Event Date: February 17th, 1984
Event Description: USFL Preview: Southern Division
Source: Pro Football Weekly
Southern Division Preview
Birmingham Stallions
1983 Record: 13-5
Stadium: Legion Field
Avg. Attendance: 22,046
Key players: QB Cliff Stoudt, RB Joe Cribbs, WR Jim Smith, WR Joey Jones, OC Tom Banks, G-T Buddy Aydelette, OT Pat Phenix, DL Dave Purifoy, LB Herb Spencer, DB Chuck Clanton, P Bob Parson.
Sport Scene's Outlook: Joe Cribbs gives the Stallions the genuine breakaway threat that they lacked last season. Toss in two key elements in the sill-young league-a coach who knows how to win and an owner who's willing to spend--and Birmingham's prospects look bright for 1984.
1984 Prediction: 12-6 1st place
Tampa Bay Bandits
1983 Record: 5-13
Stadium: Tampa Stadium
Avg. Attendance: 39,911
Key players: QB John Reaves, QB Jimmy Jordan, RB Gary Anderson, FB Greg Boone, WR Eric Truvillion, TE Marvin Harvey, C-G Chuck Pitcock, G Nate Newton, G-T Fred Dean, DT Ron Simmons, DE Mike Butler, LB James Harrell, DB Doug Beaudoin, K-P Zenon Andrusyshyn.
Sport Scene's Outlook: The Bandits appear to be ready to make their move into playoff contention in 1984. The team got a break with the addition of two expansion teams moving into the division.
Expect the Bandits to make a real bid for a playoff berth, and with a break or two could even end up as the playing hosts for the '84 title game set for Tampa Stadium.
Expect the Bandits to make a real bid for a playoff berth, and with a break or two could even end up as the playing hosts for the '84 title game set for Tampa Stadium.
1984 Prediction: 10-8 2nd place
Memphis Showboats
1983 Record: Expansion Team
Stadium: Liberty Bowl
Avg. Attendance: TBD
Key players: QB Walter Lewis, RB Terdell Middleton, WR Derrick Crawford, TE Gary Shirk, OL Larry Pfohl, DE Reggie White, LB Rod Shoate, DB Barney Bussey, DB Doran Major, P Rick Partridge.
Sport Scene's Outlook: The Showboats were unable to lure Kenny "Snake" Stabler away from the NFL's New Orleans Saints, but the team did sign former Alabama starwalter Lewis to go along with ex-Georgia Tech standout Mike Kelley.
The Pepper Rodgers-led Showboats, whose offense figures to come out throwing and never look back, while on the defensive side look for the handful of vets brought on board to key a swarming, opportunistic bunch.
Ultimately, the Showboats will have to battle fellow expansionist Jacksonville to stay out of the Southern Division cellar this season.
The Pepper Rodgers-led Showboats, whose offense figures to come out throwing and never look back, while on the defensive side look for the handful of vets brought on board to key a swarming, opportunistic bunch.
Ultimately, the Showboats will have to battle fellow expansionist Jacksonville to stay out of the Southern Division cellar this season.
1984 Prediction: 7-11 3rd place
Jacksonville Bulls
1983 Record: Expansion Team
Stadium: Gator Bowl
Avg. Attendance: TBD
Key players: QB Matt Robinson, QB Ben Bennett, RB Willie McClendon, WR Alton Alexis, WR Perry Kemp, WR Aubrey Matthews, OT Bob Gruber, DT Don Latimer, LB Tom Dinkell, LB Vaughn Johnson, DB Don Bessillieu, K Brian Franco.
Sport Scene's Outlook: Local football fans probably won't need a game program to identify the Bulls, since a large number of the Jacksonville players plied their college wares at nearby institutions of higher learning.
Personable Lindy Infante has staked his head coaching rep in Jacksonville and in time, the Bulls should respond to his astute leadership and start to jell.
Personable Lindy Infante has staked his head coaching rep in Jacksonville and in time, the Bulls should respond to his astute leadership and start to jell.
1984 Prediction: 7-11 4th place
Source: 1984 SPORTSCENE's Winning Football
Source: 1984 SPORTSCENE's Winning Football
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