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🔥 BANDITS BULLETIN: 1986 KICKOFF EDITION 🔥
“The Pirates of Tampa Bay Are Ready to Plunder!”
⚔️ PRESEASON RECAP: TRIAL BY FIRE
Record: 2-2 | 61 Points Scored | Defense: 2 INTs, 0 Sacks
The Bandits’ preseason was a tale of two quarterbacks:
- Rookie Frank Reich took his lumps (1 TD, 6 INTs) but showed flashes of that famously clutch arm. (Remember: Even Reaves struggled early in ‘83!)
- Veteran John Reaves sliced up secondaries in limited action (159 yds, 2 TDs)—proof the “Fun ‘n’ Gun” still has plenty of gunpowder.
- Greg Boone bulldozed for 171 rush yards—signaling a return to the dual-threat glory of ‘84.
- Eric Truvillion (200+ receiving yards) remains the USFL’s most feared deep threat.
The Takeaway?
“The engine’s rusty, but the horsepower is there. When the starters play, this team can hang with anyone.”
🆚 WEEK 1: BATTLE OF THE OUTLAWS
Tampa Bay Bandits vs. Oklahoma Outlaws
Sunday, March 9, 1986 | Tampa Stadium | 7:30 PM ET
Why We Win:
- Reaves vs. Oklahoma’s Swiss-Cheese D: The Outlaws gave up 31 PPG in ‘85. Expect Truvillion, Brodsky, and Anderson to feast.
- Boone & Anderson = Ground Revival: Oklahoma’s front seven is softer than a Gulf Coast breeze. 200+ rush yards incoming.
- Defensive Wake-Up Call: No sacks in preseason? Ron Simmons, Don Thorp, and Mike Butler are due for a breakout.
Key Matchup:
Bandits’ WR Corps vs. Oklahoma’s Rookie CBs
Truvillion and Brodsky could put up video-game numbers against this secondary.
🎯 BOLD PREDICTIONS
- Reaves throws for 300+ yards, 3 TDs—silencing doubters about his age.
- Gary Anderson scores twice (once rushing, once receiving).
- The defense finally sacks someone (looking at you, Fred Nordgren).
🏴☠️ BANDIT NATION: YOUR MISSION
- Wear red & black—Tampa Stadium needs to be a sea of bandanas.
- Arrive early—pre-game festivities include a Spurrier trivia contest (prize: a game-worn visor).
- Make noise on 3rd down—Oklahoma’s QB Doug Williams hates loud crowds.
Final Thought:
“Last year’s heartbreak ends now. The Outlaws are just the first stop on our revenge tour.”