Bledsoe, who surpassed 1,000 yards rushing (1,080) and added 7 touchdowns. Quarterback Mike Hohensee has shown flashes of brilliance, with 2,766 passing yards and 17 touchdowns, though his 20 interceptions remain a concern.

Wide receiver Joey Walters has been the heart of Washington’s passing attack, hauling in 98 catches for 1,410 yards and 13 touchdowns. Walters’ knack for finding seams in coverage will be crucial if the Federals hope to keep pace with Memphis’ high-powered offense.

Defensively, the Federals rely on a pass rush spearheaded by Steve Hines (8 sacks) and a solid linebacker corps led by George Johnson. However, Washington’s secondary has struggled against deep-ball threats, which could spell trouble against Lewis and his big-play arsenal.

Keys to Victory

For Memphis:

  • Control the tempo: Establish Spencer on the ground and exploit Washington’s secondary with play-action.
  • Turn defense into offense: Capitalize on Hohensee’s penchant for turnovers to set up short fields.

For Washington:

  • Limit mistakes: Protect the ball at all costs to avoid giving Memphis easy scoring opportunities.
  • Ground and pound: Use Bledsoe to keep the ball out of Lewis’ hands and wear down Memphis’ front seven.

What to Watch

  • Special Teams Impact: Memphis’ Derek Crawford has been electric in the return game, averaging 23 yards per punt return with a touchdown. Can Washington’s coverage unit neutralize him?
  • Third-Down Efficiency: Both teams will need to sustain drives to stay in rhythm. Look for this battle to hinge on clutch third-down plays.

The Memphis faithful will pack the Liberty Bowl to cheer on their Showboats, but Washington has shown resilience on the road this season. With contrasting styles and playoff intensity, this game promises to deliver a memorable start to the postseason.

Prediction: The Showboats’ explosive playmakers and opportunistic defense give them the edge at home. Memphis 31, Washington 20.

Who will advance to the next round? Tune in Saturday for all the action!

Weekly Wrap Ups

1985 Week 18 Wrap Up

Week 18 of 1985 USFL season provided a thrilling conclusion to the regular season, with teams battling for playoff positioning and pride. Saturday’s slate kicked off with a nail-biter in Boston, where the Breakers edged out the Washington Federals 26-21. Boston relied on a balanced offensive attack and a late defensive stand to secure the victory. In Houston, the Gamblers delivered a dominant performance, blanking the Oklahoma Outlaws 23-0 behind another stellar showing from quarterback Jim Kelly. Meanwhile, the Oakland Invaders survived a fierce comeback attempt by the Las Vegas Ace, clinching a 31-28 victory on a last-second field goal to secure their playoff berth.

Sunday’s action featured standout performances and lopsided affairs. The Pittsburgh Maulers put on an offensive clinic, crushing the Jacksonville Bulls 58-10. Quarterback Brian Sipe orchestrated an aerial assault that overwhelmed the Bulls’ defense. In New Jersey, the Generals rode their formidable ground game to a 22-10 victory over the Philadelphia Stars, solidifying their dominance in the division. On the opposite coast, the San Antonio Gunslingers used a suffocating defense to stifle the Los Angeles Express, earning a 17-6 win to end their season on a high note. Elsewhere, the Chicago Blitz secured a convincing 35-16 victory over the Michigan Panthers, with linebacker Ed Smith continuing his defensive dominance.

The week also featured notable offensive fireworks. The Tampa Bay Bandits dismantled the New Orleans Brass 45-20, with Eric Truvil leading the charge with multiple touchdown receptions. Denver closed out their campaign with a commanding 28-6 victory over Arizona, showcasing their physical rushing attack. Finally, Birmingham defended their home turf with a 24-14 win over the Memphis Showboats, thanks to a relentless running game and timely defensive stops. As the playoffs loom, Week 18 served as a fitting crescendo to a season full of drama, grit, and unforgettable performances.

USFL Regular Season Stat Leaders (1985)

Results

Saturday

Washington Federals 21, Boston Breakers 26

Houston Gamblers 23, Oklahoma Outlaws 0

Oakland Invaders 31, Las Vegas Ace 28

Sunday

New Jersey Generals 22, Philadelphia Stars 10

Memphis Showboats 14, Birmingham Stallions 24

Jacksonville Bulls 10, Pittsburgh Maulers 58

Los Angeles Express 6, San Antonio Gunslingers 17

Michigan Panthers 16, Chicago Blitz 35

Tampa Bay Bandits 45, New Orleans Brass 20

Denver Gold 28, Arizona Wranglers 6

Standings

USFL First Round Playoff Matchups (1985)

Players of the Week

Offense: Brian Sipe nearly single handedly carried the Maulers into the playoffs in their 58-10 drubbing of Memphis. He went 21-32 for 261 yards and 6 touchdowns in a brutally efficient game.

Defense: Charles Armstead, CB, San Antonio Gunsligers. Armstead picked off Los Angeles quarterback Steve Young 3 times. He also added two tackles in a defensive performance that set the tone for the game.

Special Teams: Steve Jordan, K, Pittsburgh Maulers. Jordan was busy in the Maulers offensive performance, kicking 3-3 on field goals, including a long of 43 and 7-7 on extra points for an impressive 16 total points in the game.

Weekly Wrap Ups

1985 Week 17 Wrap Up

Week 17 Recap: Playoff Race Heats Up as Teams Push for Final Standings

USFL Week 17 Recap: Playoff Race Heats Up Heading into the Final Week

Week 17 in the 1985 USFL season delivered a mix of decisive victories and nail-biting finishes, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as the playoff picture came into sharper focus. The New Jersey Generals secured a pivotal 31-17 win over the Houston Gamblers on Saturday, with a stout defense stifling Jim Kelly and the Gamblers’ high-powered offense. Meanwhile, the Birmingham Stallions edged the Chicago Blitz 31-24, keeping their postseason hopes alive. Denver’s dominant 31-13 triumph over the San Antonio Gunslingers was highlighted by an all-around team effort that left no doubt about their superiority.

Sunday saw plenty of drama and meaningful implications for the final week. The Tampa Bay Bandits prevailed 34-28 over the Oakland Invaders in a thrilling offensive showcase, while the Memphis Showboats kept their momentum rolling with a 38-28 win over the Pittsburgh Maulers, courtesy of their balanced attack. Jacksonville’s defense shone in a 16-3 victory over the Philadelphia Stars, keeping the Bulls in the playoff hunt. Michigan delivered a statement 35-13 victory over Arizona, showcasing their dominance as they steamroll into Week 18. In a battle of pride, the Oklahoma Outlaws edged the New Orleans Brass 20-17, and Las Vegas pulled off a heart-stopping 21-20 win over Boston.

The Washington Federals capped the week with a surprising 21-17 victory over the Los Angeles Express, showing resilience in a hard-fought contest. As the league barrels toward Week 18, several teams find themselves in do-or-die situations, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the regular season. With playoff spots on the line, the final week promises to deliver more unforgettable action in this gripping USFL saga.

USFL Stat Leaders after Week 17 (1985)

Games

Saturday

Houston Gamblers 17, New Jersey Generals 31

Chicago Blitz 24, Birmingham Stallions 31

Denver Gold 31, San Antonio Gunslingers 13

Sunday

Oakland Invaders 28, Tampa Bay Bandits 34

Memphis Showboats 38, Pittsburgh Maulers 28

Philadelphia Stars 3, Jacksonville Bulls 16

Arizona Wranglers 13, Michigan Panthers 35

New Orleans Brass 17, Oklahoma Outlaws 20

Boston Breakers 20, Las Vegas Ace 21

Los Angeles Express 17, Washington Federals 21

Standings

USFL Playoff Picture After Week 17

Players of the Week

Offense: Herschel Walker had another one of his games for the ages, catching 7 passes for 190 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also rushed 32 times for 186 yards and another two touchdowns. The win helped keep the Generals alive for the division lead.

Defense: Ken Graeber, DT, Denver Gold. Graeber recorded 10 tackles, a forced fumble, and 3 sacks to help the Gold win and remain only a half ggame back of Oakland and Michigan in the race for the final wild card spots.

Special Teams: Bob Harris, KR, Birmingham Stallions. Harris returned 3 kicks for 113 yards, including a 90 yard touchdown that proved to be the difference in the game.

Weekly Wrap Ups

1985 Week 16 Wrap Up

Week 16 Recap: Playoff Picture Tightens as USFL Season Nears Conclusion

With just two weeks left in the 1985 USFL season, Week 16 delivered thrilling finishes and critical results in the playoff race. The Houston Gamblers solidified their reputation as the league’s most electrifying team, outlasting the Arizona Wranglers in a 43-38 shootout. Jim Kelly was once again unstoppable, throwing for 385 yards and five touchdowns to lead Houston to its league-best 14th win. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Outlaws stunned the Oakland Invaders 13-9 in a defensive masterpiece, keeping their postseason hopes alive and derailing Oakland’s playoff aspirations.

On Saturday, the Michigan Panthers demolished the Washington Federals 56-27 behind an offensive explosion from Bobby Hebert and John Williams, combining for six total touchdowns. The Philadelphia Stars also shined, rolling past the Tampa Bay Bandits 33-10 thanks to a dominant defensive effort that held Tampa Bay scoreless in the second half. Sunday’s slate was equally intense, with the New Orleans Brass eking out a 21-19 win over the Los Angeles Express, marking their fourth straight victory and strengthening their grip on a playoff berth. In contrast, the Birmingham Stallions’ clutch 20-17 win over the Chicago Blitz came courtesy of a late touchdown drive orchestrated by Cliff Stoudt, keeping Birmingham firmly in the postseason conversation.

Other games saw the Boston Breakers reignite their offense in a 42-30 victory over the Las Vegas Ace, with Marcus Dupree accounting for three touchdowns in a breakout performance. The Denver Gold edged the Jacksonville Bulls 27-24 on a last-second field goal by Ralf Mojsiejenko, while the New Jersey Generals stayed steady with a 21-10 win over the San Antonio Gunslingers, powered by Herschel Walker’s 127 rushing yards. Lastly, the Memphis Showboats continued their ascent with a 52-31 dismantling of the Pittsburgh Maulers, led by Greg Boone’s three-touchdown outburst. As Week 17 looms, the stakes couldn’t be higher for teams jockeying for playoff positioning in a competitive USFL season.

USFL Stat Leaders After Week 16 (1985)

Results

Saturday

Tampa Bay Bandits 10, Philadelphia Stars 33

Washington Federals 27, Michigan Panthers 56

Houston Gamblers 43, Arizona Wranglers 38

Sunday

Birmingham Stallions 20, Chicago Blitz 17

Denver Gold 27, Jacksonville Bulls 24

San Antonio Gunslingers 10, New Jersey Generals 21

Pittsburgh Maulers 31, Memphis Showboats 52

Los Angeles Express 19, New Orleans Brass 21

Oklahoma Outlaws 13, Oakland Invaders 9

Boston Breakers 42, Las Vegas Ace 30

Standings

USFL Playoff Picture After Week 16 (1985)

Players of the Week

Offense: Bobby Hebert, QB, Michigan Panthers. Hebert put on a show against the Federals. He completed 21 of 27 passes for 433 yards and 7 touchdowns. The performance helped to keep Michigan in the running for a higher playoff seed.

Defense: Pat Brackett, DT, New Jersey Generals. Brackett sacked the quarterback 3 times, caused a fumble, and recorded 4 tackles. His performance helped the Generals stay alive for the division title in the Atlantic division.

Special Teams: Lonnie Harris, KR, Arizona Wranglers. Harris returned 6 kicks for 216 yards, including an electrifying 94 yard touchdown to answer the Gamblers and keep the Wranglers in the game.

Weekly Wrap Ups

1985 Week 15 Wrap Up

Leave a comment

Week 15 Recap: High-Scoring Showdowns and Tight Finishes Define USFL Action

Week 15 of the 1985 USFL season delivered a mix of dominant performances and nail-biting finishes as teams fought for playoff positioning. The Washington Federals made a statement with a 44-27 victory over the Philadelphia Stars on Saturday, fueled by an explosive offense and a defense that stymied Philadelphia’s attempts to mount a comeback. Meanwhile, the Michigan Panthers showcased a balanced attack in their 27-10 win over the Oklahoma Outlaws, solidifying their reputation as one of the league’s most disciplined squads. The Chicago Blitz capped Saturday’s action with a commanding 37-10 rout of the Las Vegas Ace, leveraging a relentless defensive effort that kept Las Vegas off the scoreboard for most of the game.

Sunday featured an array of intriguing contests, including the Pittsburgh Maulers’ thrilling 28-21 win over the New Jersey Generals. The Maulers executed a clutch drive in the final minutes to secure the victory and keep their postseason hopes alive. In Tampa Bay, the Bandits rolled past the Jacksonville Bulls 38-7, with their dynamic offense firing on all cylinders. Houston’s Jim Kelly added another standout performance to his MVP campaign, guiding the Gamblers to a 30-13 triumph over the San Antonio Gunslingers. Elsewhere, the New Orleans Brass edged the Memphis Showboats 34-26 in a back-and-forth affair that highlighted the Brass’s explosive playmaking ability.

The day also saw some heart-stopping finishes in the West. The Denver Gold dismantled the Los Angeles Express 38-21 behind a powerful rushing attack and a suffocating defense. The Arizona Wranglers narrowly escaped with a 16-15 victory over the Oakland Invaders, holding their opponents scoreless in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Finally, the Birmingham Stallions continued their dominance, defeating the Boston Breakers 35-21 in a game where they leaned on their ground game and opportunistic defense. As the season winds down, Week 15 further intensified the race for playoff positioning, setting up a dramatic finish to the 1985 campaign.

USFL Stat Leaders After Week 16 (1985)

Games

Saturday

Washington Federals 44, Philadelphia Stars 27

Michigan Panthers 27, Oklahoma Outlaws 10

Chicago Blitz 37, Las Vegas Ace 10

Sunday

Pittsburgh Maulers 28, New Jersey Generals 21

Jacksonville Bulls 7, Tampa Bay Bandits 38

San Antonio Gunslingers 13, Houston Gamblers 30

Memphis Showboats 26, New Orleans Brass 34

Los Angeles Express 21, Denver Gold 38

Oakland Invaders 15, Arizona Wranglers 16

Boston Breakers 21, Birmingham Stallions 35

Standings

Players of the Week

Offense: Reggie Collier, QB, Washington Federals. Collier lit up the Stars defense for 5 passing touchdowns en route to a 44-27 victory for the Federals. The win puts them half a game ahead of New Jersey for the division lead.

Defense: John Lee, DL, Chicago Blitz. The Blitz defense terrorized Las Vegas all day on Sunday. Among the players, John Lee intercepted a pass, sacked the QB, made 3 tackles, and forced a fumble.

Special Teams: Stan Talley, P, Oakland Invaders. Talley helped keep the game close with his kicking game. He punted 6 times for 297 yards, a 49.5 average and a long punt of 53 yards.

Weekly Wrap Ups

1985 Week 14 Wrap Up

Here’s a 3-paragraph recap style article for Week 14 of your USFL replay league:

Week 14 of the USFL Replay League saw a mixed bag of results, with some teams solidifying their playoff positions while others faced crucial setbacks. The Birmingham Stallions continued their dominant run with a convincing victory over the Tampa Bay Bandits, further cementing their place atop the standings. The Boston Breakers pulled off an impressive upset against the New Jersey Generals, while the Denver Gold secured a crucial win over the Las Vegas Aces in a tightly contested matchup.

Several teams experienced contrasting fortunes. The Houston Gamblers showcased their offensive firepower with a resounding win over the Chicago Blitz, while the Arizona Wranglers held off a late charge from the Los Angeles Express to secure a valuable victory. The Philadelphia Stars edged out the Pittsburgh Maulers in a closely contested affair, while the Memphis Showboats narrowly defeated the Washington Federals. In other action, the Jacksonville Bulls outlasted the New Orleans Brass in a high-scoring encounter, and the Oakland Invaders narrowly defeated the Michigan Panthers in a thrilling matchup.

Week 14 provided plenty of excitement and drama, with several teams vying for playoff spots. The final week of the regular season promises to be even more intense as teams battle for seeding and a chance to compete for the USFL Replay League championship. The upcoming matchups will undoubtedly have significant implications for the playoff picture, and fans can expect another thrilling week of USFL action.

USFL Stat Leaders After Week 14 (1985)

Games

Saturday

Houston Gamblers 45, Chicago Blitz 20

Los Angeles Express 14, Arizona Wranglers 20

Pittsburgh Maulers 24, Philadelphia Stars 27

Sunday

Tampa Bay Bandits 7, Birmingham Stallions 20

Memphis Showboats 22, Washington Federals 13

New Jersey Generals 23, Boston Breakers 30

Oakland Invaders 31, Michigan Panthers 28

Jacksonville Bulls 35, New Orleans Brass 28

Denver Gold 20, Las Vegas Ace 7

San Antonio Gunslingers 19, Oklahoma Outlaws 7

Standings

Players of the Week

Offense: Todd Fowler, RB, Houston Gamblers. Fowler ran all over the Chicago defense for 174 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also caught 3 passes for 36 yards. The win put the Gamblers 1 game ahead in the division with 4 to play.

Defense: David Martin, CB, Arizona Wranglers. Martin intercepted two passes, returning the first for a touchdown to open the scoring in the Arizona Wranglers win over the Express. The win kept them in first place in the Pacific division.

Special Teams: Eric Robinson, KR, Washington Federals. Robinson won the award for the fourth time in his career, returning 7 kicks for 212 yards for a 30.3 yard average.

Weekly Wrap Ups

1985 Week 13 Wrap Up

Week 13 of the 1985 USFL season delivered drama, standout performances, and crucial victories as the playoff picture continued to take shape. Saturday’s slate set the tone with decisive wins across the board. The Jacksonville Bulls dominated the Memphis Showboats in a 27-7 affair, capitalizing on a stifling defense. Meanwhile, the Chicago Blitz cruised past the Oklahoma Outlaws, 36-13, thanks to their explosive offense and a standout day from quarterback Vince Evans. The Birmingham Stallions secured a critical road win over the New Orleans Brass, pulling away late for a 27-13 victory behind their relentless rushing attack.

Sunday’s action was nothing short of spectacular, starting with a nail-biter in Philadelphia where the Boston Breakers edged the Stars 32-28 in a game highlighted by multiple lead changes and a late-game heroics from quarterback Johnny Walton. The Michigan Panthers dismantled the San Antonio Gunslingers 32-14, reasserting their dominance behind the stellar play of Anthony Carter. The Tampa Bay Bandits pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the red-hot Houston Gamblers 27-24, with their defense stepping up to stifle Jim Kelly’s high-powered passing attack. The Arizona Wranglers eked out a 9-6 victory over the Las Vegas Ace in a defensive slugfest, while the New Jersey Generals’ Doug Flutie orchestrated a thrilling 31-28 comeback win against the Denver Gold.

The week closed with fireworks as the Oakland Invaders obliterated the Los Angeles Express 57-28, showcasing one of the season’s most dominant offensive displays. Lastly, the Washington Federals outlasted the Pittsburgh Maulers 30-27 in an overtime thriller, a testament to the league’s parity and unpredictability. With Week 14 on the horizon, teams are gearing up for the final stretch of the season, where every play could define postseason destinies.

USFL Stat Leaders After Week 13 (1985)

Games

Saturday

Memphis Showboats 7, Jacksonville Bulls 27

Chicago Blitz 36, Oklahoma Outlaws 13

Birmingham Stallions 27, New Orleans Brass 13

Sunday

Boston Breakers 32, Philadelphia Stars 28

Michigan Panthers 32, San Antonio Gunslingers 14

Tampa Bay Bandits 27, Houston Gamblers 24

Las Vegas Ace 6, Arizona Wranglers 9

New Jersey Generals 31, Denver Gold 28

Oakland Invaders 57, Los Angeles Express 28

Washington Federals 30, Pittsburgh Maulers 27

Standings

Players of the Week

Offense: Craig Sundberg, QB, Oakland Invaders. Sundberg came up big for the Invaders in their rivalry game against Los Angeles. He threw for 385 yards on 27-37 passing with 4 touchdowns. He also added a touchdown on the ground to help rout the cross state Express.

Defense: John Nevens, LB, Denvef Gold. Nevens played well in spite of the Gold loss to the Generals. He made 15 tackles, forced a fumble, and intercepted Generals QB Doug Flutie once.

Special Teams: Greg Cater and Case DeBruijn, P, Las Vegas Ace and Arizona Wranglers. In a game with only 15 points, both punters put on a show in Arizona on Sunday afternoon. DeBruijn punted 11 times for 490 yards (a 44.5 average). Not to be outdone, Cater punted 13 times for 641 yards (49.3 average) and an astounding 83 yard long.