Sunday Night Shootout: Houston Outguns Michigan in Astrodome Thriller, 52–48

In a game that will be remembered as one of the most explosive in USFL history, the Houston Gamblers outlasted the Michigan Panthers 52–48 in a primetime shootout under the lights of the Astrodome. Both teams ended the marquee matchup with 2–1 records, and neither disappointed, combining for over 1,100 yards of offense and 14 total touchdowns. Quarterback Jim Kelly led the Gamblers with a perfect 21-for-21 passing performance, tossing three touchdowns including the game-winner to Ricky Johnson with just 1:26 left on the clock.

Michigan struck first and struck often, jumping out to a 31–21 halftime lead behind the dynamic trio of Jim Harbaugh, Anthony Carter, and Albert Bentley. Harbaugh threw for 440 yards and four touchdowns, with Carter racking up 200 yards and two scores on just five catches. Bentley added two rushing touchdowns and a receiving score, seemingly answering every Houston surge with a counterpunch of his own. But the Panthers’ defense, worn down by Houston’s relentless ground game, struggled to get stops when it mattered most.

The Gamblers clawed back with a punishing rushing attack, led by MVP halfback Harrrell (185 yards, 2 TDs) and bruising back Lazarus (128 yards, 2 TDs). With under three minutes to play, Michigan took a 48–45 lead on Harbaugh’s fourth touchdown pass, but Kelly calmly engineered an 8-play, 69-yard drive capped by a 16-yard strike to Johnson—his second TD grab of the quarter. Michigan had one last chance, but Harbaugh’s final drive was cut short by a game-sealing interception, handing Houston the win in an instant classic that lived up to its Sunday night billing.