USFL '86: The Season That Never Was

Saturday, January 4, 2020

'85 Chronology-Playoff Push

Event Date: June 16th, 1985

Event Description: Playoff Roundup

Source: PFW-UPI

On Saturday night,  Steve Spurriers' worries that his offense would never get going were all for naught.

“I was concerned with our point production in the first half,” Spurrier said. “But we put it together in the second half. It was a game where we did a lot of things right. It's just a great feeling to know we were being rewarded for our hard work all season.” 

The Bandits scored a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns enroute to a 33-21 win over their divison rivals, despite losing the services of star widout Eric Truvillion who missing due to his recent suspension.

The Bandits led 19-7 after three quarters, then John Reaves tossed a pair of touchdowns in the final quarter on their way to final victory. 

Reaves completed 26-of-39 passes for 290 yards with one interception and one sack. Gary Anderson led all rushers with 81 yards on 24 carries and one rushing touchdown.

After a 55-yard strike from Mike Kelley to Greg Moser which cut the Bandits’ lead to 19-14, Tampa pivot John Reaves found Gary Anderson for a 12-yard touchdown and then followed that up with a 27-yard touchdown to Larry Brodsky with just over three minutes remaining in the contest. 

Memphis quarterback Mike Kelly hit on 14-of-22 passes for 251 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. Greg Moser finished with six receptions for a career-high 180 yards and two scores.

The Bandits will now take on the New Jersey Generals who defeated Philadelphia also on Saturday.

It'll be another challenge for our team,” Spurrier said. “It's going to take another perfect game as they have the best player in the league in Herschel Walker.”


At New Jersey, Herschel Walker finished with 149 yards rushing and one touchdown while Doug Flutie tossed three touchdown passes en route to their 35-13 victory over the Stars. 

(Story-UPI Modified)

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