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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 London Game: Philadelphia Stars vs. Tampa Bay Bandits

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Team Stats

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“Gridiron Glory in London: Philadelphia Stars Shine at Wembley”

By Nigel Somerset-Smith, BBC Sport Correspondent

Saturday, July 21, 1984

In a rare transatlantic showdown, the 1984 USFL exhibition game between the Philadelphia Stars and the Tampa Bay Bandits unfolded under the historic arches of Wembley Stadium. The spectacle, witnessed by an eager British audience, unfolded with a sense of anticipation, as American football, with its helmets and pads, graced the venerable turf typically reserved for the beautiful game.

The weather at Wembley, a mild 71 degrees with a gentle breeze, set the stage for an engaging clash between two formidable teams. The Philadelphia Stars, led by the poised and efficient Chuck Fusina, faced off against the Tampa Bay Bandits, led by the determined John Reaves. The matchup promised an intriguing blend of American flair and British enthusiasm.

From the first kick, the game pulsated with energy. Tampa Bay drew first blood with a field goal from Donald Andrusyshy, showcasing their early offensive prowess. However, Philadelphia responded swiftly as Fusina orchestrated a 72-yard drive culminating in a touchdown pass to Folsom. The Stars took the lead, but the Bandits weren’t ones to be left behind.

The second quarter saw Tampa Bay’s Andrusyshy adding another field goal, while Reaves connected with Harvey for a touchdown, swinging the momentum in their favor. As the halftime whistle echoed through Wembley, the Bandits held a 13-6 lead, setting the stage for a riveting second half.

The Stars, undeterred by the Bandits’ lead, staged a comeback in the third quarter. Fusina showcased his passing prowess with a 14-yard touchdown to Collier, leveling the score at 13 apiece. The game hung in the balance as both teams vied for supremacy.

The final quarter belonged to Philadelphia, with kicker Trout sealing the deal with a crucial field goal. The Stars’ defense then delivered the coup de grâce, as Lush intercepted a pass and returned it for a 43-yard touchdown. The Bandits’ hopes dwindled, and the Stars emerged victorious with a final score of 23-13.

Despite the Bandits’ valiant effort, the Stars’ combination of Fusina’s precision and a resolute defense proved insurmountable. The British crowd, perhaps unfamiliar with the intricacies of American football, undoubtedly appreciated the spectacle unfolding before them at the iconic Wembley Stadium.

In the aftermath, injuries dotted the field, with players from both sides facing a week or more on the sidelines. The physicality of American football had left its mark on the English turf.

As the sun set over Wembley, American football had left an indelible mark on British soil. Nigel Somerset-Smith, ever the ardent enthusiast of the gridiron, undoubtedly found joy in the collision of American and British sporting cultures. The echoes of that game lingered, reminding Londoners that, on that day, Wembley witnessed not just a clash of teams, but a convergence of two sporting worlds.

Box Scores and Recaps, Stats

1984 Playoffs Round 1: New Jersey Generals at Philadelphia Stars

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Defense

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Gold Chronicles: Generals Stun Stars in Sunday Showdown

In a thrilling Sunday showdown that left fans on the edge of their seats, the New Jersey Generals pulled off a stunning upset against the mighty Philadelphia Stars, shaking the foundations of the USFL with their resolute determination and unwavering resolve. The clash, held on July 1, 1984, at an electrified Veterans Stadium, unfolded as a captivating saga of underdog triumph and unyielding perseverance.

Philadelphia, entering the contest with the top record in the league, seemed poised for victory from the outset. Kicking off the scoring with a field goal from the reliable leg of Trout, the Stars wasted no time asserting their dominance early in the game. A pivotal moment came in the second quarter when Fusina, the Stars’ masterful quarterback, connected with Bryant on a 16-yard pass, further solidifying Philadelphia’s hold on the momentum.

However, the Generals, undeterred by their opponent’s formidable reputation, refused to cower in the face of adversity. Led by the steady hand of veteran quarterback Sipe, they clawed their way back into contention with a field goal from Ruzek, followed by a touchdown pass from Sipe to McGhee, injecting a surge of hope and energy into their ranks.

But just as the Generals began to gain momentum, the Stars struck back with a vengeance. Fusina, orchestrating the Philadelphia offense with surgical precision, engineered another scoring drive that culminated in an 18-yard touchdown pass to Fitzkee, extending the Stars’ lead and sending shockwaves through the stadium.

As the clock ticked down towards halftime, Trout added insult to injury with a booming 50-yard field goal, further widening the gulf between the two teams and leaving the Generals reeling as they headed into the locker room.

Yet, true to their moniker, the Generals refused to surrender without a fight. With their backs against the wall and their dreams of victory hanging in the balance, they rallied together with a display of sheer determination and grit that would define their legacy. A pivotal field goal from Ruzek early in the third quarter provided the spark they needed, igniting a fiery comeback that would rock the foundation of the USFL.

But it was in the final quarter that the Generals truly shone brightest. With the game hanging in the balance and the tension reaching a fever pitch, running back Walker bulldozed his way into the end zone with a 6-yard run, narrowing the gap and setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

Then, with just over four minutes remaining on the clock, Sipe once again showcased his poise under pressure, threading the needle with a pinpoint pass to Knight for a 12-yard touchdown, sending shockwaves through the stadium and propelling the Generals into the lead for the first time in the game.

As the final seconds ticked away, the Generals defense held firm, repelling one final assault from the Stars to secure a historic victory that will be remembered for generations to come. For the Generals faithful, it was a moment of unbridled jubilation and triumph, a testament to the power of belief and the indomitable spirit of a team that refused to be counted out.

In the annals of USFL history, July 1, 1984, will forever be remembered as the day the New Jersey Generals defied the odds, toppled the mighty Philadelphia Stars, and etched their names into the pantheon of football legends.

Playoff Preview

Playoff Showdown: Philadelphia Stars vs. New Jersey Generals (1984 Round 1)

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

In what promises to be a clash of titans, the Philadelphia Stars and New Jersey Generals collide in the first round of the playoffs, setting the stage for a riveting postseason battle. Let’s dissect the statistical storylines that define these two powerhouse teams and anticipate the dynamics that will shape this playoff showdown.

Philadelphia Stars – The Unstoppable Force:

Regular Season Record: 16-2 (1st in the Atlantic Division)

Philadelphia enters the playoffs with the best record in the league, riding high on a seven-game winning streak to close out the season. Led by quarterback Chuck Fusina’s precise passing, the Stars’ offense boasts a formidable arsenal of weapons, with Bryant leading the rushing attack and the trio of Collier, Fitzkee, and Folsom posing a constant threat through the air.

Defensively, the Stars’ secondary, anchored by ball-hawking cornerbacks Lane and Lush, has been instrumental in disrupting opposing passing attacks, tallying an impressive 10 interceptions each. Mills and Cooper’s tackling prowess adds a physical dimension to Philadelphia’s defensive unit, ensuring that they remain a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball.

New Jersey Generals – The Resilient Contender:

Regular Season Record: 10-8 (4th seed in the playoffs)

New Jersey’s journey to the playoffs has been characterized by resilience and determination, overcoming a slow start to finish strong and secure the fourth seed. Herschel Walker’s dominance on the ground, coupled with Carthon’s complementary rushing attack, forms the backbone of the Generals’ offensive identity.

Veteran quarterback Brian Sipe’s steady hand under center has provided stability and leadership to New Jersey’s offense, while McGhee and Speck have emerged as reliable targets in the passing game. Defensively, Harper and Williams lead the charge with over 100 tackles each, providing the backbone of the Generals’ defensive efforts.

The Clash of Styles:

As these two formidable teams prepare to face off, contrasting styles emerge as a defining narrative. Philadelphia’s high-powered offense, fueled by Fusina’s precision passing and Bryant’s ground dominance, will collide with New Jersey’s resilient defense, anchored by Harper and Williams. The battle in the trenches and the strategic chess match between the coaching staffs will ultimately determine the outcome of this playoff showdown.

Outcome Predictions:

As the Data Dynamo, I refrain from making predictions based on sentiment or intuition. However, the playoff clash between the Philadelphia Stars and New Jersey Generals is poised to be a statistical spectacle. Whether it’s the Stars’ offensive firepower or the Generals’ 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.