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.

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.

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.

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.

In a compelling second week of USFL action, the Jacksonville Bulls asserted their dominance with a resounding 34-13 victory over the New Orleans Breakers. Shawn Jones led the charge for the Bulls, rushing for 132 yards and a touchdown, complemented by two receptions for 57 yards. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Generals continued their strong start, edging out the Boston Breakers 13-6. Herschel Walker was the star for the Generals, amassing 184 rushing yards and a touchdown on 36 carries. The Denver Gold also secured a significant win, defeating the Las Vegas Posse 38-28, thanks to an impressive performance from quarterback Bob Gagliano, who threw for 614 yards and four touchdowns.

Saturday’s games saw the Houston Gamblers overpower the Chicago Blitz with a 48-21 victory, highlighted by Kelly’s 377-yard, three-touchdown performance. The Arizona Outlaws bounced back from their opening loss to top the Los Angeles Express 21-10, with Allen Clark rushing for 82 yards and a touchdown. On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Bandits held off the Birmingham Stallions 23-16, with a key interception and 16 tackles from Bill Roe. In a tight defensive contest, the San Antonio Gunslingers edged the Oklahoma Outlaws 14-12, thanks to Crane’s eight receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown.

In other Sunday matchups, the Pittsburgh Maulers continued their unbeaten run with a 27-13 victory over the Philadelphia Stars, with Kirk Pendleton catching 10 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns. The Memphis Showboats remained undefeated, beating the Michigan Panthers 38-27, powered by Harry Sydney’s three rushing touchdowns. Lastly, in a thrilling finish, the Oakland Invaders managed to fend off a fierce comeback from the Washington Federals, winning 37-31. This week’s games showcased the intense competition and standout individual performances that define the USFL, promising more exciting action in the weeks ahead.

USFL Stat Leaders After Week 2 (1985)

Games

Saturday

New Orleans Brass 14, Jacksonville Bulls 34

Chicago Blitz 21, Houston Gamblers 48

Arizona Wranglers 21, Los Angeles Express 10

Sunday

Philadelphia Stars 13, Pittsburgh Maulers 27

Boston Breakers 6, New Jersey Generals 13

Birmingham Stallions 16, Tampa Bay Bandits 23

Oklahoma Outlaws 12, San Antonio Gunslingers 14

Memphis Showboats 38, Michigan Panthers 27

Las Vegas Ace 28, Denver Gold 38

Washington Federals 31, Oakland Invaders 37

Standings

Players of the Week

Offense: Bob Gagliano, QB, Denver Gold. Gagliano eviscerated the expansion Las Vegas Ace defense to the tune of 45 for 80 passing with 614 yards and 4 touchdowns. His performance lifted the Gold to 1-1 with a 38-28 win over the Ace.

Defense: Bill Roe, LB, Birmingham Stallions. Roe racked up 16 tackles and an interception in the Stallions loss against the Tampa Bay Bandits.

Special Teams: Mark Tolbert, KR, Chicago Blitz. Houston kept Tolbert busy with 9 returns for 175 yards.

The opening week of the 1985 USFL season delivered an array of thrilling matchups, showcasing high-scoring affairs and standout individual performances across the league. Kicking off the action, the Tampa Bay Bandits secured a commanding 34-16 victory over the Washington Federals on Saturday. Eric Truvillion was the star for Tampa Bay, racking up 166 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The San Antonio Gunslingers also began their campaign with a 38-28 win against the New Orleans Breakers, with Jerry Parrish’s nine receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown making a significant impact.

Sunday’s games were highlighted by a dominating performance from the Philadelphia Stars, who cruised past the Las Vegas Outlaws 30-7. John Sutton’s interception return for a touchdown and five tackles spearheaded Philadelphia’s defensive dominance. In Jacksonville, the Bulls overwhelmed the Oklahoma Outlaws 44-28, thanks to Al Williams’ impressive 144 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Herschel Walker powered the New Jersey Generals to a 28-17 win over the Oakland Invaders, showcasing his dual-threat ability with 166 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Capping off the week, the Pittsburgh Maulers edged out the Michigan Panthers 27-20 in a Monday night thriller. Mike Rozier was instrumental in Pittsburgh’s victory, rushing for 103 yards and a touchdown while adding 75 receiving yards. Other notable performances included Walter Lewis leading the Memphis Showboats to a 37-21 win over the Denver Gold with 308 passing yards and three touchdowns, and Steve Young guiding the Los Angeles Express to a 28-21 victory over the Birmingham Stallions with three touchdown passes and a rushing score. The Houston Gamblers also made a statement with a 45-17 triumph over the Arizona Wranglers, highlighted by Fowler’s 148 rushing yards and two total touchdowns.

USFL Stat Leaders After Week 1 (1985)

Games

Saturday

Washington Federals 16, Tampa Bay Bandits 34

New Orleans Brass 28, San Antonio Gunslingers 38

Memphis Showboats 37, Denver Gold 21

Sunday

Chicago Blitz 35, Boston Breakers 10

Las Vegas Ace 7, Philadelphia Stars 30

Jacksonville Bulls 44, Oklahoma Outlaws 28

Arizona Wranglers 17, Houston Gamblers 45

Birmingham Stallions 21, Los Angeles Express 28

New Jersey Generals 28, Oakland Invaders 17

Monday

Michigan Panthers 20, Pittsburgh Maulers 27

Standings

Players of the Week

Offense: Jim Kelly, QB, Houston Gamblers. In a week of dynamic offensive performance, the reigning offensive MVP picked up where he left off last year. Kelly went 19 for 27 for 343 yards and 5 touchdowns in a 45-17 beatdown of the Arizona Gamblers.

Defense: John Sutton, CB, Philadelphia Stars. The entire Stars defense helped the team get off on a winning start. Sutton recorded 5 tackles and returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown to help welcome the expansion Ace into the USFL.

Special Teams: Dennis Gentry, RB/Ret, Jacksonville Bulls. The Bulls performed an absolute theft in the offseason, grabbing former Chicago Bear Dennis Gentry. He rewarded them immediately with a touchdown run and also returning a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown.