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Weekly Wrap Ups

1985 Week 12 Wrap Up

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Week 12 Recap: Excitement and Standout Performances Across the League

Week 12 of the USFL replay league delivered high-octane action, thrilling comebacks, and standout individual performances. Saturday’s games set the tone with a high-scoring clash in Jacksonville, where the Bulls surged past the Birmingham Stallions, 43-27, behind an explosive offensive showing. The Houston Gamblers squeaked past the Michigan Panthers, 30-27, in a nail-biter, continuing their charge toward the playoffs. Meanwhile, Las Vegas and Los Angeles ended their matchup in a 21-21 stalemate, the first tie of the season, leaving fans debating the merits of overtime rules.

Sunday brought a mix of upsets and dominant displays. The Washington Federals shocked the New Jersey Generals, pulling off a 20-17 victory thanks to a clutch defensive stand late in the game. The Tampa Bay Bandits stayed hot with a 27-16 triumph over the Memphis Showboats, while the Chicago Blitz leaned on linebacker Ed Smith’s heroic efforts to top the San Antonio Gunslingers, 23-13. In other action, the Oklahoma Outlaws overcame the New Orleans Brass, 34-23, and the Oakland Invaders outgunned the Denver Gold in a 45-35 shootout.

Arizona continued its resurgence, defeating the Philadelphia Stars 27-17, and Pittsburgh handled the Boston Breakers 23-14. The league’s top players shone brightly in Week 12, including Mike Rozier’s dominant 204-yard rushing performance, Ed Smith’s game-changing defensive showcase, and Jerry Parrish’s electrifying contributions on special teams. With only a few weeks left in the regular season, the race for the playoffs is heating up, and Week 13 promises even more drama.

USFL Stat Leaders After Week 12 (1985)

Games

Saturday

Birmingham Stallions 27, Jacksonville Bulls 43

Michigan Panthers 27, Houston Gamblers 30

lLas Vegas Ace 21, Los Angeles Express 21

Sunday

Washington Federals 20, New Jersey Generals 17

Memphis Showboats 16, Tampa Bay Bandits 27

Chicago Blitz 23, San Antonio Gunslingers 13

New Orleans Brass 23, Oklahoma Outlaws 34

Oakland Invaders 45, Denver Gold 35

Philadelphia Stars 17, Arizona Wranglers 27

Boston Breakers 14, Pittsburgh Maulers 23

Standings

Players of the Week

Offense: Mike Rozier, RB, Pittsburgh Maulers. Mike Rozier was unstoppable in Week 12, earning Offensive Player of the Week honors with an impressive 204 rushing yards on 32 carries. His dominant ground game vaulted him into second place in the league’s rushing race. Rozier also showcased his versatility, adding 30 receiving yards on three catches.

Defense: Ed Smith, LB, Chicago Blitz. Ed Smith, linebacker for the Chicago Blitz, earned Defensive Player of the Week honors for Week 12 with an all-around dominant performance. Smith was a force on the field, amassing 9 tackles, 2 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble, anchoring his team’s defensive efforts.

Special Teams: Jerry Parrish, PR, New Orleans Brass. Jerry Parrish of the New Orleans Brass claimed Special Teams Player of the Week honors for Week 12 with an impressive performance in the return game. Parrish totaled 144 yards on 7 returns, consistently providing his team with excellent field position and showcasing his playmaking ability on special teams.

Weekly Wrap Ups

1985 Week 11 Wrap Up

Week 11 of the fictional 1985 USFL replay league brought thrilling action and key victories across the board. On Saturday, the Michigan Panthers snapped a two-game losing streak with a gritty 19-13 win over the San Antonio Gunslingers, thanks to a late defensive stand. Meanwhile, the Chicago Blitz continued their dominance with a 31-17 victory over the Oklahoma Outlaws, controlling the pace of the game with a balanced offense and strong defensive pressure.

Sunday’s games kicked off with a nail-biter in Pittsburgh, where the Maulers narrowly edged out the Washington Federals 26-20 in overtime. Pittsburgh’s defense came up big, forcing a fumble in extra time to set up the game-winning score. In a stark contrast, the Birmingham Stallions demolished the New Orleans Brass 59-7, marking one of the most lopsided victories of the season. Birmingham’s offense fired on all cylinders, led by a five-touchdown day from quarterback Cliff Stoudt, while their defense kept New Orleans scoreless until a late-game touchdown.

Elsewhere, the Houston Gamblers dominated the New Jersey Generals 28-7 behind Jim Kelly’s precise passing and relentless defense. The Tampa Bay Bandits eked out a 24-21 win over the Denver Gold in a hard-fought battle that came down to a late field goal. The Memphis Showboats’ defense shone in a 20-3 victory over the Jacksonville Bulls, while the Oakland Invaders secured a 27-17 win over the Los Angeles Express. Finally, the Arizona Wranglers recorded their first shutout of the season, crushing the Las Vegas Ace 31-0, while the Philadelphia Stars took down the Boston Breakers 27-17 in a key divisional clash.

USFL Stat Leaders After Week 11 (1985)

Games

Saturday

San Antonio Gunslingers 13, Michigan Panthers 19

Oklahoma Outlaws 17, Chicago Blitz 31

Sunday

Pittsburgh Maulers 26, Washington Federals 20

New Orleans Brass 7, Birmingham Stallions 59

Denver Gold 21, Tampa Bay Bandits 24

Houston Gamblers 28, New Jersey Generals 7

Jacksonville Bulls 3, Memphis Showboats 20

Los Angeles Express 17, Oakland Invaders 27

Arizona Wranglers 31, Las Vegas Ace 0

Philadelphia Stars 27, Boston Breakers 17

Standings

Players of the Week

Offense: Tim Spencer, RB, Chicago Blitz. Spencer ran for 221 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also caught 5 passes for 49 yards, providing the Blitz with all the offense they needed to defeat the Outlaws and keep pace with division leading Houston.

Defense: Will Lewis, DB, Houston Gamblers. Lewis picked off Doug Flutie twice, returning both for touchdowns. Usually known for their offense, the Gamblers rode those two interceptions and just enough from their offense to maintain their league leading record.

Special Teams: Punters in San Antonio/Michigan. In a game dominated by the defenses, the two punters Nick Mike-Mayers and Skip Johnston carried the load. They combined for 18 punts (9 each) for 354 and 371 yards respectively. Those performances helped the defenses keep the scores low and game close.

Weekly Wrap Ups

1985 Week 10 Wrap Up

Week 10 in the 1985 USFL replay league kicked off with a commanding performance by the Michigan Panthers, who overwhelmed the Boston Breakers 37-20. The Panthers’ efficient offense set the tone early, while their defense held the Breakers in check. Oklahoma also impressed with a solid 34-14 victory over Pittsburgh, dominating on both sides of the ball. Las Vegas came out on top in a low-scoring battle against New Orleans, edging out a 21-14 win as both defenses showed grit.

Sunday’s action saw the Birmingham Stallions continue their strong season with a 28-16 victory over Washington, controlling the pace from start to finish. Arizona took down San Antonio 22-3, leaning on a suffocating defense that shut down the Gunslingers’ offense. In the highest-scoring game of the week, the Philadelphia Stars fell just short against Jim Kelly and the Houston Gamblers in a 43-34 shootout, with Kelly once again putting on a clinic through the air.

In other notable matchups, the New Jersey Generals squeezed out a 21-18 win over Memphis in a tightly contested game, while Chicago fended off Los Angeles for a 27-20 victory. Jacksonville cruised to a 26-7 win over Denver, capitalizing on a complete team effort. Finally, Tampa Bay fell short in a 28-25 thriller against Oakland, as the Invaders held on in the closing moments to secure a hard-fought win.

USFL Stat Leaders After Week 10 (1985)

Games

Saturday

Michigan Panthers 37, Boston Breakers 20

Oklahoma Outlaws 34, Pittsburgh Maulers 14

Las Vegas Ace 21, New Orleans Brass 14

Sunday

Birmingham Stallions 28, Washington Federals 16

Arizona Wranglers 22, San Antonio Gunslingers 3

Philadelphia Stars 34, Houston Gamblers 43

New Jersey Generals 21, Memphis Showboats 18

Los Angeles Express 20, Chicago Blitz 27

Jacksonville Bulls 26, Denver Blitz 7

Tampa Bay 25 Bandits, Oakland Invaders 28

Standings

Players of the Week

Offense: Sam Harrell, RB, Houston Gamblers. Harrell took most of the workload for the prolific Houston offense this week, running the ball 12 times for 84 yards (a 7.0 ypc average) and 4 touchdowns. He was instrumental in the Gamblers win over the Stars.

Defense: David Martin, CB, Arizona Wranglers. Martin was a one man wrecking crew against the Gunslingers. In addition to 4 tackles, he also forced a fumble and intercepted two passes to help the Wranglers defeat San Antonio.

Special Teams: Zenon Andrushyshyn, K/P, Tampa Bay Bandits. The Tampa kicker did it all. He made all of his kicks (1 field goal and 2 extra points) while punting the ball 5 times for 201 yards (a 40.2 average). In spite of this, the Invaders edged his team 28-25 in a close game.

Weekly Wrap Ups

1985 Week 9 Wrap Up

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In Week 9, Saturday’s action featured a tight contest between the Philadelphia Stars and San Antonio Gunslingers. The Stars held on for a narrow 28-26 victory, with Chuck Fusina leading a balanced offensive attack. San Antonio’s Rick Neuheisel mounted a late comeback, but a missed two-point conversion left them just short. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Bandits secured a 28-20 win over the Los Angeles Express, thanks to big plays from John Reaves and receiver Eric Truvil. The Denver Gold, behind a relentless rushing attack, surged past the Boston Breakers 36-20 to cap off Saturday’s games.

Sunday’s matchups saw a dominant performance from the Jacksonville Bulls, who overwhelmed the Oklahoma Outlaws 59-13. Jacksonville’s offense exploded, while the Outlaws struggled to find any rhythm. In a closer game, the New Jersey Generals edged the Michigan Panthers 32-28, with Herschel Walker and Doug Flutie delivering key plays in the Generals’ victory. The Oakland Invaders lost a heartbreaker to the Birmingham Stallions, 28-25, as the Stallions rallied late to secure the win. The Washington Federals also earned a thrilling 42-37 win over the Memphis Showboats, thanks to a clutch final drive.

Elsewhere, the Houston Gamblers continued their high-powered offensive show with a 49-24 victory over the Las Vegas Ace, led by another stellar performance from Jim Kelly. The Chicago Blitz took down the Pittsburgh Maulers 31-21, using a strong defensive effort in the second half to stifle Pittsburgh’s attack. In the final game, the Arizona Wranglers dominated the New Orleans Brass 24-3, with their defense smothering the Brass’ offense all game long.

Games

Saturday

San Antonio Gunslingers 26, Philadelphia Stars 28

Los Angeles Express 20, Tampa Bay Bandits 28

Denver Gold 36, Boston Breakers 20

Sunday

Oklahoma Outlaws 13, Jacksonville Bulls 59

Michigan Panthers 28, New Jersey Generals 32

Oakland Invaders 25, Birmingham Stallions 28

Washington Federals 42, Memphis Showboats 37

Las Vegas Ace 24, Houston Gamblers 49

Pittsburgh Maulers 21, Chicago Blitz 31

Arizona Wranglers 24, New Orleans Brass 3

Standings

Players of the Week

Offense: Joey Walters, WR, Washington Federals. In a week of great receiving lines (Dwayne Dixon 10-149, 3TD, Bill Johnson who recorded over 100 yards rushing and receiving, and Derek Holloway 5-151, 2 TD), Joey Walters trumped them both with 11 catches for a game record 257 yards and 3 touchdowns in the Federals’ crazy 42-37 win over Memphis.

Defense: Don Thorp, DE, Tampa Bay Bandits. Thorp terrorized Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon. He sacked the quarterback 3 times, forced a fumble, and recorded 7 other tackles on the day to earn defensive player of the week.

Special Teams: Greg Taylor, KR, Washington Federals. Taylor returned 3 kicks for 118 yards and a 39.3 yard average. Moreover, he returned the opening kickoff of the second half 90 yards for a touchdown and set the tone for a wild second half of football in the game.

Weekly Wrap Ups

1985 Week 8 Wrap Up

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Week 8 of the USFL season kicked off on Saturday with three notable matchups. The Washington Federals secured a 26-12 victory over the Michigan Panthers, as their defense kept Michigan’s offense in check throughout the game. Meanwhile, the Birmingham Stallions held off the Philadelphia Stars in a thrilling 28-24 contest, with Cliff Stoudt leading the way with 247 passing yards and a touchdown. In a defensive showdown, the New Orleans Brass shut out the Denver Gold 15-0, despite Denver linebacker Mark Daum recording a single-game record of 17 tackles.

Sunday’s action saw the Tampa Bay Bandits cruise to a 41-16 win over the Boston Breakers, with standout performances from Eric Truvil and kicker Zenon Andryshyshyn, who contributed 11 points. The New Jersey Generals also continued their strong form, defeating the Chicago Blitz 19-7 behind a balanced offensive attack. In Oklahoma, the Outlaws pulled off a solid 24-12 victory over the Oakland Invaders, taking control in the second half with key plays on both sides of the ball.

The Memphis Showboats delivered one of the week’s biggest surprises by dismantling the Houston Gamblers 31-13, ending Houston’s hot streak. The Arizona Wranglers edged the Jacksonville Bulls 17-10 in a tightly contested affair, while the Pittsburgh Maulers secured a 26-10 win over the Las Vegas Ace thanks to a strong all-around team performance. Finally, the Los Angeles Express defeated the San Antonio Gunslingers 28-14, capping off a week filled with hard-fought games and standout individual performances.

Games

Saturday

Michigan Panthers 12, Washington Federals 26

Philadelphia Stars 24, Birmingham Stallions 28

Denver Gold 0, New Orleans 15

Sunday

Boston Breakers 16, Tampa Bay Bandits 41

Chicago Blitz 7, New Jersey Generals 19

Oakland Invaders 12, Oklahoma Outlaws 24

Memphis Showboats 31, Houston Gamblers 13

Jacksonville Bulls 10, Arizona Wranglers 17

Pittsburgh Maulers 26, Las Vegas Ace 10

San Antonio Gunslingers 14, Los Angeles Express 28

Standings

Players of the Week

Offense: Cliff Stoudt, QB, Birmingham Stallions. Cliff Stoudt had a stellar performance in his team’s 28-24 victory over the Philadelphia Stars, earning him Offensive Player of the Week honors for Week 8. Stoudt completed 17 of 26 passes for 247 yards and threw four touchdown passes, finishing with an impressive 119.7 passer rating. His leadership and accuracy were key in securing the close win, including a late drive that solidified his team’s triumph.

Defense: Mark Daum, LB, Denver Gold. Mark Daum, the Denver Gold linebacker, delivered an impressive performance in his team’s 15-0 loss to the New Orleans Brass. He set a single-game record with 17 tackles and also forced a fumble, showcasing his relentless presence on defense despite Denver’s struggles on offense. His performance was a standout in an otherwise difficult game for the Gold.

Special Teams: Zenon Andrushyshyn, K, Tampa Bay Bandits. Zenon Andryshyshyn repeated as Special Teams Player of the Week with a flawless performance in Tampa Bay’s 41-16 win over the Boston Breakers. He went 2-for-2 on field goals, including a long of 47 yards, and nailed all five of his extra point attempts, contributing 11 points to his team’s dominant showing.

Weekly Wrap Ups

1985 Week 7 Wrap Up

Week 7 featured a weekend packed with action, with several games showcasing dominant offensive performances. On Saturday, the Chicago Blitz steamrolled the Boston Breakers 49-14, with their offense firing on all cylinders. The Tampa Bay Bandits also had a strong showing, defeating the Las Vegas Ace 41-21, highlighted by Eric Truvil’s spectacular receiving display. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Brass edged out the Oakland Invaders in a thrilling 21-20 contest, pulling off a narrow victory in a game that came down to the wire.

Sunday’s matchups brought more drama and close finishes. The Jacksonville Bulls eked out a 17-14 win over the Philadelphia Stars, relying on their defense to hold strong in the closing moments. Pittsburgh delivered a major upset, as the Maulers beat the Birmingham Stallions 21-19, snapping Birmingham’s momentum. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Generals dominated the Oklahoma Outlaws 49-22, thanks to a potent offense led by Herschel Walker and Doug Flutie.

Other games saw high-scoring affairs, with the Houston Gamblers outlasting the Memphis Showboats 44-38 in a thrilling shootout, while Denver Gold narrowly beat the San Antonio Gunslingers 38-33. Washington Federals clinched a 21-16 victory over the Arizona Wranglers, and the Michigan Panthers secured a convincing 30-13 win over the Los Angeles Express, rounding out a week of exciting matchups across the league.

USFL Stat Leaders After Week 7 (1985)

Games

Saturday

Chicago Blitz 49, Boston Breakers 14

Tampa Bay Bandits 41, Las Vegas Ace 21

New Orleans Brass 21, Oakland Invaders 20

Sunday

Jacksonville Bulls 17, Philadelphia Stars 14

Birmingham Stallions 19, Pittsburgh Maulers 21

New Jersey Generals 49, Oklahoma Outlaws 22

Houston Gamblers 44, Memphis Showboats 38

San Antonio Gunslingers 33, Denver Gold 38

Washington Federals 21, Arizona Wranglers 16

Michigan Panthers 30, Los Angeles Express 13

Standings

Players of the Week

Offense: Eric Truvillion, WR, Tampa Bay Bandits. In a dominant performance, Truvillion hauled in 9 receptions on 13 targets for 191 yards, averaging 21.2 yards per catch. He was instrumental in securing 9 first downs and 3 touchdowns, including a 41-yard score, leading the Tampa Bay Bandits to a 41-21 victory over the Las Vegas Ace.

Defense: Frank Minnifield, DB, Chicago Blitz. Minnifield delivered a stellar defensive performance with 3 tackles and 2 interceptions, returning them for 58 yards, including a touchdown that solidified his impact on the win over the Breakers.

Special Teams: Zenon Andrushyshyn, K/P, Tampa Bay Bandits. Andrushyshyn pulled double duty as kicker and punter in Tampa Bay’s win over the Las Vegas Ace. He kicked 2 field goals and 5 extra points wihtout a miss for 11 points on the day. He also punted 5 times for an average of 43.2 yards to help win the field position game.

Weekly Wrap Ups

1985 Week 6 Wrap Up

This week’s USFL action was packed with dramatic games and high-scoring affairs. The weekend kicked off with the New Jersey Generals securing a 24-18 victory over the Philadelphia Stars, thanks to a strong defensive effort. Meanwhile, Memphis dominated the Birmingham Stallions with a 28-14 win, showcasing a balanced offense. San Antonio outgunned Los Angeles in a thrilling 41-31 contest, where both teams traded big plays, but the Gunslingers pulled away late.

Sunday’s matchups brought more intensity, with the Boston Breakers edging out the Washington Federals 13-10 in a defensive battle, while the Tampa Bay Bandits crushed the New Orleans Brass 42-14, maintaining their dominance. In a high-scoring shootout, Jacksonville topped Pittsburgh 45-35, fueled by an explosive offensive display. Houston’s Jim Kelly led the Gamblers to a 56-35 victory over Oklahoma, throwing for five touchdowns as part of a stellar performance.

Elsewhere, the Chicago Blitz secured a 21-14 win over Michigan, and Arizona snatched a one-point victory over Denver, 24-23, in a nail-biting finish. Oakland’s offense was unstoppable in a 61-13 rout of Las Vegas, with Fred Besana’s five touchdown passes leading the charge. This week highlighted dynamic offenses and critical wins as teams fight to gain ground in the standings.

USFL Stat Leaders After Week 6 (1985)

Games

Saturday

Philadelphia Stars 18, New Jersey Generals 24

Birmingham Stallions 14, Memphis Showboats 28

San Antonio Gunslingers 41, Los Angeles Express 31

Sunday

Boston Breakers 13, Washington Federals 10

New Orleans Brass 14, Tampa Bay 42

Pittsburgh Maulers 35, Jacksonville Bulls 45

Oklahoma Outlaws35, Houston Gamblers 56

Chicago Blitz 21, Michigan Panthers 14

Arizona Wranglers 24, Denver Gold 23

Las Vegas Ace 13, Oakland Invaders 61

Standings

Players of the Week

Offense: 3 QBs shared (Brian Sipe from Pittsburgh, Jim Kelly from Houston, and Fred Besana from Oakland). In an extraordinary display of quarterback excellence, Brian Sipe of Pittsburgh, Jim Kelly of Houston, and Fred Besana of Oakland each threw for five touchdowns, earning them a shared Offensive Player of the Week honor for Week 6 in the 1985 USFL replay league. This rare triple-recognition highlights the remarkable talent in the league, with each quarterback not only putting up numbers but leading their teams with poise and confidence. Their shared achievement speaks to a week filled with electrifying offense and impressive quarterbacking.

Defense: Derek Batiste, Jacksonville Bulls. Batiste earned Defensive Player of the Week honors with a stellar performance, recording 7 tackles, 2 pass deflections, and a crucial interception returned for a 29-yard touchdown. His defensive prowess was instrumental in his team’s success, making a huge impact on both ends of the field. This standout performance solidifies his role as a key playmaker.

Special Teams: Ralph Giacomarro, the punter for Las Vegas, earned Special Teams Player of the Week honors thanks to his outstanding punting performance. He punted 8 times for 348 yards, averaging an impressive 43.5 yards per punt. He pinned 3 punts inside the 20-yard line and boomed a long of 49 yards, giving his team crucial field position throughout the game. Despite missing a field goal and only getting two chances to kick an extra point, his consistent punting was pivotal, making him the clear choice for the week’s top special teams player.

Weekly Wrap Ups

1985 Week 5 Wrap Up

USFL Week 5 Recap: Blowouts, Shutouts, and a Rare Tie Highlight the Weekend Action

Week 5 of the 1985 USFL season was marked by dominant performances, surprising upsets, and even a rare tie as teams across the league battled for early-season supremacy. On Saturday, the Michigan Panthers delivered a statement win, dismantling the Oakland Invaders 49-14 behind a balanced offensive attack and a stifling defense. The Chicago Blitz’s defense also shined, intercepting four passes and returning two for touchdowns in their 45-20 victory over the New Orleans Brass. Meanwhile, the Houston Gamblers continued to flex their offensive firepower, with Jim Kelly throwing for eight touchdowns, including five to Ricky Sanders, in a 58-24 rout of the Boston Breakers.

Sunday’s action saw a mix of shutouts, close contests, and one of the most competitive games of the season. The Washington Federals pitched a shutout against the Arizona Wranglers, winning 27-0, while the Jacksonville Bulls rolled over the Las Vegas Aces 31-10. In a low-scoring defensive battle, the Birmingham Stallions edged out the Philadelphia Stars 19-13. The Memphis Showboats, led by a high-octane offense, overwhelmed the Pittsburgh Maulers 54-14, while the Tampa Bay Bandits secured a 21-10 victory over the San Antonio Gunslingers with a balanced effort on both sides of the ball.

The week concluded with two thrilling matchups that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The New Jersey Generals and Denver Gold battled to a rare 24-24 tie, with both teams’ defenses holding firm in the final minutes. Finally, the Los Angeles Express edged out the Oklahoma Outlaws 30-27 in a closely contested game, capping off an exciting week of USFL football. As teams continue to jostle for position, Week 5’s results have set the stage for what promises to be an intense and unpredictable season ahead.

USFL Stat Leaders After Week 5 (1985)

Games

Saturday

Oakland Invaders 14, Michigan Panthers 49

New Orleans Brass 20, Chicago Blitz 45

Houston Gamblers 58, Boston Breakers 24

Sunday

Las Vegas Ace 10, Jacksonville Bulls 31

Arizona Wranglers 0, Washington Federals 27

Birmingham Stallions 19, Philadelphia Stars 13

Pittsburgh Maulers 14, Memphis Showboats 54

Tampa Bay Bandits 21, San Antonio Gunslingers 10

New Jersey Generals 24, Denver Gold 24

Oklahoma Outlaws 27, Los Angeles Express 30

Standings

Players of the Week

Offense – Jim Kelly, QB, Houston Gamblers. Houston Gamblers quarterback Jim Kelly delivered a performance for the ages in Week 5 of the fictional 1985 USFL replay league, earning him Player of the Week honors. Kelly was unstoppable, throwing for a staggering 497 yards and 8 touchdowns. Five of those scoring passes found their way to wide receiver Ricky Sanders, showcasing the lethal connection between the two. With a passer rating of 135.4, Kelly’s dominant display solidified his reputation as one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the league.

Defense: Chicago Blitz secondary. The Chicago Blitz defense put on a masterclass in their Week 5 showdown against the New Orleans Brass, leading the way to a commanding 45-20 victory. The Blitz secondary was relentless, intercepting four passes for 113 yards and returning two of them for touchdowns. This defensive dominance stifled the Brass’ offensive efforts and kept them from mounting any serious threat throughout the game. Chicago’s opportunistic and hard-hitting defense was the key to their victory, showcasing their ability to turn turnovers into game-changing plays.

In an otherwise forgettable 58-24 loss for the Boston Breakers against the Houston Gamblers, Louis Jackson emerged as the lone bright spot, earning Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Jackson was a workhorse on kick returns, fielding eight kicks for 187 yards, averaging 23.4 yards per return with a long of 28. Despite the lopsided score, Jackson’s efforts on special teams provided a glimmer of hope, consistently giving the Breakers favorable field position in an otherwise challenging game.

Weekly Wrap Ups

1985 Week 4 Wrap Up

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Week 4 of the 1985 USFL season was packed with thrilling matchups and standout performances, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting race to the playoffs. The action kicked off on Saturday with the Pittsburgh Maulers falling just short against the Boston Breakers, who secured a 34-27 victory. Meanwhile, Jim Kelly led the Houston Gamblers to a dominant 49-24 win over the Michigan Panthers, earning Offensive MVP honors with a four-touchdown performance. In a nail-biter, the Memphis Showboats edged out the Tampa Bay Bandits 38-37, thanks to a clutch defensive effort by Don Bessilieu, whose interception return for a touchdown proved decisive.

Sunday’s slate featured several lopsided contests, with the Washington Federals pulling off an upset against the New Jersey Generals, winning 27-13. The Birmingham Stallions trounced the Jacksonville Bulls 38-7, while the Oklahoma Outlaws easily handled the New Orleans Brass with a 31-7 victory. In Arizona, the Wranglers held off the Philadelphia Stars in a close 14-11 battle, and the Los Angeles Express cruised to a 31-17 win over the Las Vegas Aces. The Denver Gold, despite a valiant effort, came up short against the Oakland Invaders, losing 34-31 in a high-scoring affair.

The week concluded on Monday night with a defensive showdown between the San Antonio Gunslingers and the Chicago Blitz. In a game that saw multiple turnovers and critical defensive stops, the Blitz emerged victorious with a narrow 17-14 win, thanks to a fourth-quarter touchdown run by Spencer. The win elevated Chicago to a 3-1 record, keeping them firmly in the playoff hunt, while San Antonio fell to 2-2 on the season. As Week 4 came to a close, the league standings tightened, with several teams emerging as early contenders in the race for the championship.

USFL Stat Leaders After Week 4 (1985)

Games

Saturday

Pittsburgh Maulers 27, Boston Breakers 34

Houston Gamblers 49, Michigan Panthers 24

Tampa Bay Bandits 37, Memphis Showboats 38

Sunday

New Jersey Generals 13, Washington Federals 27

Jacksonville Bulls 7, Birmingham Stallions 38

Oklahoma Outlaws 31, New Orleans Brass 7

Philadelphia Stars 11, Arizon Wranglers 14

Los Angeles Express 31, Las Vegas Ace 17

Denver Gold 31, Oakland Invaders 34

Monday

San Antonio Gunslingers 14, Chicago Blitz 17

Standings After Week 4

Players of the Week

Offense: Jim Kelly, QB, Houston Gamblers. Jim Kelly delivered a standout performance in Week 4, leading the Houston Gamblers to a commanding 49-24 victory over the Michigan Panthers. Kelly showcased his precision and deep-ball ability, completing 18 of 24 passes for 329 yards and four touchdowns, with an impressive passer rating of 138.9. His four touchdown passes, including four completions of over 25 yards, were instrumental in the Gamblers’ explosive offensive display. Despite being sacked twice and throwing one interception, Kelly’s poise and accuracy earned him Offensive MVP honors for the week.

Defense: Don Bessilieu, S, Memphis Showboats. Don Bessilieu played a pivotal role in the Memphis Showboats’ thrilling 38-37 victory over the Tampa Bay Bandits, showcasing his playmaking ability on defense. The veteran safety recorded four tackles, forced a crucial fumble, and delivered a game-changing 14-yard interception return for a touchdown. Bessilieu’s interception touchdown not only swung momentum in favor of the Showboats but also underscored his knack for being in the right place at the right time. His timely contributions were key in securing the narrow win and keeping Memphis in the hunt for a top spot in the league.

Special Teams: Clarence Verdin, KR, Houston Gamblers. Verdin turned in a performance for the ages, returning 4 kicks for a record 241 yards and another record 2 touchdowns. Both are records that may stand for a long time in this league.

Weekly Wrap Ups

1985 Week 3 Wrap Up

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Week 3 of the 1985 USFL season brought plenty of excitement and standout performances across the league. Saturday’s action kicked off with the Birmingham Stallions securing a 42-28 victory over the Boston Breakers, thanks to a balanced offensive attack and a strong second-half surge. Meanwhile, the Denver Gold made a statement with a dominant 44-21 win over the Los Angeles Express, fueled by Bob Gagliano’s four touchdown passes and a relentless offensive assault that left the Express reeling.

Sunday’s slate featured a thrilling shootout between the Pittsburgh Maulers and the New Jersey Generals, with Pittsburgh edging out a 35-31 win. Greg Anderson’s record-breaking 261-yard, four-touchdown performance, including a game-winning 73-yard score in the final minutes, was the highlight of the day. The Washington Federals stunned the Philadelphia Stars with a commanding 26-7 victory, showcasing their defensive prowess. In other action, the Tampa Bay Bandits outpaced the Jacksonville Bulls 30-17, while the Houston Gamblers held off the San Antonio Gunslingers 24-17 in a closely contested matchup.

Monday Night Football saw the Oakland Invaders cruise to a 37-13 victory over the Arizona Wranglers, capping off a week filled with intense competition. The Michigan Panthers dominated the Oklahoma Outlaws in a 25-0 shutout, while the Memphis Showboats overwhelmed the New Orleans Brass 44-24. The Chicago Blitz held off the Las Vegas Ace 27-20 in a tightly fought contest, rounding out a week that showcased both offensive fireworks and defensive standouts across the league.

USFL Stat Leaders After Week 3 (1985)

Games

Saturday

Boston Breakers 28, Birmingham Stallions 42

Denver Gold 44, Los Angeles Express 21

Sunday

New Jersey Generals 31, Pittsburgh Maulers 35

Philadelphia Stars 7, Washington Federals 26

Tampa Bay Bandits 30, Jacksonville Bulls 17

Houston Gamblers 24, San Antonio Gunslingers 17

Oklahoma Outlaws 0, Michigan Panthers 25

New Orlean Brass 24, Memphis Showboats 44

Las Vegas Ace 20, Chicago Blitz 27

Monday

Arizona Wranglers 13, Oakland Invaders 37

Standings After Week 3

Players of the Week

Offense: Bob Gagliano, QB, Denver Gold. Denver Gold quarterback Bob Gagliano was named the Week 3 Offensive MVP in the 1985 USFL, leading his team to a dominant 44-21 victory over the Los Angeles Express. Gagliano showcased his arm strength and precision, completing 26 of 45 passes for an impressive 384 yards, including three passes of 25+ yards. He threw for four touchdowns and added another on the ground, rushing for 22 yards and a score. Gagliano’s performance was pivotal in the Gold’s offensive explosion, making him a clear standout in Week 3.

Offense: Greg Anderson, WR, Pittsburgh Maulers. Pittsburgh Maulers wide receiver Greg Anderson delivered a historic performance in Week 3 of the 1985 USFL season, setting a league record with 261 receiving yards on 9 receptions, while scoring 4 touchdowns. Anderson’s chemistry with new quarterback Brian Sipe was undeniable, culminating in a game-winning 73-yard touchdown with less than two minutes remaining to secure a thrilling 35-31 victory over the New Jersey Generals. Anderson’s remarkable day not only showcased his playmaking ability but also solidified his place in USFL history with one of the greatest individual performances ever seen.

Defense: Kerry Justin, CB , New Jersey Generals. New Jersey Generals cornerback Kerry Justin stood out as the defensive MVP in Week 3 of the 1985 USFL season despite his team’s narrow 35-31 loss to the Pittsburgh Maulers. Justin was a force on the field, recording 7 tackles, forcing a fumble, and making a crucial interception that he returned 37 yards for a touchdown. His exceptional playmaking ability kept the Generals in the game, highlighting his versatility and impact as a defensive leader, even in a losing effort.

Special Teams: Lonnie Harris, KR, Arizona Wranglers. Despite the Arizona Wranglers’ 37-13 loss to the Denver Gold, Lonnie Harris emerged as a bright spot on special teams. Harris showcased his explosive return abilities, bringing back 8 kicks for a total of 163 yards, including a standout 35-yard return. His efforts provided the Wranglers with critical field position throughout the game, demonstrating his value and resilience even in a tough defeat.