'85 Chronology-Hebert to Packers?

Event Date: February 28th, 1985

Event Description: Pivotal Changes

Source: Milwaukee Journal

'85 Chronology-Week #2 Preview

Event Date: February 27th, 1985

Event Description: Week #2 Preview

Source: PFW

Week #2 USFL Preview

Thursday

(1-0) Birmingham at (0-1) Tampa Bay (Stallions -7)

Saturday

(1-0) Denver at (0-1) Michigan (Panthers -1)

Sunday

(1-0) Chicago at (1-0) Memphis (Showboats -5)

(1-0) Oakland at (0-1) Pittsburgh (Maulers -2)

(0-1) New Orleans at (0-1) Jacksonville (Bulls -3)

(1-0) Houston at (0-1) Orlando (Gamblers -9)

Sunday Night

(1-0) Arizona at (0-1) Philadelphia (Wranglers -1)

Monday

(1-0) Los Angeles at (0-1) New Jersey (Express -1)

more to come......

'85 Chronology-Transactions #1

Event Date: February 26th, 1985

Event Description: Week #1 Transactions

Source: PFW

Chicago-Signed S Tom Moriarity (Michigan ’84), placed DB Doug Plank on Injured Reserve.

New Orleans-Signed WR Greg Taylor (Washington ’84), placed WR Nolan Fransz on Injured Reserve.

New Jersey-Signed OT Andre Hines (Oakland ’84), placed OL Doug Mackie on Injured Reserve.

more to come......

'85 Chronology-Week #1 P.O.W.

'85 Chronology-Desert Mirage?

Event Date: February 25th, 1985

Event Description: Flutie Flails in Debut

Source: New York Sentinel News 

Doug Williams threw for 237 yards and two touchdowns, as the Arizona Wranglers held on for a 33-24 victory over New Jersey in the USFL's Monday Night Football season-opener.

Williams-- who joined Arizona after the demise of the Outlaws franchise-- completed 23-of-41 passes with an interception for the Wranglers (1-0).

Tight end Ron Wheeler caught six of the tosses for 70 yards and Alvin Williams added two scores, while Otis Brown ran for 45 yards on eight carries in the victory. 

Doug Flutie made his pro debut, but completed just 8-of-26 passes for 117 yards with four interceptions for the Generals (0-1). Herschel Walker led all rushers with 131 yards on 29 carries and two scores.

Arizona got out to a quick start, scoring on its first drive when Luis Zendejas nailed a 50-yard field goal and then Williams tossed a 37-yard touchdown pass to Alvin Williams at the 10:55 mark of the first frame.

The Generals then responded with three straight scores, two from Herschel Walker and a third from James Lockette via a 38-yard fumble return pushing New Jersey out toa 21-10 lead with just over two minutes left in the half.

A late field goal from Luis Zendejas made it a 21-13 game at the intermission.

New Jersey kicker Roger Ruzek opened the second-half scoring, but the Generals would then be stymied for the remainder of the contest.

Game Notes:

The teams combined for 21 penalties for 190 yards...Rock Richmond returned a Doug Flutie interception for a 56-yard touchdown return...Maurice Carthon added 35-yards on the ground for New Jersey.

more to come......

'85 Chronology-Week #1 Sunday Games

Event Date: February 24th, 1985

Event Description: USFL Sunday Report

Source: Pro Football Report

Kevin Shea kicked a 26-yard field goal with just seconds remaining, as the Oakland Invaders (1-0) won at home over the Michigan Panthers for a 29-28 win on Sunday.

Michigan pivot Bobby Hebert pushed the Panthers out to a 28-20 lead with 1:51 remaining, but Fred Besana led the Invaders on two drives with the game-winning drive that spanned just four plays and covered 44 yards.

Besana completed 21-of-34 passes for 302 yards with three touchdowns, and Albert Bentley added 78 rushing yards on 15 carries and a touchdown of his own.

Wesley Howell tallied six receptions for 123 yards and a score in the victory.

Bobby Hebert ended 16-of-29 for 291 yards with a pair of touchdowns and two interceptions for Michigan (0-1). Derek Holloway finished with six receptions for 102 yards, and Anthony Carter added 86 yards on three receptions with one touchdown.

Besana made a connection to Gene Banks on the right sideline for a 27-yard gain to put Shea in position for the go-ahead kick. 

"We made a big play by stopping John Williams near the end of the game," Oakland coach Charlie Sumner said. "The defense made some big plays at the end of the game and we just fed off of that."

"Anytime you lose like that at the end, it's tough," Michigan coach Jim Stanley said. "We were in a pretty good position, but they made some plays and got into good field goal position. Unfortunately, that's how it ended."

Game Notes;

Michigan finished with 397 net yards compared to 382 for Oakland...the teams combined for nine sacks and four fumbles...newcomer George Works led the Panthers on the ground with 55 yards on fourteen carries.

In other Week #1 Sunday action; 

Todd Fowler scored twice to help lead the Houston Gamblers to a 45-28 win over Jacksonville, meanwhile Birmingham outlasted Orlando 24-10, Denver dumped Pittsburgh 24-16 and the Showboats stopped the Breakers by a score of 31-20 at the Superdome.

more to come......

'85 Chronology-Blitz Down Bandits

Event Date: February 23rd, 1985

Event Description: Blitz Down Bandits

Source: Football News

Vince Evans threw for 221 yards and two touchdowns on 17-of-32 passing to lead the Chicago Blitz to a 37-24 win over the Tampa Bay Bandits on Saturday.

Marcus Anderson caught four passes for 96 yards and a pair of touchdowns and Larry Canada had 115 rushing yards and added a five-yard touchdown run for the Blitz (1-0).

"It is nice to start the season with a win, especially here at home, hopefully this will set the stage for us to start building some fan support." said Chicago head coach Marv Levy. "The big guys really stepped it up tonight."

Jimmy Jordan, filling in for an injured John Reaves, completed 33-of-60 passes for 362 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions for the Bandits (0-1). Gary Anderson had seven catches for 57 yards in the setback.

"We have to be more consistent in our game," said head coach Steve Spurrier. "We can't have all those turnovers. That's the bottom line."

Chicago trailed 24-12 at the 5:48 mark of the third frame, but scored the final 25 points of the game.

Late in the third, Evans found Anderson for a 67-yard touchdown strike pulling the Blitz to within five at 24-19.

Chicago opened the fourth quarter scoring with another Evans to Anderson pitch and catch, this time from eleven yards out pushing Chicago out to a 27-24 lead.

Larry Canada’s five yard run put the Blitz in the drivers' seat with a 34-24 lead and Corral added a 36-yard field goal to cap the scoring.

Tampa Bay took an early 14-0 lead after Jordan found Eric Truvillion in the endzone for a 20-yard touchdown toss and Ricky Williams scored on a four-yard run at the end of the opening stanza.

Jim Stone broke the ice for Chicago in the second quarter with a two-yard touchdown run, which was followed by a Frank Corral 48-yard field goal and then a safety from Malcolm Taylor.

The Bandits went up 17-12 at the end of the half when veteran Zenon Andrusyshyn nailed a 44-yard field goal with just eleven seconds on the clock.

Game Notes;

Larry Brodsky hauled in five catches for 55 yards, while Danny Buggs finished with five grabs for 72 yards for the Bandits...... Chicago defensive back Doug Plank left in the fourth quarter with a knee injury and did not return...the Bandits outgained Chicago 427-320, but also committed five turnovers.

'85 Chronology-Season Opener

Event Date: February 21st, 1985

Event Description: Express Win Opener

Source: L.A. Daily News

Steve Young accounted for two touchdowns and Tony Zendejas booted a field goal, as the Los Angeles Express downed the defending champion Philadelphia Stars, 17-12, on Thursday night.

Los Angeles backup Frank Seurer, who replaced an injured Young in the second quarter, was 5-of-14 for 73 yards with one interception. 

Don Roberts carried the ball five times for 36 yards, while Jo Jo Townsell caught three passes for 57 yards for Los Angeles (1-0).

Chuck Fusina was less than stellar, completing 20-of-34 passes for 187 yards with three picks and a score. Kelvin Bryant carried the ball 27 times for 105 yards while also hauling in four receptions.

The Express jumped on the Stars early. 

A four yard touchdown run by Steve Young in the first quarter, was followed by a 30-yard Young to Townsell touchdown pass to start the second frame, as the Express moved out to a 14-3 half-time lead.

Philadelphia got on the board late in the first frame as David Trout connected on a 35-yard field goal, making it 7-3 at the 1:07 mark.

David Trout booted another field goal in the third quarter for Philadelphia, which cut the margin to 17-6.

Ken Duneks' 2-yard reception from Fusina with just 37 seconds remaining in the contest, cut the deficit to 17-12, but the Stars would not threaten again.

Game Notes;

Philadelphia accumulated 329 total yards while Los Angeles finished with 239...The Express committed seven penalties for 50 yards....Scott Fitzkee caught four passes for 60 yards for the Stars.

more to come......

'85 Chronology-Kick Off

As we kick-off the season please keep in mind;

All content is fictional. 

None of the content of this site is for commercial use nor is it for profit. All content is for entertainment purposes only. 

Special thanks to USFL Info, Birmingham Sports, Paul Reeths, Richie Franklin, USFL Remembered, Houston Gamblers.Com, Memphis Showboats and The Minister of Defense, Jersey Database, and This Is The USFL and others for granting me permission to use their logos, images and such. 

Special thanks to BCJones and the Virtual Card Sets. 

Any other images which appear from sources other than those listed above are from Google images and belong to their original owners. 

Any violation of copyright laws is unintended, all original United States Football League and ABC Sports pictures, images and photographs are their property. 

Big thanks to Drew and Shane for help with rosters and research and more.

Special thanks to David Dixon.

Enjoy......

USFL Poll-Atlantic Division

'85 Chronology-Atlantic Division Preview

Event Date: February 20th, 1985

Event Description: Atlantic Division Preview

Source: PFW

Philadelphia Stars

1984 Record: 16-2 USFL Champions

Stadium: Veterans 

Avg. Attendance: 28,668

Head Coach: Jim Mora

Key players: QB Chuck Fusina, RB Kelvin Bryant, C Bart Oates, T-G Brad Oates, NT Pete Kugler, LB Sam Mills, DB Garcia Lane, P Sean Landeta.

1985 Prediction: 13-5 1st place

New Jersey Generals

1984 Record: 14-4

Stadium: Meadowlands 

Avg. Attendance: 37,716

Head Coach: Walt Michaels

Key players: QB Doug Flutie, RB Herschel Walker, FB Mauric Carthon, C Kent Hull, G Dave Lapham, DE James Lockette, LB Bobby Leopold, DB Gary Barbaro, K Roger Ruzek.

1985 Prediction: 12-6 2nd place

Michigan Panthers

1984 Record: 8-10

Stadium: Silverdome

Avg. Attendance: 32,457

Head Coach: Jim Stanley

Key players: QB Bobby Hebert, RB John Williams, WR Anthony Carter, WR Derek Holloway, OT Ray Pinney, DT Larry Bethea, LB John Corker, DB Oliver Davis, P-S David Greenwood.

1985 Prediction: 11-7 3rd place

Pittsburgh Maulers

1984 Record: 3-15

Stadium: Three Rivers 

Avg. Attendance: 22,858

Head Coach: Hank Bullough

Key players: QB Glenn Carano, QB Steve Calabria*, RB Walter Holman, WR Greg Anderson, OT Don Maggs, T Kari Yli-Renko, C-T Todd Thomas, NT Ira Albright, LB Putt Choate, DB Jerry Holmes, P Larry Swider.

1985 Prediction: 4-14 4th place

USFL Poll-Southern Division

'85 Chronology-Southern Division Preview

Event Description: Southern Division Preview

Source: PFW

Memphis Showboats

1984 Record: 7-11

Stadium: Liberty Bowl

Avg. Attendance: 27,599

Head Coach: Pepper Rodgers

Key players: QB Walter Lewis, RB Tim Spencer, WR Derrick Crawford, TE Gary Shirk, OL Tyrone McGriff, T Russ Bolinger, DE Reggie White, LB Rod Shoate, DB Mossy Cade*, DB Mike Fox, P Jim Miller.

1985 Prediction: 11-7 1st place

Tampa Bay Bandits

1984 Record: 14-4

Stadium: Tampa 

Avg. Attendance: 46,158

Head Coach: Steve Spurrier

Key players: QB John Reaves, RB Gary Anderson, WR Eric Truvillion, TE Marvin Harvey, C-G Chuck Pitcock, G Nate Newton, DT Ron Simmons, DE Mike Butler, LB Alonzo Johnson, DB Doug Beaudoin, K-P Zenon Andrusyshyn.

1985 Prediction: 10-8 2nd place

Jacksonville Bulls

1984 Record: 6-12

Stadium: Gator Bowl

Avg. Attendance: 46,730

Head Coach: Lindy Infante

Key players: QB Brian Sipe, QB Ed Luther, RB Mike Rozier, RB Archie Griffin, WR Gary Clark, TE Mark Keel, OT J.T. Turner, DE Keith Millard*, LB Vaughn Johnson, DB Don Bessillieu, K Brian Franco.

1985 Prediction: 8-10 3rd place

Orlando Renegades

1984 Record: 3-15

Stadium: Citrus Bowl

Avg. Attendance: TBD

Head Coach: Lee Corso

Key players: QB Reggie Collier, RB Curtis Bledsoe, WR Joey Walters, WR Jackie Flowers, G-T Ron Mikolajczyk, DT Joe Ehrmann, LB Fred McAllister, DB Lupe Sanchez, P Greg Cater.

1985 Prediction: 6-12 4th place

USFL Poll-Central Division

'85 Chronology-Central Division Preview

Event Description: Central Division Preview

Source: PFW

Birmingham Stallions

1984 Record: 14-4

Stadium: Legion Field

Avg. Attendance: 36,850

Head Coach: Rollie Dotsch

Key players: QB Cliff Stoudt, RB Joe Cribbs, WR Jim Smith, C Joe Bock, T Pat Phenix, DT Dave Pureifory, DB Chuck Clanton, P Bob Parsons.

1985 Prediction: 12-6

Houston Gamblers

1984 Record: 13-5

Stadium: Astrodome

Avg. Attendance: 28,152

Head Coach: Jack Pardee

Key players: QB Jim Kelly, RB Sam Harrell, WR Richard Johnson, WR Ricky Sanders, WR Clarence Verdin, WR-KR Gerald McNeil, OL Billy Kidd, T Russ Bolinger, DE Ross Browner, LB Kiki DeAyala, DB Luther Bradley, DB Tommy Myers, K Toni Fritsch.

1985 Prediction: 12-6 2nd place

New Orleans Breakers

1984 Record: 8-10

Stadium: Superdome 

Avg. Attendance: 30,557

Head Coach: Dick Coury

Key players: QB Alan Risher, RB Marcus Dupree, RB Buford Jordan, WR Charlie Smith, WR Frank Lockett, TE Dan Ross, T Bill Winters, DT Alan Hughes, DE Jerald Baylis, LB Marcus Marek, LB Ben Needham, K Tim Mazzetti.

1985 Prediction: 9-9 3rd place

Chicago Blitz

1984 Record: 5-13

Stadium: Soldier Field

Avg. Attendance: 7,455

Head Coach: Marv Levy

Key players: QB Vince Evans, QB Greg Landry, RB Larry Canada, WR Marcus Anderson, TE Gary Lewis, OL Tom Thayer, DE Ruben Vaughan, LB Rich D’Amico, DB Virgil Livers, S Doug Plank, K-P Frank Corral.

1985 Prediction: 6-12 3rd place

USFL Poll-Pacific Division

'85 Chronology-Pacific Division Preview

Event Description: Pacific Division Preview

Source: PFW

Arizona Wranglers

1984 Record: 10-8 Lost USFL Championship

Stadium: Sun Devil

Avg. Attendance: 25,568

Head Coach: Frank Kush

Key players: QB Doug Williams, RB Kevin Long, WR Trumaine Johnson, OG Alvin Powell, T Donnie Hickman, DT Kit Lathrop, DB Bruce Laird, DB Selwyn Drain, K Luis Zendejas*.

1985 Prediction: 11-7 First place

Los Angeles Express

1984 Record: 10-8

Stadium: Coliseum

Avg. Attendance: 15,361

Head Coach: John Hadl

Key players: QB Steve Young, RB Kevin Nelson, RB Mel Gray, WR Jo Jo Townsell, TE-HB Gordon Hudson, C Mike Ruether, OL Gary Zimmerman, T Jeff Hart, T Mark Adickes, DE Eddie Weaver, LB Howard Carson, DB Troy West, S Dwight Drane, K Tony Zendejas.

1985 Prediction: 9-9 2nd place

Oakland Invaders

1984 Record: 7-11

Stadium: Oakland Coliseum 

Avg. Attendance: 23,644

Head Coach: Charlie Sumner

Key players: QB Fred Besana, QB Rick Neuheisel, RB Albert Bentley, WR Gordon Banks, C-G Jim Leonard, OL Reggie Irving, DE Dave Browning, LB Gary Plummer, LB Rich Dixon, P Stan Talley.

1985 Prediction: 8-10 3rd place

Denver Gold

1984 Record: 9-9

Stadium: Mile High

Avg. Attendance: 33,953

Head Coach: Mouse Davis

Key players: QB Bob Gagliano, RB Bill Johnson, SB Leonard Harris, WR Marc Lewis, OC John Yarno, G George Yarno, DE Calvin Turner, LB Stan Blinka, DB Nate Miller, K-P Jim Asmus.

1985 Prediction: 6-12 4th place

more to come......

'85 Chronology-Rooted in Success?

Event Date: February 19th, 1985

Event Description: USFL: Smaller is Bigger

Source: Toledo Blade

USFL Poll #11

'85 Chronology-Week #2 Pre-Season Scoreboard

Event Date: February 18th, 1985

Event Description: Week #2 Pre-Season

Source: The Albany Herald

In other Week #2 action:

The Orlando Renegades topped Philadelphia 16-10, Pittsburgh dumped Jacksonville 17-13, the Birmingham Stallions won at Arizona 14-12, the Denver Gold held on to defeat Houston 20-11, meanwhile New Orleans out did Oakland 33-22 and the Chicago Blitz and L.A. Express played to 26-26 tie.

more to come......

'85 Chronology-Salary Cap Status

Event Date: February 16th, 1985

Internal Memo: USFL Finance Committee

Re: Upcoming 1985 Salary Cap Status

The following is a complete list of player salaries, the new USFL wage scale and the salary cap status of each individual USFL franchise. 

Go here for details;

more to come......

'85 Chronology-New CBA

Event Date: February 15th, 1985

Event Description: New USFL CBA

Source: Reading Eagle

USFL Poll #10

'85 Chronology-Replay Review

Event Date: February 12th, 1985

Event Description: Replay Controversy?

Source: Courier Express

'85 Chronology-Strike Unlikely?

Event Date: February 11th, 1985

Event Description: Pro Football News

Source: Milwaukee Sentinel

'85 Chronology-Labor Strife?

Event Date: February 10th, 1985

Event Description: Strike Looming?

Source: Ottawa Citizen

'85 Chronology-Week #1 Pre-Season Scoreboard

Event Date: February 10th, 1985

Event Description: Week #1 Pre-Season

Source: Pro Football News

Bobby Hebert was sharp and Reggie Collier struggled as the United States Football League opened its exhibition season on Saturday night.

Hebert threw for 200 yards and two touchdowns in less than a half, leading the Michigan Panthers to a 21-10 win over Orlando at the Citrus Bowl before a small but enthusiastic crowd.

The Panthers and their offense were clearly fired up for their first exhibition game against the leagues’ newest entry the Orlando Renegades.

Hebert and Michigan's defensive front were impressive in the first of two preseason games, one that both teams treated like a real game for much of the first half.

The Panthers (1-0) know they can't get too excited about exhibition results, especially against a team like Orlando which is still trying to implement their offense under new head coach Lee Corso.

Hebert was 12 of 14 with one incomplete pass that was dropped by Derek Holloway in the end zone and another that was broken up by a defender.

Hebert threaded a pass into the end zone to Anthony Carter for a 9-yard touchdown to put Michigan ahead 7-0 on its second drive. He made another perfect pass to tght end Mike Cobb for a 12-yard score that made it 14-3 midway through the second quarter.

Orlando pivot Reggie Collier was 12 of 22, skipping passes off the turf to open teammates near the sideline and throwing short and low on another attempt over the deep middle to a wide open Jackie Flowers on what could've been a touchdown. Collier also hung up a pass intended for Bob Niziolek that was intercepted by defensive back Oliver Davis.

Both teams added touchdowns in the second-half as Michigan held on for the victory.

In other scores from Orlando, the Pittsburgh Maulers beat Memphis 14-10, Jacksonville defeated New Jersey 28-17 as Doug Flutie watched from the sidelines, and Philadelphia downed Tampa 14-9.

Out in Arizona, the Chicago Blitz downed Arizona 37-24, behind a pair of touchdowns from Vince Evans, the Los Angeles Express defeated New Orleans 36-23, the Houston Gamblers outlasted Oakland 31-24 and Birmingham and Denver scrimmaged to a 10-10 tie.

more to come......

USFL Poll #9

'85 Chronology-Take the Money and Run!

Event Date: February 8th, 1985

Event Description: Ben Bennett Interview

Source: Record-Journal

*Editors Note: With the arrival of Brian Sipe, Bennett has since been traded to Tampa Bay

'85 Chronology-Trade Winds

Event Date: February 8th, 1985

Event Description: Generals Trade Sipe

Source: Gainesville Sun

'85 Chronology-Simmons Signs Extension

Event Date: February 5th, 1985

Event Description: Simmons Extension

Source: PFW

United States Football League commissioner Chet Simmons has had his contract extended through the 1986 season.

The league says a resolution was approved at a December owners meeting to negotiate an extension with Simmons, after the league voted to remain a spring time entity. His original three-year contract was set to expire at the end of the 1985 season.

The 56-year-old Simmons has overseen a series contentious owners’ meeting as the league attempts to right itself financially as it returns to its original business model. Pro Football Weekly first reported the extension.

moe to come......

'85 Chronology-The Little General

Event Date: February 4th, 1985

Event Description: Flutie Joins Generals

Source: Evening Independent

Photo: AP

USFL Poll #8

'85 Chronology-Rozier Accepts Offer

Event Date: February 4th, 1985

Event Description: Bulls Add Rozier

Source: Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-Mack Trucks

Event Date: February 4th, 1985

Event Description: Mack Jumps to NFL

Source: Akron Beacon 

USFL Poll #7

'85 Chronology-May Day

Event Date: February 3rd, 1985

Event Description: NFL Free Agency

Source: Beaver County Press (AP)

'85 Chronology-Training Camp Schedule

Event Date: February 2nd, 1985

Event Description: Training Camp Schedule

Source: League Office

MEDIA RELEASE

2.2.1985

Pre-Season Exhibition Schedule

The 1985 United States Football League training camps will be held at the Arizona Wranglers facilities and the Orlando Renegades facilities.

The following teams will train in Arizona; Chicago, New Orleans, Houston, Birmingham, Arizona, Denver, Los Angeles and Oakland.

The following teams will train in Orlando; Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, Orlando, Memphis, New Jersey, Michigan, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Exhibition Games

Week #1 (Saturday, February 9th)

Chicago vs. Arizona
New Orleans vs. Los Angeles (Mesa, Arizona)
Houston vs. Oakland
Birmingham vs. Denver
Michigan vs. Orlando (Deland, Florida)
Pittsburgh vs. Memphis
New Jersey vs. Jacksonville
Philadelphia vs. Tampa Bay

Week #2 (Saturday, February 16th)

Michigan at Tampa Bay
Pittsburgh at Jacksonville
Philadelphia at Orlando
Birmingham at Arizona

New Jersey vs. Memphis at Charlotte, North Carolina
Houston at Denver at Dallas, Texas
Chicago vs. Los Angeles at Fresno, California
New Orleans vs. Oakland at Shreveport, Louisiana

About the United States Football League

The U.S. Football League is a professional football league which will play its season from late February through July. 

The league will follow the David Dixon Model and will present quality professional football in the spring and summer months.

For Additional Information contact

Jim Byrne

Director of Communications

United States Football League

52 Vanderbilt Avenue

New York, N.Y.