Cribbs Runs Wild as Stallions Ground Bandits in Physical Showdown

On a sweltering February afternoon at Tampa Stadium, the Birmingham Stallions (1-0) imposed their will against the Tampa Bay Bandits (1-1) in a 24-12 victory defined by punishing ground attacks and defensive stands. The Stallions’ star running back Joe Cribbs delivered a masterclass, exploding for 197 rushing yards and two touchdowns—including a backbreaking 60-yard dash in the fourth quarter—while quarterback Cliff Stoudt efficiently managed the game with 172 passing yards and a 29-yard touchdown strike to Joey Jones. Birmingham’s offensive line dominated the trenches, paving the way for 274 rushing yards and nearly 36 minutes of possession, neutralizing Tampa Bay’s aggressive blitz schemes.

The Bandits, meanwhile, sputtered offensively despite outgaining Birmingham through the air (218 yards to 172). John Reaves struggled under pressure, taking two sacks and failing to find the end zone, while kicker Zenon Andrusyshyn accounted for all of Tampa Bay’s points with first-half field goals of 36 and 31 yards. The game’s momentum briefly shifted in the fourth quarter when defensive end Marcus Quinn scooped up a fumble and rumbled 73 yards for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 17-12. But Cribbs answered immediately, ripping off his 60-yard score to seal the win. Birmingham’s defense, led by linebacker Alonzo Johnson (7 tackles, 2 hurries), stifled Tampa Bay’s rushing attack (50 yards) and forced two turnovers.

Penalties, Missed Opportunities Haunt Bandits

Tampa Bay’s discipline unraveled at critical moments, with 10 penalties for 81 yards—including multiple drive-killing holds and false starts. The Bandits converted just 2 of 11 third downs and failed to score a touchdown until Quinn’s defensive heroics. Birmingham, conversely, played clean football (6 penalties) and capitalized in the red zone, scoring on all three trips. The loss was compounded for Tampa Bay by a season-ending injury to receiver Hassan Jones (17 weeks), while Birmingham’s backup QB Kent Austin was ruled out for 10 weeks. With the win, the Stallions establish themselves as early contenders in the USFL’s Southern Division, while the Bandits must regroup quickly ahead of a pivotal Week 3 clash.

Key Stats & Takeaways

• Ground Domination: Birmingham averaged 6.2 yards per carry, with Cribbs accounting for 72% of their rushing offense.
• Third-Down Woes: Tampa Bay’s offense went 3-and-out on 5 of 11 drives, failing to sustain momentum.
• Turnover Battle: Birmingham’s +1 margin (2 forced, 1 surrendered) proved decisive in a game where field position was critical.
• Special Teams: Andrusyshyn’s booming 74-yard punt was a bright spot for Tampa Bay, but his missed XP after Quinn’s TD loomed large.

The Stallions’ balanced attack and disciplined defense served as a blueprint for victory, while the Bandits left frustrated—a talented roster undone by self-inflicted mistakes. As temperatures soared, Birmingham’s physicality cooled Tampa Bay’s high-powered attack, setting the stage for an intriguing divisional race.