'85 Chronology-Debutant

Event Date: February 15th, 1985

Event Description: Stallions Prep For Flutie

Source: United Press International

Doug Flutie makes his pro debut in nine days and Birmingham Stallions quarterback Cliff Stoudt says it shouldn't take long to see whether the Heisman Trophy winner is too short for pro football.

Birmingham hosts the New Jersey Generals Feb. 24 in the nationally televised USFL game. Flutie, the 5-foot-9 former Boston College star, became the Generals' starting quarterback a week ago when Brian Sipe was traded to Jacksonville.

“I think Flutie will do very well. He's the Heisman Trophy winner and a little guy and everybody likes that,” the 6-foot-4 Stoudt said. “But I got three passes knocked back in my face by our defense the other day, and I've got a few inches on Flutie.”

Stoudt said he would be looking forward to watching Flutie play when the Stallions don't have the ball, but he thinks New Jersey made a mistake trading Sipe to the Bulls.

“I think for Flutie's sake, a guy like Brian Sipe could really help him along,” Stoudt said.

Stallions Coach Rollie Dotsch said neither Flutie's height nor inexperience have him relishing the thought of facing a quarterback who can run as well as he can throw.

“It would normally be comforting to know you'll be up against a rookie quarterback in the first game of the season,” Dotsch said, “but when you say Doug Flutie you worry about a guy like that, who is real intelligent and is a scrambler. Most coaches worry about scramblers more. He can get inside containment or outside containment and make the big play.”

The Stallions were 16-5 last year in a season that ended with a loss to the Houston Gamblers in the league championship game.

“We're better than we were last year, but I don't know if that means anything,” Dotsch said, commenting on off-season acquisitions and trades. “Everybody is going to be better.”

Story-(UPI)