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Denver Gold 32, Chicago Blitz 52

USFL Playoffs Western Championship (1985)

Chicago Blitz Overwhelm Denver Gold in High-Scoring Western Championship Thriller
By Ryan “Data Dynamo” Anderson

The Chicago Blitz proved why they are the perennial powerhouse of the USFL, defeating the Denver Gold 52-35 in a wild Western Championship game at Soldier Field. Despite a strong start by Denver, Chicago’s offense, led by MVP quarterback Tim Spencer, exploded for 52 points, including a 28-point third quarter that turned the tide. The Blitz’s ability to capitalize on turnovers and dominate time of possession (37:08 to 22:52) ultimately sealed their victory and punched their ticket to the USFL Championship.

Denver came out firing, with quarterback Bob Gagliano connecting on two early touchdown passes to Marc Lewis (45 yards) and Leonard Harris (21 yards) to take a 14-0 lead. However, Chicago’s defense adjusted, forcing six turnovers, including a pivotal 40-yard interception return for a touchdown by linebacker Mike Minniefield in the third quarter. Gagliano finished with impressive numbers (28-of-48, 492 yards, 5 TDs), but his four interceptions and two sacks proved costly. The Blitz’s defense, which generated 20 blitzes and three forced fumbles, consistently disrupted Denver’s rhythm, holding the Gold to just 19 rushing yards on eight attempts.

Offensively, Chicago was nearly unstoppable. Quarterback Greg Landry orchestrated a masterful performance, completing 29-of-42 passes for 394 yards and five touchdowns, spreading the ball to nine different receivers. Tim Spencer, the game’s MVP, was a dual threat, rushing for 104 yards and a touchdown while adding nine receptions for 114 yards and another score. The Blitz’s efficiency in the red zone (4-for-7) and on third downs (9-of-13) underscored their dominance. Denver made a late push with two fourth-quarter touchdowns, including a 65-yard bomb from Gagliano to Harris, but it was too little, too late. Chicago’s balanced attack and relentless defense were simply too much for the Gold to overcome.

Team Stats

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Playoff Preview

USFL Playoffs Western Championship (1985)

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Western Conference Championship Preview: Denver Gold vs. Chicago Blitz

The stage is set for a thrilling showdown as the Denver Gold travel to Chicago to take on the Blitz in the Western Conference Championship. The game kicks off on Sunday, July 7, 1985, at 4:15 PM ET, with a spot in the USFL Championship game on the line.

Both teams enter the game riding high after impressive playoff performances. Denver pulled off a stunning upset over the Houston Gamblers, toppling the league’s most explosive offense in a 31-28 victory. Meanwhile, Chicago solidified its dominance with a convincing 34-21 win over the Arizona Wranglers.

Chicago Blitz: Balanced and Battle-Tested

The Chicago Blitz, led by veteran quarterback Landon Landry, boast one of the league’s most balanced offensive attacks. Landry has been a model of consistency, completing 63% of his passes this season for 3,534 yards and 26 touchdowns. His ability to spread the ball around makes Chicago’s passing attack particularly lethal.

Running back Tim Spencer is the workhorse for the Blitz, rushing for 1,212 yards and 17 touchdowns. Spencer’s punishing style and knack for breaking off big plays (long of 81 yards this season) make him a constant threat.

On defense, Chicago features a fearsome pass rush led by Lee (20 sacks) and a secondary anchored by ball-hawking corner Frank Minnifield, who leads the team with four interceptions. The Blitz defense thrives on creating turnovers and limiting big plays, making them a nightmare matchup for any offense.

Denver Gold: Underdogs on the Rise

Denver’s playoff success has been fueled by a mix of grit and star power. Running back Bill Johnson is the heart of the Gold offense, leading the league with 1,261 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. His ability to control the tempo will be critical against a Chicago defense that thrives in chaotic situations.

Quarterback Bob Gagliano has had an up-and-down season, throwing for 2,695 yards and 13 touchdowns. While he’s struggled with turnovers (17 interceptions), his connection with star wideout Leonard Harris (1,432 receiving yards, 8 TDs) gives Denver a dynamic big-play threat.

Defensively, Denver will need to replicate its performance against Houston, where it forced critical turnovers and held the Gamblers to under 30 points for just the second time this season. Linebacker Mark Daum, who recorded a league-record 17 tackles earlier this year, will be a key figure in slowing down Spencer and the Chicago rushing attack.

Key Matchups to Watch

  • Bill Johnson vs. Chicago Front Seven: Johnson’s ability to churn out tough yards will be crucial to keeping Denver in the game. If Chicago’s defensive line, led by Lee and Lorch, can shut down the run, it could be a long day for the Gold.
  • Landon Landry vs. Denver Secondary: Landry’s precision passing will test Denver’s defensive backfield, which must find ways to limit explosive plays from Cedric Anderson and Nate Willis.
  • Special Teams Battle: Field position could play a critical role, and both teams will rely on their kick return units to provide a spark. Chicago’s Joe Kraus (47-yard long return) and Denver’s Lonnie Turner (464 return yards) are both capable of game-changing plays.

Prediction

The Denver Gold have proven they can overcome the odds, but the Chicago Blitz’s combination of offensive firepower and defensive discipline makes them the favorites. Expect a close, hard-fought game, but Chicago’s ability to control the clock and capitalize on mistakes should carry them to victory.

Final Score Prediction: Chicago 27, Denver 20.

Box Scores and Recaps

Denver Gold 35, Houston Gamblers 32

USFL Playoffs Round 2 (1985)

Denver Gold Shock Houston Gamblers in Thrilling Playoff Battle

In a stunning Sunday night showdown at the Astrodome, the Denver Gold outlasted the Houston Gamblers 35-32 in the second round of the 1985 USFL playoffs. The game was a rollercoaster of momentum swings, with Denver quarterback Bob Gagliano stealing the spotlight as MVP after a stellar performance. Gagliano completed 35 of 44 passes for 460 yards and three touchdowns, keeping the Gold’s championship hopes alive in one of the most dramatic playoff upsets in league history.

Houston began the game in command, jumping to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter behind two touchdown passes from Jim Kelly, who finished with 346 passing yards and four touchdowns. Denver, however, responded with resilience. Gagliano orchestrated two second-quarter scoring drives, including an 8-yard touchdown pass to Vince White and a 9-yard scoring run by Bill Johnson, narrowing the deficit to 17-14 by halftime. Denver’s defense tightened in the second half, forcing two critical turnovers that shifted the game’s momentum.

The Gold surged ahead in the third quarter with a methodical drive capped by White’s 1-yard touchdown run. Early in the fourth, Gagliano connected with Marc Lewis for a 19-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 28-17. Though Kelly rallied the Gamblers with two late touchdowns, including a 34-yard strike to Richard Johnson, Denver held on. Gagliano sealed the win with an 8-yard scoring pass to Kelley Johnson. Denver’s balanced attack and clutch defense secured their spot in the next round, leaving Houston stunned in their home dome.

Special Teams

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Playoff Preview

USFL Playoffs Round 2 (1985)

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Playoff Showdown: Denver Gold vs. Houston Gamblers
Sunday, June 30, 1985 – 4:15 PM ET at the Astrodome, Houston, TX

The Denver Gold and Houston Gamblers are set to clash in the second round of the USFL playoffs, with both teams looking to extend their postseason runs. The game promises a battle of contrasting styles as the Gamblers’ high-octane passing attack faces a gritty, balanced Denver squad.

Houston Gamblers: Air Show in Full Effect

The Gamblers, led by the league’s Offensive Player of the Year candidate Jim Kelly, have been a force all season. Kelly’s prolific passing—5,219 yards and 44 touchdowns—has powered Houston to the top of the league’s offensive rankings. With receivers like Ricky Sanders (1,378 yards, 11 TDs) and Richard Johnson (1,455 yards, 15 TDs), Houston’s passing game is a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Complementing the aerial attack is a capable ground game spearheaded by Sam Harrell, who racked up 597 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Combined with Kelly’s ability to run, the Gamblers averaged 5.5 yards per carry, making them an unpredictable threat.

Defensively, Houston brings pressure with sack leader Pete Catan (16 sacks) and an opportunistic secondary led by Will Lewis (8 interceptions). If they can stifle Denver’s offense early, the Gamblers will be in prime position to dictate the pace.

Denver Gold: Grit and Resilience

The Denver Gold punched their ticket to this game with a hard-fought victory over the Oakland Invaders. Bill Johnson, the league’s second-leading rusher with 1,261 yards and 15 touchdowns, remains the cornerstone of Denver’s offense. His power running sets up quarterback Bob Gagliano, who has struggled at times (13 TDs, 17 INTs) but is capable of delivering under pressure.

The receiving corps is led by Leonard Harris (1,432 yards, 8 TDs) and Marc Lewis (1,207 yards, 6 TDs), providing the Gold with big-play potential if Gagliano can find his rhythm.

Denver’s defense, while not flashy, is built on sound tackling and determination. Linebacker Mark Daum, who set a single-game record with 17 tackles earlier this season, will need to anchor the unit against Houston’s relentless attack.

Keys to the Game

  • For Houston: The Gamblers need to establish their tempo early. Quick scores will force Denver into an uncomfortable shootout and negate the Gold’s ball-control strategy.
  • For Denver: Ball control is critical. A steady dose of Bill Johnson and a few timely completions from Gagliano could keep Houston’s offense on the sideline and the game within reach.

Prediction

The Gold bring heart and determination, but the Gamblers’ explosive offense at home may be too much to handle. Expect Jim Kelly and his arsenal of weapons to light up the scoreboard and punch Houston’s ticket to the next round.

Prediction: Houston Gamblers 38, Denver Gold 24

Box Scores and Recaps

Denver Gold 49, Oakland Invaders 17

USFL Playoffs Round 1 (1985)

Denver Gold Crush Oakland Invaders in Playoff Opener, 49-17

The Denver Gold rode a near-perfect performance from quarterback Bob Gagliano to an emphatic 49-17 victory over the Oakland Invaders in the opening round of the playoffs at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum. Gagliano dazzled with pinpoint accuracy, completing 26 of 27 passes for 429 yards and six touchdowns, earning him MVP honors. Vince White was his primary weapon, hauling in 14 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score. Denver’s offensive onslaught began early and never relented, as they built a commanding 35-3 halftime lead.

Oakland’s offense struggled to find its rhythm in the first half, with turnovers and stalled drives sealing their fate. Quarterback Craig Sundberg threw three interceptions and finished with a pedestrian 235 yards passing. The Invaders briefly rallied in the third quarter behind running back Eric Jordan, who scored twice on short runs to cut the deficit to 35-17. However, Denver immediately responded with Gagliano’s fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Leonard Harris, extinguishing any hopes of a comeback.

Defensively, the Gold stymied the Invaders with timely turnovers and pressure. Stan Blinka led the charge with eight tackles and two interceptions, while Mark Daum added eight tackles and an interception of his own. Oakland’s defense had no answers for Gagliano’s brilliance or Denver’s balanced attack, as the Gold outgained the Invaders 480-317 in total yards. The victory propels Denver into the next round, where they look to maintain their momentum in pursuit of a championship.

Team Statws

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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

League News/Press

USFL 1985 Season Opener: Saturday Recap

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The USFL’s 1985 season opener on Saturday featured three electrifying games that set the tone for an exciting year of football.

The Memphis Showboats showcased their dominance with a convincing 37-21 victory over the Denver Gold. Walter Lewis was the standout performer, completing 22 of 17 passes for 308 yards and three touchdowns while also adding 35 rushing yards. Despite a valiant effort from Denver’s quarterback Bob Gagliano, who threw for 297 yards and three touchdowns, the Gold were plagued by turnovers and injuries, unable to match Memphis’ balanced offense and resilient defense.

In a high-scoring affair, the San Antonio Gunslingers outlasted the New Orleans Breakers 38-28. Jerry Parrish was the hero for San Antonio, recording 9 receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown. The game was a back-and-forth battle, but San Antonio’s explosive plays and relentless offense ultimately secured the win. New Orleans put up a strong fight, but their defense couldn’t contain Parrish and the Gunslingers’ potent attack.

The Tampa Bay Bandits kicked off their season with a 34-16 triumph over the Washington Federals. Eric Truvillion was unstoppable, hauling in 7 receptions for 166 yards and two touchdowns, leading Tampa Bay’s aerial assault. Washington struggled to keep up with the Bandits’ high-powered offense, as Tampa Bay’s defense also stepped up, limiting the Federals’ scoring opportunities and forcing key turnovers to seal the victory.

These thrilling matchups highlighted the intensity and competitiveness of the USFL, promising an action-packed season ahead.