1984 Season Premiere
- USFL LIVES
- Dec 19, 2020
- 3 min read
ABC Sports, March 2, 1984
The USFL kicks off this weekend with 8 games over 3 days, starting with tonight's matchup of Michigan and Denver, a rematch from the playoffs last year, but this time with Bobby Hebert healthy and ready to lead the Panthers. With 4 expansion teams added to the 12 founding franchises the league has added a lot of new talent, and some big names, to their rosters. As we look at the matchups for this week, let's focus on the potential stars for each team.
Michigan @ Denver-- Friday, 8pm ABC
Bobby Hebert returns for the Panthers and Denver lines up with a new QB in former Chiefs draft pick Bob Gagliano replaces Ken Johnson, who was signed by the NFL's Colts. Vegas places Michigan as a 7 point favorite in this playoff rematch.
LA @ Philadelphia-- Saturday, 2pm ABC
Steve Young, the athletic dual threat from BYU begins the year as the LA quarterback, hoping to add energy to the Express attack, while the Stars return the core of their '83 division winner. Rookie DE William Fuller has looked unstoppable in Stars camp and hopes to chase down Young in this one. Philadelphia is favored by 5 points.
Pittsburgh @ Arizona-- Saturday, 7pm ESPN
The expansion Maulers, led by former Cowboy Glen Carano and 1983 Heisman Winner Mike Rozier head out to the desert to face the "New" Wranglers, who look a lot like the old Chicago Blitz. Veteran Greg Landry will start for the Wranglers, and look for him to try to connect with wideouts Trumaine Johnson and rookie Louis Lipps. Vegas gives Arizona the home field edge, a 2 point favorite.
Boston @ New Jersey-- Sunday, 2pm ABC Regional
Johnnie Walton leads the Breakers into New Jersey to take on Hershel Walker and the Generals. New Jersey added NFL vets in QB Brian Sipe, S Gary Barbaro and Head Coach Walt Michaels to add leadership to an underperforming squad. Boston's top rookie, QB Tony Eason is not expected to play, but promising rookie RB Buford Jordan will share carries with Richard Crump for the Breakers. New Jersey is a 3 point favorite at home.
Washington @ Tampa Bay-- Sunday, 2pm ABC Regional
The defending champs host the team with the worst record in the league last year. The Federals have a new QB in former Stallion Reggie Collier, but the key will be their RB tandem of Craig and Bledsoe. For Tampa, the champs look much the same as we saw last year, with a few new pieces on defense, like FSU DT Alphonso Carreker. Tampa is a heavy 13 point favorite to start the season with a win.
Houston @ Jacksonville-- Sunday, 5pm ABC Regional
Two expansion teams clash in this late afternoon game. Houston has highly tauted Miami QB Jim Kelly and a trio of speedy wideouts, while Jacksonville will depend on the savvy of former Buccaneers QB Doug Williams. The game is a toss-up in Vegas.
Chicago @ Oakland-- Sunday, 5pm ABC Regional
Two underachievers from last season meet with an eye on redefining themselves. Fred Besana leads a largely unchanged Oakland offense, while former Bear Vince Evans gets the start at QB for Chicago. Oakland is a 4 point favorite at home.
Memphis @ Birmingham-- Sunday, 9pm ESPN
The expansion Showboats come into Birmingham with what looks like a solid defense, led by rookie DE Reggie White, and a new signing, having inked 1-year wonder from Oklahoma, RB Marcus Dupree. Dupree will not be eligible to play for 2 more weeks, so Memphis will depend on QB Walter Lewis against the Stalliions, who now boast former NFL vets Cliff Stoudt and Joe Cribbs to power their offense. Birmingham is an 8 point favorite.
So, are you ready for football? Spring football and the USFL are back, bigger, better, and ready to battle. Let's get to the games!
Comments