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Box Scores and Recaps, Playoff Preview, Stats, Weekly Wrap Ups

1986 USFL Divisional Round Wrap Up

Games

Saturday

1986 USFL Divisional Round: Philadelphia Stars at Birmingham Stallions

1986 USFL Divisional Playoffs: Michigan Panthers at Denver Gold

Sunday

1986 USFL Divisional Round: New Jersey Generals at Boston Breakers

1986 USFL Divisional Round: Los Angeles Express at Houston Gamblers

Recap

The conference semifinal round got off to a slow start with two blowouts. Philadelphia fell to Birmingham and Denver took care of Michigan and their young quarterback Jim Harbaugh. Neither game featured any drama with the home teams rushing out to leads and holding on with a stingy defense to finish off the visitors.

The Sunday games featured closer games. New Jersey ran into the buzz saw that are the Boston Breakers this year. The Generals just didn’t have enough offense or defense to compete. They added some late touchdowns to make the score more respectable. However, Boston remains on a mission this year. Houston required some last minute Kelly magic to defeat the surprising Express and host the Gold next week for a spot in this year’s championship game.

1986 Conference Finals Weekend Preview

Birmingham Stallions at Boston Breakers: An immovable object meets the unstoppable force when Boston’s offense squares up against Birmingham’s defense. This promises to be one of the toughest tests for the high flying Breakers. However, they look poised to march into the USFL Championship with their flawless record intact. Our Take: It may be a close game, but the Breakers firepower will bring them home.

Denver Gold at Houston Gamblers: The Gold figured out how to, not only match, but in some ways surpass the prolific Houston offense. Their own version of the run and shoot with Bob Gagliano and Bill Johnson have them again on the verge of a USFL Championship. With rumors of Jim Kelly possibly leaving for the NFL in a couple of years, this represents one of the last times for him to lift another title. Our take: Close game, but never bet against Kelly in a tight spot.

Playoff Preview

1986 USFL Divisional Round Preview

Saturday

Philadelphia Stars at Birmingham Stallions

Philadelphia Stars: The Stars finished the season 10-8 and grabbed one of the wild card spots in the Atlantic. They never truly found their footing on offense, ranking in the middle or bottom in nearly every category. However, their defense kept them in games most of the year and were a primary reason that the Stars made the playoffs.

Birmingham Stallions: Birmingham put together another outstanding season, finishing at 14-4 and winning the South by a game over Jacksonville to take the number two spot in the conference. Their defense was even more impressive than Philadelphia. In addition, their offense ranked number 3 in total yards and 2 in rushing.

Quick Pick: The Stallions are just too much for the Stars. Plus they’re playing at home. Take Birmingham

Michigan Panthers at Denver Gold

Michigan Panthers: Michigan bounced back to 11-7 after two disappointing seasons. Their young and exciting quarterback Jim Harbaugh led the team to the tune of a fourth ranked scoring offense. Their defense had some bumps, ranking in the bottom quarter of the league in many categories.

Denver Gold: Denver finally found their footing under Mouse Davis and exploded on offense. They came in number two in scoring offense, number 1 in total yards, number 4 in rushing, and number two in passing. Never known for their defense, they held teams under 30 points per game to allow the explosive offense to steal some wins.

Quick Pick: Denver is just too powerful for Michigan and their young quarterback. The Panthers will be back, but take Denver this time.

Sunday

New Jersey Generals at Boston Breakers

New Jersey Generals: No surprise, but Jersey sported the number one rushing offense in the league. With Walker and Carthon, they averaged almost 200 yards rushing a game. But where they really shone was on defense, ranking in the top 5 in many categories.

Boston Breakers: By now, everyone knows the story of how the Breakers fan collective made a huge splash in the offseason by luring CFL quarterback Matt Dunigan to the team. It paid off in huge dividends with an 18-0 regular season and only one game where they sweated the outcome. Their defense can be some of an achilles heel, but the offense is just too powerful.

Quick Pick: Walker may have a big game, as he often does. But, Dunigan and the Breakers are on a mission. There’s no way they bow out this early.

Los Angeles Express at Houston Gamblers

Los Angeles Express: After last year’s disaster, they decided to go in a different direction and give their young quarterback Steve Young some time to develop. It paid off as they bounced back and made it to the playoffs, defeating the Ace in the wild card round.

Houston Gamblers: The Gamblers know nothing other than success in their time in the league. They’ve made the playoffs every year, winning the division and taking the number one seed each time. They won the Championship in their inaugural season and lost last year to Denver in the second round.

Quick Pick: Houston just wins at home. We don’t expect any less out of them this wekeend.

Be sure to return for full coverage of the games as they happen!

Box Scores and Recaps, Stats

1984 Playoffs: Western Semifinal Los Angeles Express vs. Houston Gamblers

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Defense

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Houston Gamblers Punch Ticket to Championship Game with Victory Over Los Angeles Express

In a thrilling clash of USFL titans, the Houston Gamblers emerged victorious over the Los Angeles Express, securing their spot in the league championship game with a resounding 42-30 win. The victory showcased the Gamblers’ offensive firepower and resilience as they overcame an early deficit to dominate the game and advance to the finals in their inaugural season.

The game started with Los Angeles jumping out to an early lead, courtesy of a field goal by Zendejas. However, Houston quickly responded with a touchdown run by Todd Fowler, showcasing their ability to strike back swiftly. The Express managed to maintain their lead through the first half, heading into halftime with a 17-7 advantage.

But the Gamblers came out firing on all cylinders in the third quarter, unleashing a barrage of scoring plays to turn the tide in their favor. Led by quarterback Jim Kelly, who threw four touchdown passes in the quarter, Houston’s offense overwhelmed the Express defense with their speed and precision. Receivers like Johnson, McNeil, Sanders, and Moser all found the end zone, showcasing the depth and talent of the Gamblers’ receiving corps.

Defensively, Houston’s bend-but-don’t-break mentality proved effective, as they forced turnovers and capitalized on opportunities to swing the momentum in their favor. Players like Lewis, DeAyala, Myers, and Mitchell stepped up with key tackles and interceptions, stifling Los Angeles’ offensive efforts and sealing the victory for the Gamblers.

Despite a late surge by the Express in the fourth quarter, highlighted by another touchdown pass from Steve Young, Houston’s lead proved insurmountable as they held on for the win. The victory not only secures their place in the championship game but also cements their status as one of the top teams in the league.

For Los Angeles, the loss is undoubtedly disappointing, but they can take solace in the fact that they exceeded expectations in their inaugural season. With promising young talent like Young, Nelson, and Townsell, the Express have a bright future ahead and will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in seasons to come.

As for the Gamblers, they will now turn their attention to the championship game, where they will face off against the winner of the Eastern Conference. With their high-powered offense and tenacious defense, Houston will be a formidable opponent for whoever stands in their way as they vie for USFL glory.

Playoff Preview

1984 Playoffs: Western Conference Championship

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Houston Gamblers and Los Angeles Express Set to Clash in Western Conference Championship Showdown

In what promises to be a thrilling battle between two upstart expansion teams, the Houston Gamblers and the Los Angeles Express are gearing up to face off in the Western Conference Championship of the 1984 USFL playoffs. With a spot in the league championship game on the line, both teams are poised to leave it all on the field in pursuit of glory.

The Houston Gamblers come into the matchup with a dominant regular-season performance, finishing atop the Central division with an impressive 14-4 record. Led by the dynamic duo of Jim Kelly and Todd Fowler on offense, the Gamblers boast one of the most explosive attacks in the league. Kelly, the mastermind behind the Kelly Gun Offense, has been nothing short of sensational, posting eye-popping numbers with a 64.9% completion rate and an astonishing 68 touchdowns against just 18 interceptions. Meanwhile, Fowler has been a force to be reckoned with in the backfield, rushing for 1443 yards and finding the end zone 16 times.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Gamblers have been stout, led by playmakers like Lewis, DeAyala, Myers, and Mitchell, who have all racked up over 100 tackles on the season. With a bend-but-don’t-break mentality, Houston’s defense has consistently come up big in crucial moments, making life difficult for opposing offenses.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Express have defied expectations this season, finishing atop the Western division with a 13-5 record despite facing their fair share of adversity. Led by rookie quarterback Steve Young, who has shown flashes of brilliance despite some early struggles, the Express have found success through a balanced offensive attack and a resilient defense.

With Nelson leading the ground game and Townsell providing a reliable target in the passing game, the Express offense has shown the ability to put up points when it matters most. Defensively, players like West, Justin, and Howard have been instrumental in shutting down opposing offenses and creating turnovers, giving Los Angeles a fighting chance in every game they play.

As the two teams prepare to square off in what promises to be an epic showdown, both sides understand the magnitude of the moment. With a spot in the USFL Championship game on the line, every play, every possession, and every decision will carry added weight as the Gamblers and the Express battle it out for Western Conference supremacy.

For fans of both teams, the Western Conference Championship represents a chance to witness history in the making as two of the league’s top contenders collide in a battle for the ages. As the excitement builds and anticipation reaches a fever pitch, one thing is certain: when the final whistle blows, only one team will emerge victorious, while the other will be left to ponder what might have been.

Box Scores and Recaps, Stats

1984 Playoffs Round 1, Oakland at Los Angeles

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Team Stats

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Gold Chronicles: A Clash of Titans in Los Angeles

In a showdown that electrified fans and critics alike, the Oakland Invaders clashed swords with the Los Angeles Express in a battle that will resonate through the annals of USFL history. Set against the backdrop of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on June 30, 1984, this round one game unfolded as a dramatic saga of grit, determination, and strategic prowess.

From the first whistle, it was evident that both teams came prepared for a fierce contest. The Invaders, led by their seasoned quarterback Bessena, showcased their offensive prowess early on, marching down the field with precision and purpose. A standout moment came in the first quarter when Banks, with the finesse of a seasoned veteran, darted into the end zone with a 7-yard run, setting the tone for the Invaders’ offensive onslaught.

However, the Express, buoyed by the fervent support of their home crowd, refused to back down. Responding with resilience, they mounted a formidable offensive drive of their own, culminating in a touchdown by Nelson, who bulldozed his way into the end zone with a 2-yard run. This exchange of blows set the stage for a back-and-forth battle that would keep spectators on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

As the game progressed, both teams displayed their defensive prowess, with bone-jarring tackles and acrobatic interceptions adding to the intensity of the contest. Yet, it was the offensive fireworks that truly stole the show. The Invaders, led by the dynamic duo of Bessena and Banks, unleashed a relentless aerial assault, peppering the Express defense with a barrage of passes that kept them guessing at every turn.

But just when it seemed like the Invaders had seized control of the game, the Express mounted a ferocious comeback. With the clock winding down and the pressure reaching a boiling point, Nelson emerged as the hero for the Express, bulldozing his way into the end zone not once, but twice in the fourth quarter, propelling his team to a stunning come-from-behind victory.

In the end, it was a game that encapsulated the essence of USFL football – a spectacle of skill, passion, and raw athleticism. As the dust settled and the final score flashed on the scoreboard – Los Angeles Express 29, Oakland Invaders 23 – it was clear that both teams had left everything on the field, serving up a classic showdown that will be remembered for years to come.

For fans of the USFL, this game was more than just a contest between two teams; it was a testament to the enduring legacy of a league that dared to challenge the status quo and redefine the game of football. And as the sun set on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum that fateful evening, it marked not just the end of a game, but the beginning of a new chapter in the rich tapestry of USFL history.

Playoff Preview

Playoff Preview: Los Angeles Express vs. Oakland Invaders (1984 Round 1)

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By Ryan “Data Dynamo” Anderson, USA Today Sports Analyst

As the playoffs loom large, the clash between the Los Angeles Express and Oakland Invaders promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with statistical intrigue. Let’s delve into the numbers that define these two teams and anticipate how their contrasting styles might shape the outcome of this first-round playoff matchup.

Los Angeles Express – The Surging Contender:

Regular Season Record: 13-5 (1st in the Western Division)

The Los Angeles Express have defied expectations with a stellar regular season performance, finishing atop the Western Division. Leading the charge is their dynamic rookie quarterback, Steve Young, who, despite facing early challenges, has showcased his dual-threat abilities with 16 passing touchdowns, 14 interceptions, and an impressive 285 yards rushing with 4 additional touchdowns.

Nelson’s ground game prowess, amassing 1,069 yards and 7 touchdowns, adds a potent dimension to the Express’ offense. Townsell’s near 1,000-yard receiving season highlights the depth of their aerial attack. Defensively, West’s ball-hawking skills with 8 interceptions and the tackling prowess of Justin and Howard underscore the Express’ defensive resilience.

Oakland Invaders – The Seasoned Competitor:

Regular Season Record: 12-6 (2nd in the Western Division)

Oakland enters the playoffs as a seasoned competitor, boasting a balanced offensive attack led by quarterback Fred Besana. Despite a challenging season for Besana, the Invaders rely on his experience to navigate the postseason waters. Jordan’s ground game contributions, coupled with Banks’ explosive receiving abilities, present challenges for the Express’ defense.

Defensively, the Invaders’ knack for forcing turnovers, with Quinn leading the charge with 10 interceptions, poses a threat to Young and the Express’ passing game. The tackling proficiency of Plummer, Martin, Daniel, and Manumaleagua adds a physical edge to Oakland’s defensive unit.

The Clash of Styles:

The matchup between the Express and Invaders epitomizes the clash of contrasting styles. Los Angeles’ explosive offense, fueled by Young’s dual-threat capabilities and Nelson’s ground game dominance, will look to outpace Oakland’s stout defense. On the other hand, the Invaders’ seasoned experience and defensive prowess aim to stifle the Express’ high-flying attack.

Outcome Predictions:

As the Data Dynamo, I refrain from making predictions based on sentiment or intuition. However, the playoff clash between the Los Angeles Express and Oakland Invaders is poised to be a statistical spectacle. Whether it’s the Express’ offensive fireworks or the Invaders’ defensive resilience that prevails, one thing is certain: this matchup will be defined by the numbers.

Stay tuned for the post-game analysis, where we’ll break down the statistical storylines that defined this playoff showdown and discuss the implications for the advancing team’s journey through the USFL postseason landscape. The statistical saga continues, and the Data Dynamo is here to decode every play, every decision, and every outcome.