SOUTHERN DIVISION
Our second of four preview stories focuses on the new Southern Division within the USFL’s Eastern Conference. With two strong returning franchises, including the 1983 USFL Champion Tampa Bay Bandits, and two expansion teams in Memphis and Jacksonville, this could be a bi-polar division. We expect Tampa to be a force again in 1984, and Birmingham is also a very solid team, but we like the aggressive postures taken by both the Houston Gamblers and Jacksonville Bulls in signing big name talent. In a division that may end up leading the league in attendance in hotbed SEC and ACC territory, the question is whether anyone has the tools to keep up with a Bandits squad that defined success in 1983.
TAMPA BAY BANDITS (14-2, League Champions)
Bandit Ball was all the rage last season, and the Bandits look loaded for bear again in 1984. Their additions are not as flashy as those of other teams, but they did not lack for much last year, with an explosive longball offense and a tenacious defense used to playing with a lead, the Bandits have all the pieces they need to compete again at the highest level.
Returning Stars: QB John Reaves, RB Gary Anderson, WR Eric Truvillion, WR Willie Gillespie, LB Alonzo Johnson, DT Fred Nordgren
Departures: No players of note.
New Additions: LB James Harrell (NFL), RB Speedy Neal (Miami), DT Alphonso Carreker (FSU), SS John Bostic (Bethune C)
Projection: We see Tampa as a strong candidate to repeat in ’84. They will face a challenge from an improved Birmingham team, but this squad has experienced leadership, solid coaching and a talented roster. We expect Bandit Ball to keep rolling this year.
BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS (10-6, 3rd in Division)
For much of the year Birmingham kept pace with the Bandits, and were solid on both sides of the ball, but their passing game could not match the strength of their rush game with now-departed Cornelius Quarles. The Stallions hope they have found a good replacement for the dynamic Quarles by signing disgruntled Buffalo Bills RB Joe Cribbs, but the most important addition may be that of former Steelers QB Cliff Stoudt. Stoudt never quite got his footing under him in Pittsburgh but hopes that a move to the Steel City of the South will help spark something. The Stallions are hoping that spark can lead the team into the playoffs this season.
Returning Stars: HB Earl Gant, G Buddy Aydolette, WR Jim Smith, LB Rich D’Amico, DE Jackie Cline, CB Jeff Cox.
Departures: HB Cornelius Quarles (NFL)
New Additions: QB Cliff Stoudt (NFL), HB Joe Cribbs (NFL), HB Michael Haddix (Miss St), CB Dennis Woodberry (So Ark).
Projection: Birmingham is not as flashy as Tampa Bay, but they have a solid core and coach Rollie Dotsch has their faith. We think this is a playoff team if not a championship contender in 1984, but a lot is depending on the meshing of new QB and RB talent in Stoudt and Cribbs.
JACKSONVILLE BULLS (Expansion Franchise)
Jacksonville was a surprise selection when the USFL announced their 4 new franchises for 1984, but since that announcement owner Fred Bullard has put together a solid franchise. Season ticket sales are among the best in the league, and some of the talent that Bullard and Head Coach Lindy Infante have brought to northern Florida might merit some excitement. Bullard was able to sign an NFL veteran at QB in Doug WIliams, taking advantage of poor negotiations with the NFL Buccaneers to snag his starter. But Williams is not the only talent on this team. Jacksonville has a chance to do some damage in their first year.
Potential Stars: QB Doug Williams (NFL), RB Sidney Thornton (NFL), WR Gary Clark (JMU), DB Terry Kinard (Clemson), LB Vaughan Johnson (NC State), TE Trey Junkin (La Tech)
Projections: Veteran leadership is the key. If Williams and Thornton can provide that, then the inventive offensive mind of Lindy Infante could find himself with a winning club.
MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS (Expansion Franchise)
Memphis is a great location for football, as the WFL’s Memphis Southmen proved, but unlike the WFL’s short-lived team, this Memphis squad did not raid NFL roster for Csonka-like talent. They were largely content with plying the waters of the collegiate draft, where they founds some gems in QB Walter Lewis, and the big fish, Tennessee DE Reggie White. Is it enough to begin their team as a winner in a tough division, we are not sure, but we expect free-wheeling Head Coach Pepper Rodgers to come up with some twists and surprises along the way.
Potential Stars: QB Walter Lewis (Alabama), WR Mel Gray (NFL), WR Willie Gault (Tenn), DE Reggie White (Tenn), LB Eddie Simmons (Kansas), and K Efran Herrera (NFL)
Projection: We think the Memphis D will be solid, if young, but scoring may be tough for the Showboats. 7-8 wins is possible if they can get any semblance of offense from this young squad.