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USA Today, March 13, 1987 The USFL kicks off their fifth season tomorrow and fans across the country are gearing up for football once again. With four new franchises and a lot of new faces around the league there is a buzz of excitement for this season kickoff weekend. Let’s look at the changes you can expect this season and then preview this week’s big games. Here is what you need to know about the USFL this year: NEW TEAMS There are 4 new teams, spread from coast to coast. The Orlando Renegades are led by former U. of Miami coach Howard Schnellenberger and feature QB Reggie Collier, HB Curtis Bledsoe and former Gold wideout Vic James. The Oklahoma Outlaws are led by QB Doug Williams and former Cardinals HB Stump Mitchell. San Antonio’s Gunslingers traded to get both LB Putt Choate (DEN) and QB Rick Neuheisel (ARZ). They play in the league’s smallest park, Alamo Stadium, which, with additional temporary seating will hold approximately 24,000 fans. And Chicago is back in the league. After losing the Blitz to Baltimore, the new Chicago Machine will be taking the field with QB Chuck Long, HB Albert Bentley, and former Browns LB Clay Matthews anchoring the defense. REALIGNMENT With Expansion came some minor realignment. To fit in these 4 clubs, the league expanded each division to 5 teams, and the Pittsburgh Maulers shifted from the Central Division to the Atlantic, where they will now face off with in-state rivals, the Philadelphia Stars, twice a year. All other divisions have at least one expansion club, with Orlando playing in the Southern Division along with Tampa and Jacksonville for a lot of good in-state games. Both San Antonio and Chicago will join the Central, giving Houston their first in-state rivalry and returning a Chicago-Michigan Midwest match to the schedule. The Oklahoma Outlaws were slated to play in the Pacific Division when they were originally planning to play in San Diego, California. Now that they are in Oklahoma, their closest rival will be the Denver Gold. EXPANDED PLAYOFFS The expanded league also means expanded playoffs, as now 5 teams from each conference will participate in a 10-team playoff. The added teams also means an added week of playoff action as the two lowest-ranked Wild Card teams in each conference will play in the Wild Card Weekend, prior to the Divisional Playoffs, for the right to travel to each conference’s #1 seed. INSTANT REPLAY New this year in the USFL will be an instant replay system which allows the coaches each 3 challenges to calls made on the field. They can challenge everything from ball placement to penalties, fumbles to completions. Just how this will impact games remains to be seen, but it sounds like an answer to fans’ constant complaints about officiating, or just another element of officiating to complain about. TELEVISION Finally, the addition of 4 teams means 2 more games per week, a total of 10 each week. There will be no bye weeks this year, so all 20 teams will be in action each week. With 10 games, and a new TV contract, there will be triple headers on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturdays will have 3 games, with a Noon, 3pm and 8pm (EST) game. On Sunday’s there will be 6 games, with 3 early games at noon and 3 late games at 4pm, and, of course, each week there will be a final game held on Monday Night and televised on ABC. ABC and ESPN remain the exclusive television partners of the USFL, though there are talks underway for an additional network once the current contracts end after the 1988 season. For this year, it is ABC on Saturday afternoon and all Sunday games, with ESPN taking the Saturday Night and Monday Night games. Now let’s take a look at the first week of matchups as the USFL Season kicks off. SATURDAY Birmingham @ Baltimore (12pm EST-ABC) The Stallions and Blitz are both hoping to make deep playoff runs this year, and both are led by familiar faces. Cliff Stoudt will be handing off to Joe Cribbs, while Vince Evans hopes to reconnect with wideout Jackie Flowers. The biggest new arrival in this game is Stanley Morgan at wideout opposite Flowers. Morgan is a savvy vet of 9 years in the NFL with the Patriots. Oklahoma @ San Antonio (4pm EST-ABC) Our first look at the new expansion clubs will be a Texas-Oklahoma showdown and maybe a Wild West shootout as it’s the Gunslingers and the Outlaws. Both teams traded multiple draft picks to acquire top QB talent in Doug Williams (OKL) and Rick Neuheisel (SAN), and both have a lot of questions as the season starts. The good news for one of these expansion clubs is that one will not start the year off winless. Denver @ Houston (8pm EST-ESPN) The first night game of the year is a coaching matchup between the former OC of the Gamblers, Mouse Davis of Denver, against his former boss and close friend Jack Pardee of Houston. Both of these teams are itching to make a playoff appearance in 1987 and both have some new names to watch. In Denver, linebacker Michael Douglass comes over from the Green Bay Packers with big shoes to fill for the departed Putt Choate. Meanwhile, in Houston, they have a local linebacker of their own, Texas A&M’s Johnny Holland, who has won the WLB position for the Gamblers. SUNDAY Jacksonville @ New Jersey (Noon EST-ABC) The Bulls waited until just today to announce that veteran Ed Luther will get the start over top draft pick Chris Miller at QB. For New Jersey, it is the same faces we all know, Doug Flutie and Herschel Walker, who will try once again to live up to expectations and finally get New Jersey a playoff berth. Memphis @ Philadelphia (Noon EST-ABC) The Showboats, with star DE Reggie White, have a tough draw for opening week as they face a Philadlephia Stars team that retained most of their roster over the wild offseason. The Stars will rely on Kelvin Bryant to control the ball, while Chuck Fusina hopes to make a connection with the cross-league transfer Mike Quick, formerly of the Eagles. For Memphis, they spent the offseason working on their O-line in hopes of boosting the run game with Robert Williams and Buford Jordan. Tampa Bay @ Washington (Noon EST-ABC) The new-look Federals, with former NFL QB Neil Lomax, host the always dangerous Tampa Bay Bandits. Tampa lost backup QB Jimmie Jordan to the expansion draft, so they will put a premium on protecting John Reaves. For Washington, the hope is that the addition of Lomax, along with 3rd down back Alfred Jenkins and imposing rookie DT Jerome Brown will be the difference this year, finally taking the Feds to the playoffs after 4 years of frustration. Orlando @ Pittsburgh (4pm EST-ABC) If the Maulers want to turn their fate around, no better way to start than with an expansion team coming to your home turf. The Maulers drafted for defense under new Head Coach Roman Gabriel. DC Ernie Stautner, the longtime Cowboy DC, is hoping new rookie LB John Bosa can have an impact. For Orlando, a mix of rookies, free agents and two former Federals (Collier and Bledsoe) make up the roster. The player we are keeping our eyes on is former Cowboy SS Bill Bates, who will captain the defense. Arizona @ Chicago (4pm EST-ABC) Football returns to Soldier Field as the expansion Machine take on the Arizona Wranglers. Arizona is hoping QB Robbie Bosco is ready to take command of the offense. They brought in former Buccaneer James Wilder to boost the run game and take pressure off the former BYU Cougar at QB. For Chicago, it is all about untested leadership as they have opted to start rookie QB Chuck Long from Iowa in his first pro game. He will also depend on the run game as Chicago plans to rely heavily on former Invader Albert Bentley, who 2 years ago rushed for over 1,000 yards for Oakland. Oakland @ New Orleans (4pm EST-ABC) Speaking of Oakland, the Invaders are hoping to repeat as Pacific Division champions. They roll into New Orleans with a revamped LB corps and a former Dolphin All-Pro at DE in Kim Bokamper. New Orleans will try to build off their playoff win last July and will lean heavily on HB Marcus Dupree to do so. The Breakers defense may be a bit shaky, so expect New Orleans to try to outscore opponents, a game Oakland is also adept at. This one may be a barn burner. MONDAY Los Angeles @ Michigan (8pm EST-ESPN) Steve Young and the LA Express roll into the Silver Dome to take on a very different Panthers team. The defense for the Panthers should still be fierce, but all eyes are on former backup Jack Trudeau as he takes the reins on the Panthers offense. For the Express, expect to see a good number of carries from rookie HB Christian Okoye, who broke tackles left and right in a preseason game against Chicago.

Sporting News, February 20, 1987 As the USFL prepares for its 5th spring season there is a mix of optimism and concern for the league. On the one hand the league has been ambitious with its signing of NFL calibre talent and its expansion, first from 12 to 16 teams in 1984 and now to 20 teams for the 1987 season, but with growth have come growing pains. There are concerns that rapid growth has led to a league of haves and have-nots, with wildly different franchise capitalization and uneven support for franchises across the country. It seems that the same 4-5 teams are present in the playoffs each year just as the same 4-5 teams always find themselves at the bottom of the standings. There is also concern that the ongoing player war between the USFL and the NFL is one the USFL is simply unable to win in the long term, when revenue from television, sponsorship and ticket sales is simply not in the same ballpark of that found in the senior league. While talk of a fall season and possible merger has been quelled since the 1984 vote, there are still many within the league who question the sustainability of the spring model, or the current spending levels for the USFL. But as often is the case when we approach the kickoff weekend of a season, the main questions are those related to what we will see on the playing field. With so much changeover in USFL rosters, from the loss of major stars such as QB Bobby Hebert and DE Junior Ah You, and the shocking movement of others from established teams to expansion teams, including 3 starting QB’s, the 1987 season feels almost like a reboot, and that means that there are a lot of fans in new places hoping their team can compete and a lot in the homes of established playoff contenders wondering if their squad has retained enough to hold their position. So, in this year of so many questions, we are choosing to put aside the usual team-by-team preview and focus on the questions on everyone’s minds. Here are the Top 10 questions being asked around the USFL as we gear up for the 1987 season. 1. Can any of the new expansion teams be immediately competitive? The easy answer to this is no. As we saw in 1984, when none of the 4 expansion teams (Houston, Pittsburgh, Memphis and Jacksonville) made the playoffs even with the field expanding, the presence of a few big names and some quality players is not enough to compete right away. It took Jacksonville 2 seasons to equalize their roster depth and talent with those of founding 1983 franchises and none of the other three have been able to do so yet. Sure, you can point to some of the high quality players on 1987 expansion teams, players like Doug Williams in Oklahoma, Putt Choate and Rick Neuheisel in San Antonio, Reggie Collier and Curtis Bledsoe in Orlando, or Clay Matthews and Albert Bentley in Chicago, but the rest of these rosters is a mishmash of USFL talent, rookies, and free agents pulled from a pretty shallow pool. While we expect that the four new teams will get their share of wins, we expect them to fall short, even with an expanded 10 team playoff. 2. Are any perennial also-rans poised to take the next step? It is here where we see some potential. Houston has finished at 7-9 for all three years of their existence, but they got there last year by winning their final 5 games of the year, all after adjusting their offensive tempo and playcalling to maximize the talents of QB Jim Kelly. They took some hits to their roster this offseason, but so did everyone else. We predict that this is the year that the Gamblers start winning. There is also hope in Washington, where the addition of both QB Neil Lomax and rookie DT Jerome Brown indicate that the Federals are making a push. In an Atlantic Division where it has always been Philly and the Also-Rans, Washington has a shot to finally make a serious playoff push. 3. Which rookies seem poised to contribute immediately? There are a lot of rookies who look like Week One starters, including potentially at QB in Jacksonville, where Oregon’s Chris Miller is challenging former San Diego Charger QB Ed Luther. We expect to see a lot of touches for skills players such as HB Paul Palmer (OAK) and Brent Fullwood (BIR), though both are sitting behind established workhorse backs in Arthur Whittington and Joe Cribbs. Denver is almost certainly going to find ways to get the ball into the hands of wideouts Mark Carrier and Odessa Turner, and we anticipate that both lines and the defensive backfields of many teams will see some rookies contribute early. Looking for potential stars, we love what we have seen in camp from Washington DT Jerome Brown and from Oklahoma Outlaw LB Brian Bosworth, but the player who has truly impressed everyone in camp is LA Express RB Christian Okoye. The “Nigerian Nightmare” from tiny Asuza Pacific University has been a wrecking ball in camp. While he may not unseat all-purpose back Tony Boddie in the LA lineup, he will get some chances to overpower defenders as a short yardage and goal line back. 4. Which teams may suffer through ongoing QB controversies? Michigan is a clear choice, as fans lamenting the loss of 4-time All-USFL QB and 2-time USFL Championship MVP QB Bobby Hebert, are just not sold on either Jack Trudeau or NFL vet Jeff Kemp. In Chicago there is a 3 player race between Iowa grad Chuck Long, former Maulers starter Todd Blackledge and longtime Blitz backup Blair Kiel. We give the edge to Long but his leash may be a short one if Chicago cannot muster offense early in the year. We also know that Tony Eason’s position in New Orleans is always tenuous as well, but the clearest case for a potential QB controversy is in Arizona, where the unanticipated trade of Rick Neuheisel puts the pressure on untested Robby Bosco to perform. Bosco is backed up by the ageless Greg Landry and rookie Kelly Stouffer. If Bosco flounders, we expect one or both of his understudies to get a shot to prove they should be running the show. 5. Is Neil Lomax a difference maker in Washington? The signing of Lomax was one of the biggest moves of the offseason, and something unexpected of the often unassuming Federals. New Head Coach Sam Rutigliano is trying to replicate the success he had with Brian Sipe in Cleveland and hopes that Lomax, a true gunslinger, will be just the right hand at the rudder to guide Washington to its first winning record and playoff appearance. We like their chances. This is an 8-8 team from last year that has improved in several key areas of their roster, and QB is certainly one of them. Lomax brings a cocky personality and a rocket arm to the Feds and with a solid run game already in place, we think he will be able to pick apart USFL defenses and find ways to lead the Federals to the promised land. 6. Which players are risking their jobs in a make or break year? Few players in the league have been as criticized and analyzed as New Jersey QB Doug Flutie. The former Heisman winner came to the Generals with much promise, but it is jettisoned starter Brian Sipe, last year’s MVP who has had the better run these past two years. Flutie, and the Generals overall, have simply underperformed. Coach Perkins has to find a way to maximize the talents that Flutie possesses, rather than try to force the diminutive QB to be a traditional pocket passer. The Generals need to establish the run with Walker, use play action, roll Flutie out of the pocket to give him clear passing lanes, and script some bootleg and option style runs to make use of his escapability. Another poor year from Flutie and the Generals and ownership may start looking for ways to shop the gifted but underutilized quarterback. 7. Which playoff teams are on the shakiest ground? The casual fan may say Michigan, but despite the loss of Bobby Hebert, the Panthers will still almost certainly return a Top 5 defense and a lot of talent across the roster. Jacksonville is the other obvious pick. The loss of Doug Williams, while essentially forced by Williams himself, puts Jacksonville in a very tough spot. There defense is not elite, their run game is solid but not enough to carry the team, and their QB position is now a huge question mark. We could easily see Tampa Bay, with a far more stable pecking order in key positions, leapfrog the Bulls, and both Birmingham and Memphis look much improved as well. 8. Who will win the Pacific Division? This seems like the $64,000 question every year. For 4 years the Pacific has been the league’s most balanced and most unpredictable division. In 1983 the title went to Denver, in ’84 and ’85 LA barely beat out Arizona and Denver, and in ’86 it was Oakland. So, who looks strongest this year? As odd as it sounds, the last place LA Express may just have what it takes to jump from worst to first. They are still solid on defense, despite losing top tackler Danny Rich. DT Jerry Ball looks like a day 1 starter, and Christian Okoye may add a dimension on offense which the Express tried to develop in the departed Kevin Mack. Oakland will be the most likely foe LA must pass to get the title, as Brian Sipe still has Arthur Whittington and wideouts Mark Duper and Henry Ellard at his disposal. The Oakland D took some hits in the offseason, so the key may lie there. As for Denver and Arizona, both have a lot of question marks, but that does not mean that they are destined for failure. If the first four years of the USFL prove anything, it is that the Pacific Division will come down to a few key games over the course of the year. 9. Who looks stronger after this year’s bizarre offseason? We already spoke about LA and Washington, so let’s talk about another team that added some key pieces this offseason, the Houston Gamblers. Houston has always had solid talent at QB, HB and WR, but their line has caused Jim Kelly to scramble far too much, and the defense has not done their part. While they did lose some talent at wideout with the departure of Gerald McNeil and Richard Johnson, they gained in the areas they needed most. Their rookie class, while not possessing the splashy names of some other draft pools, has solid talent in key areas. For the O-line we expect that T Harris Barton will start at RT immediately and somewhat unheralded Alabama A&M tackle Howard Ballard also looks like he will get some snaps perhaps at left tackle. On defense we see LB Johnny Holland as a plug and play guy, and we also like what we have seen from CB Mike Adams in camp. Houston needed to improve in some basic areas and it looks like they did, without spending big on NFL talent. 10. Can Jack Trudeau really lead Michigan to a repeat Championship? This is the question everyone is asking. For four years Michigan has looked like the league’s best team, winning the title twice and losing out two other times due mainly to key injuries in the season’s final weeks (Hebert in ’83 and John Corker in ’85). But with the loss of their star player and team leader, what will the Panthers look like this year. Well, let’s start by saying that we do not expect this squad, despite its many strengths, to put a serious bid in on an undefeated season, as we saw the past 2 years. They are likely to struggle early as they try to find an offensive groove. They will need to rely more on John Williams and on that defense this year. They may look shaky at times, but this is a roster with a lot of talent, and if Trudeau can manage games, avoid costly errors, and let the full roster earn wins, the Panthers could still be a contender. Tales of their untimely demise may, in fact, be overrated.

USA Today, January 20, 1987 Just over a month after the USFL Territorial and Open Collegiate Drafts and the league’s 20 teams have been working overtime to sign their picks. This year’s draft saw an aggressive push for top tier talent as USFL teams did not shy away from players projected to be top NFL Selections. All in all the USFL has signed a whopping 28 players who were projected as NFL Round 1 or Round 2 selections, and while to date the league has not been able to come to terms with the recent Heisman Winner, QB Vinnie Testaverde of the U. of Miami, a lot of big name talent has opted to join the spring league. But let’s start with Testaverde. While Vinny and his agent have stated that they are open to either league, the Orlando Renegades expansion team opted not to use a Territorial Draft pick on the QB, having recently dealt with Washington to bring Reggie Collier to Orlando. Instead, the Jacksonville Bulls, who desperately need help at QB, drafted Testaverde in the 5th round of the open draft, and have been negotiating with his agent ever since. It seems unlikely that Testaverde will pass up on a shot to remain in Florida, but he does not need to go to Jacksonville to do so, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the first pick in the NFL Draft and they too are looking to upgrade at the position. Jacksonville management seems to have acknowledged this, signing another big name rookie QB in Oregon’s Chris Miller just 2 days ago, having obtained the rights to him from the Oakland Invaders. Perhaps the biggest signing for the USFL is that of Oklahoma LB Brian Bosworth by the new Tulsa-based Oklahoma Outlaws franchise. The Outlaws badly needed a boost for ticket sales as the sense that this could be a short stay in the Sooner state has depressed ticket sales. Signing Bosworth is clearly a move designed to boost interest in the club and to get the support of local football fans. It will also, undoubtedly help a team that is cobbling together a roster for this season. Reports are that the deal was for well over $15 Million for 4 years, making Bosworth one of Oklahoma’s cap exempt players for certain. Other prospective first round NFL picks who have joined the USFL and who will be reporting to USFL camps within the month include Colorado State QB Kelly Stouffer (heading to Arizona), Auburn HB Brent Fullwood (Birmingham), Duke LB Mike Junkin (Memphis), Miami DT Jerome Brown (Washington) and Temple RB Paul Palmer (Oakland). Looking over the draft, we see that this year’s rookie crop serves two purposes, the usual development of depth on USFL rosters, but also the replacement of players lost to both the NFL and the league’s own Expansion Draft, as the 16 continuing franchises all lost key players to the 4 expansion clubs. Looking at the high impact picks from each team, we can see how these players fit into the gaps left by attrition over the offseason: ARIZONA: QB Kelly Stouffer will back up Robbie Bosco, but may get a chance to start if Bosco struggles. The Colorado State product has eyes on being a starter and chose the USFL over the NFL because there simply seems to be more fluidity among league teams and their QB positions. The recent trade of Rick Neuheisel from Arizona after being one of the league leaders in QB Rating is a clear sign of this. Stouffer is clearly counting on the fluid situation in the Wranglers' roster as a chance for him to shine. Beyond the Wrangler QB situation, other potential first year contributors include CB Nate Odomes from Wisconsin, DT Dan Saleaumua from Arizona State, and WR Bruce Hill, also from the Sun Devils. BALTIMORE: The most interesting pick for the Blitz was a late round pick on NC State QB Erik Kramer. With Vince Evans reaching a contract year, Kramer may act more as incentive than on-field performer. We like Baltimore’s selection of Penn State FB Tim Manoa as a blocker for Tim Spencer, but Baltimore mostly built depth with their picks. BIRMINGHAM: The Stallions lost all their halfbacks except starter Joe Cribbs, so they went out looking for rushers. We are a bit surprised they spent what they had to in snagging a top choice such as Auburn’s Brent Fullwood, but then to also sign Terrance Flagler from Clemson as well seems overkill. We would not be surprised if after camp one of these 2 backs is traded for a position of greater need. With Bob Lane aging as a backup to Cliff Stoudt, we believe the mid-round selection of Iowa’s Mark Vlasic was a shrewd move. CHICAGO: The first of our four expansion clubs, the Machine had a lot of positions open, so they could consistently shoot for the best player available. We love the pick of Nebraska DT Danny Noonan with their first pick. Chicago would also add LSU DE Karl Wilson and fellow Cornhusker LB Marc Munford to help shore up the defense. On offense their biggest signing was Notre Dame QB Steve Beurlein, who may start the year competing with Chuck Long for the starting spot. Center Frank Winters and Golden Domer, kicker John Carney, should also be immediate contributors for the expansion Machine. DENVER: Denver’s personnel last year was not a good match for their run & shoot offense, so we are not shocked that the Gold used two early draft picks on receivers to bolster their spread style. Nicholls state receive Mark Carrier may push to start right away, while NW Louisiana’s Odessa Turner may need time to develop, though he has speed to burn. Denver also finally addressed the backup position to Bob Gagliano, signing Baylor QB Cody Carlson. We also like the pick of versatile HB Timmy Smith from Texas Tech. HOUSTON: We are not sure what Houston’s draft strategy was. Yes, we like the signing of LB Johnnie Holland from A&M, and tackle Harris Barton looks like a plug and play guy, but the Gamblers lost 2 of their top 4 receivers and did not pick any wideouts in this draft. Either they are going to move away from multiple receiver sets, or they are going to need to look deep into the free agent pool for help. One last note, while not a big name, Alabama A&M tackle Howard Ballard impressed us at the Senior Bowl, and may have a shot at making the Gamblers. JACKSONVILLE: As we stated earlier, Jacksonville drafted both Vinny Testaverde and Chris Miller in hopes that one of the two would sign with the Bulls. It looks like Miller will be that player. With Ed Luther as the supposed opening day starter, we have to expect that the pressure is on to either win early or start setting Miller up to play. Other Bulls’ picks we like to get some early action include ASU DE Jim Raynosa, Oklahoma HB Spencer Tillman and Miami guard Paul O’Connor. LOS ANGELES: The Express lost bruising back Kevin Mack to the NFL, so what do they do, they go out and sign the biggest back in the draft, Christian Okoye from tiny Asuza Pacific University, right in their back yard. Okoye will likely be the thunder to Tony Boddie’s lightning, serving as a short yardage and goalline back. He is raw, but the power is there. The Express also signed defensive help in DT Jerry Ball (SMU), DE Steve Roberts (Washington) and LB Sam Anno (USC). MEMPHIS: Memphis’s defense has to be more than Reggie White, so the Showboats shelled out some cash to sign Duke LB Mike Junkin. We were surprised that Junkin signed, and that Memphis has been unable to sign any of their other defensive picks. They fared better on offense, where they had focused their draft on improving their line, signing two territorial picks from Rocky Top in tackles Bruce Wilkerson and Daryle Smith. They also added Sacramento State guard John Gesk and a good blocking TE in Colorado’s Jon Embree. MICHIGAN: After signing former Rams QB Jeff Kemp from the NFL, we wondered whether the Panthers would make a push for a QB or wait a year and see if the combo of Kemp and Jack Trudeau could keep the league champions at the top of their game. Replacing Hebert will be a tough task, but the Panthers are not throwing a rookie into that fire. What they chose to do is find replacements for the linebackers from their #1 defense who were lost this offseaon. With the 20th pick, they missed out on a few big names, but chose ASU linebacker Scott Stephens with their first pick. Two rounds later they took a flier on a raw, but talented backer in California’s Hardy Nickerson. They also used the territorial draft to sign a couple of need positions, CB with Michigan’s Garland Rivers, and backup HB with MSU’s Bobby Morse. NEW JERSEY: It seems that the new leadership of the Generals are not going to try to make a huge splash with their draft as we saw in the first few years of the team when they signed both Herschel Walker and Doug Flutie. This year they clearly decided to focus on need, signing potential starters in WR Scott Schwedes, safety Tim McDonald, CB Cliff Hicks, and tackle Harry Swayne. That so many positions on the Generals roster are open for a rookie starter says a lot about why they were 5-11 last year, but this draft could help them mend the leaks in their roster. NEW ORLEANS: The Breakers had their best season yet in 1986 and fared relatively well in the offseason, so this draft is a depth and fortification draft rather than a reinvention draft. We like their use of the territorial draft to sign LB Michael Brooks, and the signing of two guards to fortify their run game was also shrewd. USC guard Jeff Bregel could fit right in at RT from day one, while Georgia Tech’s John Davis will provide depth. OAKLAND: As with Birmingham, Oakland saw their backfield depth disappear, losing key contributor Albert Bentley, so we are not surprised that they signed two backs to try to fill in. The likely backup to Whittington will be Temple’s Paul Palmer, while former Georgia Southern back Tracy Ham may act as a 3rd down back. If DT Reggie Rogers is all that is advertised by his play at Washington, he could also quickly find a spot in the starting lineup. OKLAHOMA: Our second expansion team had no doubts at QB or HB, having completed a sign & trade deal with Jacksonville to obtain Doug Williams, and pulling Stump Mitchell away from the NFL’s St. Louis Cardinals, but every other position on the team was on the draft day plan. Of course their big move was signing Brian Bosworth, a surefire starter and fan-favorite in Tulsa. Beyond Bosworth, we love the pick of Louisville tackle Bruce Armstrong to protect Williams’s blind side, and we also think they may have hit with their pick of Utah State DE Mark Mraz. ORLANDO: The third of our expansion clubs passed on Vinnie Testaverde, and did not pick a QB in the draft, after acquiring both Reggie Collier (WSH) and Jimmie Jordan (TBY) prior to the draft. In the draft they hope they found some defensive starters in cornerbacks Ricky Reynolds (Wash St), Kirby Jackson (Miss St) and Melvin Jenkins (Cincinnati). They also may have found a gem in U. of Miami LB Winston Moss. PHILADELPHIA: Another baffling draft for another team that lost several wideouts. The Stars, like the Gamblers, eschewed the position in the draft, focusing instead on defense and the line. We expect instant production from LB Danny Lockett and CB Lorenzo Lynch, but don’t be surprised if LB David Brandon from Memphis State also gets some playing time this year. On offense, the only skills pick was a flyer on HB Jamie Mueller from Benedictine. PITTSBURGH: The Maulers focused on defense and the line in particular with their picks of Boston College DE John Bosa and Grambling’s lanky Sean Smith. They also worked on their O-line, selecting and signing two tackles, Pitt’s Randy Dixon and Cal’s Doug Riesenberg. The Maulers chose only one skill player, South Carolina receiver Raynard Brown, which for a team lacking firepower seems a bit problematic. SAN ANTONIO: Our last expansion club, the Gunslingers, traded away so many picks to acquire LB Putt Choate and QB Rick Neuheisel, that they did not have a draft pick until the third round of the Open Draft. Predictably, in that position, they went heavy on the offensive line picks, signing Baylor center John Adickes and Wake Forest guard Paul Kiser. They may have found a steal in the 7th round in QB Mike Shula. TAMPA BAY: Tampa retained nearly all their big playmakers, so this draft was a nice one to try to build up their defense, signing DE’s Fred Stokes from Georgia Southern and Skip McClendon from Arizona State. We like the pick of CB Milton Mack out of Alcorn State, and snagging a solid TE in Akron’s Chris Kelley does not hurt either. WASHINGTON: Having busted free agency wide open by signing NFL QB Neil Lomax, we were surprised to see the Federals draft a QB in the Territorial Draft, but the signing of Virginia gunslinger Don Majkowski as a backup to Lomax, who has a similar style, seems like a prudent way to build depth for the most important position on the team. We also like the selection of HB Alfred Jenkins out of Arizona. A shifty back with good hands, Jenkins’ style is very different from lead back Craig James. Finally, the pick of DT Jerome Brown is a home run. The Miami DT is a monster and should radically alter the way teams need to block the Washington D-line.

Sporting News, December 8, 1986 We are one week away from the USFL’s annual Territorial and Open Collegiate Draft and with the combination of the recent Expansion Draft for the league’s four new franchises and the highly active NFL-USFL player transfer window this past summer, there is not a team in the league who is not looking to fill gaps, improve depth, or find that one special player who can make their season. Whether it is attempting to replace an all-league player lost to free agency, or build up a weak roster group, every team is looking ahead to this draft with great anticipation. Here is our breakdown of the needs each team might be looking to fill in this year’s draft, with the team’s listed by order of their Open Draft Selections ARIZONA WRANGLERS (1st pick from SAN) Territorial Schools: Arizona, Az. State, UNLV Top Needs: QB, WR, CB, DT Prediction: While the deal to trade Rick Neuheisel to San Antonio brings the Wranglers the #1 pick in the Open Draft, it clearly also means that they are putting a lot of trust in untested Robbie Bosco. Expect the Wranglers to go for a 2nd QB early in the draft. They also need to replace the loss of both Aubrey Matthews and Wamon Buggs. Expect them to look closely at Arizona State’s Bruce Hill. On defense, the losses were not as great, but the need is still there for a tougher run defense. DT and maybe LB are key positions there. MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS Territorial Schools: Tennessee, Arkansas, Memphis St. Top Needs: OL, WR, QB Prediction: Memphis’s losses this offseason were very evenly spread across the roster, and while the biggest hits might have been losing CB Jeff George and QB Damon Allen, the real need for the Showboats, even before the offseason, was an upgrade across the offensive line. Walter Lewis just takes too many hits, and the difference in outcomes for Marcus Dupree in Memphis vs. in New Orleans just proves that the Showboats need an improved line. Tennessee has two solid tackles available to Memphis in the Territorial Draft, Bruce Wilkerson and Daryle Smith. They need to make a play for one or both. ORLANDO RENEGADES Territorial Schools: Miami, Clemson, Wake Forest Top Needs: Everything Prediction: The Renegades have a starting QB and HB in Collier and Bledsoe, but beyond that their roster looks like a mishmash of talent. Expect the Renegades to look at the defense as the best spot where rookies can become immediate starters. In the Territorial Draft, expect them to focus on Miami stars like LB Winston Moss. The signing of Collier and Tampa’s Jimmie Jordan likely means they will not make a run at Hurricane QB Vinny Testaverde, but they will need to shore up almost every position on the team. PITTSBURGH MAULERS Territorial Schools: Pitt, Ohio State, Marshall Top Needs: DB, T, WR Prediction: The Maulers lost Dave Duerson to the NFL, but their biggest concern might still be the lack of depth in their receiving corps. John Jefferson cannot do it alone. Looking at their Territorial schools, we like Ohio State CB Sonny Gordon as a good pick, and, after losing 2 tackles in the expansion draft, they may take a run at Pitt tackle Randy Dixon as well. In the open draft, a wideout is key, and then picks to improve their truly shaky defense, perhaps focused on the D-line and defensive backfield. OKLAHOMA OUTLAWS Territorial Schools: Oklahoma, Ok State, Kansas Top Needs: Everything Prediction: Signing Doug Williams made a huge splash for this team, but all eyes are on Oklahoma LB Brian Bosworth. Will the Outlaws make a serious effort to sign the best Sooner player available and put themselves on the sports map in the state? They would be foolish not to. Expect them to also try to improve their O-line and to add depth to their defense across the board. NEW JERSEY GENERALS Territorial Schools: Rutgers, Syracuse, Boston College Top Needs: DB, T, LB, DL Prediction: The resigning of Herschel Walker means that New Jersey does not have to shoot for a marquee name in the draft. This year what they need more than anything is to improve their defense and to restock the positions hit in the expansion draft. Of course, to make hay in the Atlantic, they will need to improve across their roster, so the Generals could go any direction. Their Territorial schools do not offer them much this year, so they will need to be shrewd in the Open Draft. CHICAGO MACHINE Territorial Schools: Illinois, Notre Dame, Purdue Top Needs: Everything Prediction: Joe Bugel wants to run the ball, but after selecting Albert Bentley in the expansion draft, the Machine has their bellcow back. So, what else is a priority? Winning the up front line battles is key, so expect Bugel to prioritize OL and DL positions. Don’t be surprised if the Machine select Notre Dame kicker John Carney in the Territorial Draft, as they passed on several solid kickers in the Expansion Draft. LOS ANGELES EXPRESS Territorial Schools: USC, UCLA, San Diego St. Top Needs: HB, LB, WR, DL Prediction: The Express losing Kevin Mack to the NFL was a significant hit. Look for them to target RB early in the draft. They also need to restock their LB corps after losing two players in the expansion draft. We like the odds that they will target USC’s Sam Anno in the territorial draft, but may also look for help in the open draft. But, first round has to be a halfback for the Express. HOUSTON GAMBLERS Territorial Schools: Texas A&M, Houston, Texas Tech Top Needs: WR, OL, CB, DE Prediction: After losing both Richard Johnson and Gerald McNeil in the Expansion Draft, the Gamblers have to be thinking of restocking the wideout position, but may opt to do that in the later rounds as they also need to replace DE Coy Bacon, who left for the NFL. In the Territorial Draft the best prospects may be at LB, where Texas A&M is graduating two quality players in Johnny Holland and Todd Howard. BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS Territorial Schools: Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss Top Needs: HB, S, OL, C, QB Prediction: Birmingham has only 1 halfback on the roster, but that back is Joe Cribbs, so expect them to spend some mid-round picks to fill in his backups. They also might take a flyer on a QB since backup Bob Lane is not getting any younger, but their biggest need might be along the offensive line, to help keep Joe Cribbs moving the ball. In the Territorial Draft, Alabama and Auburn offer a lot of solid players. The question is whether or not Birmingham will take a shot to grab Auburn HB Brent Fullwood or wait until later in the draft to get a backup to Cribbs. WASHINGTON FEDERALS Territorial Schools: Virginia, Va Tech, West Virginia Top Needs: HB, DT, CB, LB Prediction: The Federals were tantalizingly close to a playoff spot in 1986, and they are hoping that the signing of Neil Lomax gives them the leader they need on offense to get over the hump. In the draft they will need to find a solid backup for Craig James, and their defense, while better last year, needs to replace lost pieces like DTs Bennie Smith and Ike Readon, and LB’s J.D. Fuller and Eric Wilson, all lost to offseason moves. There is not a lot of blue chip talent in their 3 territorial schools this year, but they likely will pick Hokie LB Curtis Taliaferro, who fits well into the 4-3 system preferred by Coach Rutigliano. DENVER GOLD Territorial Schools: Colorado, BYU, Nebraska Top Needs: WR, HB, DB, LB Prediction: Denver has always won through defense and gritty ball-control on offense. The problem is they have never had playmakers to turn a 10 yard play into a 40 yard play. They need to find that type of talent at both HB and WR to keep pace in this offense-heavy league. They are more likely to get more of the same type of gritty, blue collar help from their 3 territorial schools, so it will be in the open draft where they look to find the game breaking players. Expect them to seek a receiver to replace Vic James and a back to replace Scott Stamper, both lost to the expansion draft. OAKLAND INVADERS Territorial Schools: Cal, Stanford, Washington Top Needs: HB, DL, S, LB Prediction: Just like Birmingham, Oakland finds itself with only one serviceable HB in Whittington. They need to look for backups to relieve their workhorse. They should also be hoping to improve on a run defense which was too generous last year. Some help at DT and DE is needed. Cal and Stanford cannot really help there, but perhaps the Invaders will take a look at Washington Husky DT Reggie Rogers for a territorial pick to help solidify the D-line. JACKSONVILLE BULLS Territorial Schools: Florida State, Georgia, Ga Tech Top Needs: QB, LB, S, G, LB Prediction: Quarterback, Quarterback, Quarterback. With the trade of the disgruntled Doug Williams to expansion Oklahoma, the Bulls become one of the easiest predictions in the league. They need a QB because spending the year with Ed Luther at the helm is not likely to win over many fans in north Florida. We all know who the fans want, Miami Heisman Winner Vinny Testaverde. Do they trade with Orlando to get a shot in the Territorial Draft or do they hope Orlando passes on Testaverde and then hold their breath that he will drop to them in the open draft. If Vinny is not an option for them, they will need to look at other top-rated QB’s such as Colorado State’s Kelly Stouffer, Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh, or Oregon’s Chris Miller. But you all know who the folks in Florida want to see in a Bulls uniform. BALTIMORE BLITZ Territorial Schools: Maryland, UNC, NC State Top Needs: DE, CB, FB, QB Prediction: Baltimore is a very solid team that retained a lot of their top players this offseason, so their situation is not particularly dire. They do need to replace some talent on the D-line, after losing 3 players there, but we all know they are simply not going to find a replacement for Junior Ah You in this year’s draft. Look for them to wheel and deal, possibly moving down in the draft to obtain a 1st round pick next year, as we hear they already have their eyes on Nebraska DE Neil Smith in the ’87 Draft. That might make a trade with Denver (who have always held Nebraska as a territorial school) a must. NEW ORLEANS BREAKERS Territorial Schools: LSU, So Miss, Tulane Top Needs: LB, WR, T, S, G Prediction: The top focus for the Breakers has to be at outside linebacker. After losing both Garth Jax and Jaime Kimmel in the expansion draft, they need to find a starter at LB, maybe two. The good news is that LSU’s Michael Brooks has shown interest in playing close to home, so he could be a prime T-Draft pick. While losing Frank Lockett was a blow, the performance of Charlie Smith last year (when Nolan Franz was hurt) tells us that wideout may not be an early round emphasis for the Breakers. Expect more picks on the O-line as they try to help Marcus Dupree continue to flourish in the Big Easy. TAMPA BAY BANDITS Territorial Schools: Florida, So Carolina, Duke Top Needs: DB, DE, LB, TE, QB Prediction: Tampa lost 4 members of its secondary to the NFL or the expansion clubs. That is a huge hole in their roster that this draft will need to help fill. The DE position is another area that needs attention as it has never produced the kind of pressure Tampa needs. On offense, the trade for TE Sam Bowers may alleviate that need, but depth will still be needed there. Expect the Bandits to use their Florida link in the T-Draft to shore up some key positions, possibly at LB or O-Line. PHILADELPHIA STARS Territorial Schools: Penn State, Temple, Kentucky Top Needs: WR, S, HB, LB Prediction: The Stars did not protect their wideouts in the expansion draft and ended up losing three, including Willie Collier. Will they consider the signing of Mike Quick enough or will they look at some top wideout talent such as NC State’s Haywood Jeffires, Florida’s Ricky Nattiel, or Michigan State’s Mark Ingram? All three would have to escape the T-Draft to be available. In their own T-Draft, expect a lot of Penn State names to be selected, as neither Temple nor Kentucky has top tier candidates this year. MICHIGAN PANTHERS Territorial Schools: Michigan, Michigan State, Toledo Top Needs: QB, DL, C, HB Prediction: We don’t think Michigan will seek out a top tier QB in this year’s draft. They are very likely to give Jack Trudeau, or the recently signed Jeff Kemp, a shot to prove themselves and focus on other areas of need. With both Michigan and Michigan State in their territorial pool, there is a lot of talent to consider. We also expect the Panthers to make a run at a top tier defender, but it could be at any line of the defense. Does Michigan take a shot at a Cornelius Bennett at LB, or Jerome Brown at DT, maybe even CB Rob Woodson? SAN ANTONIO GUNSLINGERS (Round 3) Territorial Schools: Texas, Baylor, UTEP Top Needs: Everything Prediction: San Antonio gave away the farm to get the QB they wanted, Arizona’s Rick Neuheisel, so they do not have a pick in the Open Draft until round 3. There are some good players within their territorial rights, so they will need to max out the quality of those picks. In the Open Draft they may want to consider using their first few picks on what are normally lower priority positions such as FB, TE, or safety, since they are unlikely to have a shot at top skills players or at CB or DE studs.

USA Today, November 14, 1986 After much speculation, maneuvering, and some hard decisions, the USFL went a step further towards expanding from 16 to 20 franchises for the 1987 season as the four expansion teams—Chicago, Oklahoma, Orlando, and San Antonio—stocked their rosters from players under contract with the returning franchises. Each team had 25 rounds to find talent from across the league, and while most of the top names in the USFL were not available, protected on each team’s 8-player reserve list, there was certainly talent to be had. Several USFL teams left top name players unprotected, either with the expectation that the expansion teams would not want to take on some of the larger contracts in the league, or that they would look towards younger players rather than more established veterans. Quarterbacks like Tony Eason, Greg Landry, Bob Lane, Blair Kiel, and Todd Blackledge were left unprotected, as were comparably talented players at most positions as the 16 continuing USFL franchises had to make tough decisions about the 8 players they would initially protect. Many of these players came off the boards for the expansion clubs as with each player they chose, the team which lost a player was able to protect one more player, shrinking the pool of potential signings with each round of the draft. The format did provide each of the expansion clubs with several top flight players, but also meant that the end of the draft was filled largely with career backups, a format which won’t produce any juggernauts from the expansion clubs, but which will help them maintain the league’s $38M salary cap intact. The Draft’s first round started with an unexpected but shrewd pick as the San Antonio Gunslingers selected talented LA Express left tackle Rene Dudley with the first pick. Dudley was almost certainly a pick heralded by Gunslinger QB Rick Neuheisel, but does not exactly stir emotions of fans in the Alamo City. Orlando was next and their selection of LB Greg Gerkin from Denver will certainly help them build a defense. Denver, having traded MLB Putt Choate, now finds itself with concerns in its linebacking corps. Oklahoma was next, and they opted to add a defensive stalwart in Arizona DT Kit Lathrop. Chicago followed San Antonio’s lead and signed a left tackle to protect recently signed Chuck Long. They chose Pittsburgh tackle Lawrence Pressley. This may also be a signal towards coach Joe Bugel’s desire to mount a smashmouth power running offense, as Pressley has proven to be more of a run game bulldozer than a pass protection specialist. Chicago made that possibility abundantly clear with their second pick (the draft used a zipper format in which the order of the draft reversed each round), when the Machine selected Oakland HB Albert Bentley. Bentley was a 1,000 yard rusher in 1985, in a year when starter Arthur Whittington was sidelined by injury, so Chicago knows the potential it has in Bentley as their workhorse RB. Rather than run through every pick, let’s highlight each team’s most noteworthy picks in hoping to paint a picture of the type of team each club is attempting to build. In Chicago, run game and defense appear to be the focus for Coach Bugel and the Machine. In addition to Pressley and Bentley, the Machine chose CB Warren Hannah (HOU), DT Bob Nelson (BLT), FS Mike Fox (LA), LB Gary Reasons (JAX) and DE Eric Dorsey (NJ) in early rounds. They also started to form their wideout corps, selecting both Philadelphia wideout Willie Collier and Baltimore’s Reggie Langhorne. Other names of note in the Chicago draft include QB Todd Blackledge, benched in Pittsburgh and likely to back up Long, guard Mike Munchak, LB Eric Scroggins, SS Mike Zordich, and Birmingham TE Lonnie Parker. San Antonio followed up its pick of T Rene Dudley by selecting CB Everson Walls with its second pick. They stayed focused on defense as well with many early picks, including SS Glen Edwards (JAX), LB John Curtis (MEM), DE Bob Buczkowski (PIT), and CB Gregg Butler (WSH). In the mix on offense were several linemen, as well as Michigan RB Ken Lacy, Arizona wideout Aubrey Matthews, Memphis backup QB Damon Allen, and Denver HB Scott Stamper. Many feel they got a steal in Philly DE James Painter in the 15th round, as well as Houston receiver Gerald McNeil in the 16th. Orlando, having already traded for QB Reggie Collier and HB Curtis Bledsoe of Washington, continued to focus on offense. Their 2nd pick was WR Wamon Buggs of Arizona, followed closely by tackle Robert Curry(NOR), guard David Navarro (HOU), WR Vic James (DEN), and QB Jimmie Jordan from Tampa. They sprinkled in some notable defensive names as well, such as DE Cedric Hardman (OAK), DT Ike Reardon (WSH), and LB Tim Blanchette (LA), but the Renegades definitely looked like a team hoping to build a high-flying offense for Coach Schnellenberger. Oklahoma, the last team to the expansion party after plans for a San Diego franchise fell through, made huge waves in a sign & trade deal with Jacksonville to get QB Doug Williams to Tulsa. In the draft they sought to build around him, balancing offensive support with some quality defensive players. After signing DT Kit Lathrop in the first round, Oklahoma continued to build their defense, selecting NJ corner Antonio Gibson, Stars LB John Bunting, Birmingham safety Brian Bronson, and Bulls LB Garth Jax. On offense, they focused several picks on linemen, but also selected Tampa TE Mike Tice (expendable after Tampa traded for Sam Bowers), Breakers WR Frank Lockett, Houston reserve WR Richard Johnson, and Arizona’s starting HB from 1986, former Husker Owen Gill. They backed up Williams by signing Baltimore QB Blair Kiel as well. There are still plenty of holes on these expansion rosters, and we expect a significant number of free agent siginings over the next few weeks. In December these 4 teams will have picks within the top 8 on a rotating basis during the Open Collegiate Draft, as well as 3 additional rounds of picks after the other 16 clubs reach their 7 round limit. They will also have the Territorial Draft, which has once again been recalibrated and which provides each of these clubs with some top tier schools to choose from. The Outlaws will have both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State and many wonder whether they will take a shot at signing Sooner LB Brian Bosworth. Orlando will be able to look over the talent-laden rosters of Miami and Clemson, which would give them the chance to sign QB Vinnie Testaverded if they so chose. San Antonio can select from Texas and Baylor, while the Chicago Machine now own the rights to select from both Notre Dame and Purdue, giving them the option to draft Steve Beuerlein if they choose, or to take a shot at CB Rod Woodson of the Boilermakers. For the 16 continuing USFL franchises, their rosters now have holes to fill as most teams lost 7-8 players to the expansion draft. Some were lucky, as New Orleans still has their full QB compliment despite leaving both Matt Robinson and Tony Eason unprotected. Others lost some significant talent in key areas, such as Philly and Denver at linebacker or Houston at wideout. The draft is coming, and that may be the best chance for teams to restock their rosters with top talent. The USFL Free Agency Pool is limited, and with the NFL season well underway, there will be no more league to league transfers this year.

USA Today, Sept. 14, 1986. While we have come to expect a lot of interesting news out of the USFL’s quarterly owner’s meetings, news of expansion, relocation, sale of teams, and the like, we have never seen a week like this one. We have had team news, player news, trades, controversy, you name it, the USFL provided it this week. FRANCHISE NEWS Despite significant debate about the merits of the stadium deal, the value of the market, and the potential for poor outcomes with what may prove to be a temporary placement, the league owners unanimously approved the relocation of William Tatham’s expansion team from San Diego to Tulsa, Oklahoma. The team will play in the University of Tulsa’s Skelly Stadium, which holds just over 40,000 with temporary seating. This is far superior to San Antonio’s 20,000 seat Alamo Stadium, but concern about the stadium amenities and the market size remain. The team, for their part, released their new identity. They will try to draw fans from across the state as the Oklahoma Outlaws, will sport a black and red color scheme, and debuted a logo featuring a masked outlaw with a large black hat. Oklahoma will be coached by former Steelers defensive coordinator Woody Widenhofer, and have just announced their first big deal, a trade with the Jacksonville Bulls which we will outline below. In addition to the vote on Oklahoma as the 20th USFL franchise, league owners approved another increase of the team salary cap, from 35,000,000 to 38,000,000. They also set the rules for the upcoming Expansion draft (below), and approved sponsorship deals with Champion Sports, Burger King, Chrysler, and Hertz Auto Rental, deals which will likely expand the revenue stream for the league considerably. But the biggest action was not between the owners but among the General Managers of each team. EXPANSION DRAFT As stated above the league finalized the expansion draft format. In November the 4 expansion clubs-Chicago, Orlando, Oklahoma, and San Antonio—will select from a large pool of currently-signed USFL players. Each of the 16 continuing franchises is able to protect only 8 players from the initial selection, and will be able to protect an additional player every time one of their players is selected. There will be 25 rounds, and there are caps on player selection from any one team so that no USFL team will lose more than 8 players from their rosters. Beyond these 25 players the four expansion teams will also have 3 additional rounds in the upcoming Open Collegiate Draft and will have full access to the USFL free agent pool. The 16 continuing USFL franchises were required to release their 8 initial protected players, and it is, as you would expect a combination of each team’s major contributors, with a definite focus on younger and rising stars over aging veterans. Kickers, Punters, O-line and several veterans were left unprotected in the list, but may be protected as the 4 expansion clubs pick higher priority slots first. Here are the highlights of the protected lists: ARIZONA: QB R. Bosco, HB D. Clack, TE T. Orr, WR T. Johnson, DT E. Weaver, LB S. White, LB B. Noble BALTIMORE: QB V. Evans, HB T. Spencer, WR. J. Flowers, LB B. Apuna, LB. E. Brady, CB L. Frazier BIRMINGHAM: QB C. Stoudt, HB J. Cribbs, WR E. Givens, DE A. Still, DE. B. Barber, LB K. Greene, SS W. Cesare DENVER: QB B. Gagliano, TE J. Novacek, WR B. Brooks, DT L. Short, DE L. White, LB. K. Gouveia, CB D. Martin HOUSTON: QB J. Kelly, WR R. Sanders, WR C. Verdin, DT M. Carter, DE S. Fletcher, LB. K. DeAyala, FS D. Dykes JACKSONVILLE: HB G. Adams, G D. Love, WR G. Clark, WR H. Jones, LB V. Johnson, LB C. Bratton LOS ANGELES: QB S. Young, HB T. Boddie, G G. Zimmerman, TE T. Christiansen, WR J. Townsell, WR E. Martin, LB C. Banks, CB R. Cherry MEMPHIS: QB W. Lewis, HB R. Williams, G J. Dukes, WR M. Gray, DE R. White, DE B. Reese, LB E. Simmons MICHIGAN: QB J. Trudeau, HB J. Williams, WR A. Carter, WR D. Holloway, DE R. Paggett, LB J. Corker, CB K. Bostic NEW JERSEY: QB D. Flutie, HB H. Walker, FB K. Byars, TE B. Jones, WR L. Jones, CB T. Daniels, SS G. Barbaro NEW ORLEANS: HB M. Dupree, HB D. Hilliard, TE D. Ross, WR N. Franz, DE D. Wilkerson, LB M. Marek OAKLAND: QB B. Sipe, HB A. Whittington, TE R. Chester, WR M. Duper, WR H. Ellard, LB G. Plummer, CB D. Martin PHILADELPHIA: QB C. Fusina, HB K. Bryant, C B. Bush, T W. Wolford, TE S. Folsom, DT J. Geathers, DE W. Fuller, LB S. Mills PITTSBURGH: QB A. Risher, HB M. Rozier, FB R. Wolfley, WR J. Jefferson, DT A. Carreker, LB M. Tuiasosopo, CB R. Osborne TAMPA BAY: QB J. Reaves, HB G. Anderson, WR E. Truvillion, WR C. Collinsworth, DT W. Perry, LB P. Plurowski WASHINGTON: HB C. James, TE M. Bavaro, WR J. Walters, WR W. Slaughter, DE C. Haley, DE D. Manley, LB B. Zavala, CB L. Lyles MAJOR TRADES The USFL’s 4 Expansion teams are not simply sitting back and waiting to select players from the unprotected list. All four are already in the thick of the offseason and have proven to be aggressive in signing players who will serve as faces for their franchises. In some cases, using disgruntled players as leverage to sign away a star, in others simply offering more than face value to secure a needed marquee player. This has been a week of one domino after another falling and one big name USFL player after another shifting from team to team. Only Chicago stood pat, but after signing Iowa’s Chuck Long and the NFL’s Clay Matthews, they had already made their mark. Here are the big trades that everyone around the league is talking about. Oklahoma acquires QB Doug Williams from Jacksonville It was no secret that Williams wanted out of Jacksonville, and Oklahoma, with a wide open roster, had the funds and the picks necessary to make it happen. The deal signed by Williams last month had many suspecting a sign & trade deal was in the works, and this past week it came to fruition. Williams was sent to the Outlaws and a fistful of picks made their way to the Bulls. Oklahoma sent the Bulls their 1st pick in the Territorial Draft, their 2nd in the Open Draft and the two teams swapped 5th round open draft picks. Williams will be the undisputed star of the new franchise, and will now have to wait to see what kind of talent surrounds him on the roster. Arizona parts with QBR Leader Rick Neuheisel No one even suspected that Neuheisel was on the block, but that did not stop the San Antonio Gunslingers from making an offer that Arizona could not refuse. The Wranglers not only receive San Antonio’s #1 and #4 Open Draft picks this year, but a second #1 in the 1988 draft. It seems clear that the performance of Robbie Bosco in relief of the injured Neuheisel this year helped to make this trade possible. Without a solid option at QB it is doubtful even this haul of picks would have swayed the Wranglers away from their top-rated quarterback. Neuheisel, who has had a series of injury-plagued seasons, has still proven to be one of the most accurate and effective signalcallers in the league. The question now becomes what kind of offensive talent will the Gunslingers put around him, and will Neuheisel have any voice in the expansion draft as the team builds up its roster. San Antonio signs a defensive captain, obtaining LB Putt Choate from Denver Clearly the Gunslingers are not big believers in building through the draft, as they give away a second wave of picks, this time their #2 picks in both the Territorial and Open Draft, to acquire a defensive parallel to Neuheisel in Denver team captain Putt Choate. The hard-hitting linebacker will likely lead the Gunslinger defense as he brings a blue collar attitude to the defense. Orlando becomes Washington South We are not sure that the Federals are the team to model your franchise on, since they have yet to reach the playoffs in their 4 years of play, but the combination of available talent and a new coach in Sam Rutigliano who is eager to retool the Feds in his own image, made for a formula that worked for the Orlando Renegades. Orlando sent several picks, including their 1987 #2 and their 1988 #1 picks to Washington and acquired both QB Reggie Collier (displaced after the Feds signed Neil Lomax from the NFL) and platooning HB Curtis Bledsoe, who rarely got on the field with ironman Craig James in front of him. Washington also sent kicker Nick Mike-Myer off, in a low key trade with San Antonio for yet another draft pick. Tampa Solves their TE problem Despite the modest success of rookie Mike Tice, Tampa needed a dual use tight end to block and catch balls from John Reaves. New Jersey found itself with two high end players after rookie Brent Jones displaced veteran Sam Bowers, so the Generals opted to build up their offensive line while Tampa solved their need for a blocking receiver. Tackle Stanley Padilla and Tampa’s 3rd round pick will go to New Jersey for Bowers and the Generals’ fifth rounder in a trade that helps both teams. As we said, this was a huge week for the USFL, with major tectonic shifts still being felt from the Hebert and Ah You losses, the arrival of stars from the NFL like Lomax, Long, Mitchell, Wilder, Quick, Jeter, Matthews and Morgan, and now blockbuster trades that help stock up the newest teams in the league, this has been an offseason to remember and one which may shift the balance of power in the league. Can Michigan get production from Jack Trudeau? Will Baltimore’s defense wither without Ah You? Can Lomax bring wins to Washington, and what should we expect from these aggressive new teams? So much to look forward to, and the expansion and rookie drafts are only weeks away.

Sporting News, August 28, 1986 The USFL was rocked this week by a flurry of NFL signings of its top stars. In one week the USFL lost both its Offensive Player of the Year (and former MVP) as well as its Defensive Player of the Year (and 4-time sack leader), as well as several other top name players. The biggest hit for the 4th year spring league has to be the loss of one of its brightest and most marketable stars, quarterback Bobby Hebert. Hebert has been a stalwart at the top of every passing category over his 4 years with the two-time champion Michigan Panthers. Regularly throwing for over 4,000 yards and 30 scores in a season, Hebert is not only the face of his franchise, but one of the great success stories of the league, as he was not highly touted coming out of Northwestern State (LA) University. Hebert blossomed in the wide-open style of the USFL, setting league records and leading his Panther teams to two Championships in the league’s short 4 year history. Hebert had opted to test the free agency waters, turning away initial attempts to resign with the Panthers in hopes of a larger NFL payday, and that payday came, with the added bonus that Hebert would be able to return to his home as a new member of the New Orleans Saints. It will be a short off-season for Hebert, who played in the USFL Championship only one month ago and now will be reporting to the Saints training camp in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. The second big blow impacts the Baltimore Blitz as their stud defensive lineman, Junior Ah You, has signed with the San Francisco 49ers on a 5 year deal that makes him one of the richest defensive players in the league. Ah You, who played all 4 years for the Blitz (3 in Chicago and 1 in Baltimore) has led the USFL in sacks each of his four seasons, registering 22 this year. These two are not the only well-known USFL players to break ranks and join the NFL. Others this offseason include several ALL-USFL Selections and team captains. Safety seemed to be a plum position where the NFL could raid USFL rosters. In addition to New Orleans losing Bobby Melendez and Oakland’s loss of William Liles, Pittsburgh loses one of its best defenders as Dave Duerson signs with the Chicago Bears, and Philadelphia loses All-USFL safety Scott Woerner to the Minnesota Vikings. On the offensive side of the ball, in addition to Hebert, the USFL lost out to the NFL on WR Willie Gault (from Memphis to Chicago), on HB Kevin Mack (LA to Cleveland), on QB Matt Cavanaugh (Denver to New England) and on Philly’s Johnnie Hector (to NY Jets). The good news for the USFL is that they were able to resign some of their other marquee players, names like Herschel Walker, Mike Rozier, Doug Williams and Sam Mills will stay in the spring league. This does not lessen the blow of losing two of their biggest stars, and certainly for the Michigan and Baltimore franchises, the loss of these major stars will require not only a recalibration of their own free agency and draft strategies, but of their team marketing for 1987 as well.

USA Today, August 17, 1986 The USFL league season may be over, but this wild offseason is just getting rolling. With the expansion draft format set and scheduled for mid-November, and the collegiate drafts (Open and Territorial) scheduled for December, the main action right now is on free agency, along with coaching and staff hires for both expansion clubs and teams in transition. A lot is happening so let’s get right to it. COACHING The USFL offseason began several weeks back with the usual “Black Friday Massacre” as teams let coaches go. Washington replaced Lee Corso immediately with OC Sam Rutigliano, but LA and Pittsburgh engaged in a full search, as did all 4 expansion teams. We know already about the hires in Chicago (Bugel), San Antonio (Gil Steinke), and Miami/Orlando (Schnellenberger), and now we know the remaining and final 3 positions. Los Angeles: After an up and down ride with former CFL coach Hugh Campbell, the Express have opted to go with a local boy, southern California legend John Hadl is the new Head man in LA. Hadl played with both the Chargers of the AFL/AFC and the Rams of the NFC (along with Green Bay and Houston), has also coached in both the NCAA, at Kansas, and in the NFL, with the Rams and Broncos. His new position will be his first stint as a Head Coach. Pittsburgh: The Maulers, after interviewing several USFL and NFL assistants, have decided that the best solution is right in their own back yard, and have promoted OC Roman Gabriel to be their next Head Coach. This comes as something of a surprise as Pittsburgh did not exactly light the league on fire offensively under Gabriel this year. It is believed that a strong endorsement from new Mauler QB Alan Risher may have been the swaying factor for the Maulers to stay in house rather than sign someone to come in fresh. Tulsa: More on why there is a USFL team in Tulsa below, but the still nameless final USFL expansion franchise has locked in their coach, former Steelers linebacker coach and defensive coordinator Woody Widenhofer, will take on the new franchise. Widenhofer has served in a variety of defensive capacities for the Steelers, the University of Minnesota, Eastern Michigan and Michigan State, and is known for his work with the Steel Curtain defense, but this will be his first head coaching position, and with the franchise both behind the 8-ball and behind schedule, it will be a tough task as he assembles his staff and tries to put together a roster. NFL SIGNINGS More USFL talent has headed to the NFL, and one huge name is still in limbo as we close in on the start of the 1986 NFL season. HOUSTON: Coy Bacon, the top DE on Houston's roster, played his first 2 seasons in Washington and now heads back to DC after signing with the Redskins. LOS ANGELES: The only kicker the Express have ever had, Tony Zendejas, heads to the Houston Oilers. MICHIGAN: The Champs lose two key players, and all eyes remain fixed on Bobby Hebert to see just how bad the NFL exodus will be. The St. Louis Cardinals have signed CB Clarence Chapman, and the Dallas Cowboys have signed LB Alonzo Johnson after Michigan successfully resigned MLB John Corker. PHILADELPHIA: Johnny Hector, who has backed up Kelvin Bryant these past 3 years is heading off to New York as the newest member of the Jets. TAMPA BAY: The Bandits lose two starters in Safety John Bostic (Detroit Lions) and LB James Harrell (LA Raiders). USFL RESIGNINGS But for every player lost, there is one either resigned or signed away from the NFL. Here are the biggest moves from across the USFL to keep the cupboards from going bare. ARIZONA: Resigned FB Mike Cade, HB Kevin Carter, and LB Stan White. BALTIMORE: Resigned WR Jackie Flowers, LB Ben Apuna, CB Leslie Frazier, and DT Roberto Daniel. DENVER: Resigned T Kevin Call, TE Bob Niziolek, and DE Laval Short. HOUSTON: Resigned WR’s Ricky Sanders and Clarence Verdin, along with S Keith Moody. LA: Resigned Tony Boddie after losing Kevin Mack to the NFL. MEMPHIS: Resigned LB Eddie Simmons. MICHIGAN: Has resigned WR Derek Holloway, DE Ronnie Paggett, and LB John Corker, but remain in negotiations with QB Bobby Hebert, who is getting a lot of NFL interest as well. NEW JERSEY: Team ownership sighed with relief when Herschel Walker agreed to a new 3 year deal. They have also resigned S Gary Barbaro for another 2 seasons. NEW ORLEANS: Has extended the contract of RB Richard Crump for 1 more year. Crump may still end up on the unprotected list, as he currently sits in a crowded backfield with Dalton Hilliard and Marcus Dupree. OAKLAND: Resigned LB Kurt Gouveia and TE Ray Chester. PHILADELPHIA: The stars have a lot of players up for new contracts, but have resigned TE Steve Folsom, WRs Tom Donovan and Gerald Phelan, LB Sam Mills and FS Rob Porter. PITTSBURGH: After his success on a 1-year deal, the Maulers have inked QB Alan Risher to a new 3-year contract. They also kept the Mauler faithful happy by signing league rushing leader Mike Rozier to a 3-year extension. TAMPA BAY: After losing James Harrell to the NFL, the Bandits were able to extend LB Paul Plurowski for another 2 years. WASHINGTON: With Neil Lomax slated to start for the Federals in 1987, and Reggie Collier’s situation now set, the Federals signed Mike Hohensee for another 2 years, likely to serve as the backup. TRADES & NFL SIGNINGS PHILADELPHIA: The Stars made the biggest splash on the NFL player market over the past few weeks (since Washington’s signing of Lomax) with the announcement that they were adding former Eagle wideout Mike Quick to their roster. Quick will instantly add new dimensions of size and speed to a Stars receiving corps that has largely been viewed as medium route possession receivers. TULSA: The newly-located Oklahoma expansion franchise has signed its first two players, both from the NFL. Under Widenhofer they are expected to focus on their run game, and have started to build that option by signing former St. Louis Cardinal HB Stump Mitchell. Mitchell will likely be the face of the (somewhat wayward) franchise, at least until they sign a QB. In addition to this, the new team has also signed former Packers kicker Al Del Greco. EXPANSION NEWS Yes, we let the cat out of bag with our player announcements, but the last 2 USFL expansion franchises now have homes. ORLANDO: The once-promising Miami expansion bid simply never matieralized, but when lead investor Woody Weisner was unable to secure a lease to the Orange Bowl, another investor, Donald Dizney (not that Disney family, note the spelling) was able to negotiate a very favorable 4 year contract with Orlando’s Citrus Bowl. This week the new franchise announced its new identity, the Renegades. The blue and silver-clad Renegades will be coached by Florida legend and former U. of Miami coach Howard Schnellenberger. TULSA: After failing to secure a lease in San Diego, William Tatham and his ownership consortium shopped their wares up and down the West Coast in search of a stadium deal. After several false leads and disappointing turns, the group settled on Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the University of Tulsa’s 30,000 seat Skelly Stadium was apparently the best option the team could find. From league sources we expect that the franchise will be approved on a probationary status only, allowing them to play the 1987 season in Tulsa, but with no guarantee beyond that point. Tulsa is not exactly the type of big-name, big-revenue location that the USFL is hoping to add, and there is widespread expectation that the league will try to get the Tatham’s to work with one of the ownership groups that missed out on expansion in 1987, Atlanta, Seattle or Portland. Just how a potential 1-year placement will fly with potential fans in Tulsa (and Oklahoma in general) is yet to be seen. With only a few weeks before the league owners meetings in New York, the new Tulsa franchise is now going to have to get ready in a hurry. They need an identity, a front office, local staffing, ticket sales teams, and a strategy to win over local fans in the Sooner state. They also need to start prepping for this November’s expansion draft. More to come next month, when we expect to see the protected players lists from all 16 continuing franchises, as well as news and notes from the Owners’ Meeting.

The Michigan Panthers won their second USFL Championship on the strength of a 4th quarter surge that pushed them from a 1-point deficit to a 14 point margin of victory. In a truly exciting championship game, both teams played outstanding football. Michigan overcame a shaky start and an unprecedented 3 safeties to surge past the Philadelphia Stars, with the big play Panther offense hitting on two huge plays to overcome the usually patient Stars defense. Trailing 17-14 at the half, and 22-21 at the end of 3, Michigan took control in the 4th. From the onset, the Philadelphia Stars tried their best to imitate the defensive strategy which had worked to cause the 13-0 Panthers to lose their last 3 regular season game, a strategy of fierce 4-man pass rush paired with shell zone coverage to contain the big play. It was a strategy that Michigan was ready for and found ways to break it down using double moves and crossing patterns to find big plays. To start the game Philly got the ball, but after a 3-and-out on offense the Stars had to punt. All-USFL Punter Sean Landeta corner kicked the Panthers to a rough start on their own 4. After a John Williams run got bottled up at the 2, Bobby Hebert tried to use play action against the Stars, but DE Will Fuller was unphased, having been coached up to play the pass first even on early downs. He ripped past the LT and caught Hebert in the endzone for a safety. Getting the ball back, Philly quickly added to their lead as Chuck Fusina found his top receiver, Tom Donovan on a 35-yard scoring play. Only 7 minutes into the game the Panthers found themselves down 9. Michigan got a favorable return from Daron Carter and started on their 34. Hebert and the offense were able to move the ball effectively, dinking and dunking against the deep zone, until Hebert found rookie TE Buch Rolle for a 9-yard score. The game was on now, 9-7 Stars. Philly took the next possession and held a 12-play drive, with Fusina using TE Steve Folsom and his backs (Bryant and Hector) to move the chains. After Kelvin Bryant got the ball to the 1 on an 11-yard run that was ruled down before bouncing over the goalline, Fusina faked the pitch to Bryant and found Donovan open on a slant for a second score and the 15-7 lead. In an odd moment, the PAT snap was bobbled by the holder, backup QB Jeff Hostetler, who awkwardly tried to pick it up and run, but was quickly tackled, so the score remained 15-7. It was then that the first of two mental errors gave Michigan one of their trademark rainbow scoring passes. After a touchback on the kickoff, 1st and 10 from the 25, Michigan ran a crossing pattern that led to a brush-off pick by TE Rolle, the play left WR Derek Holloway open on the far sideline, and Hebert hit him in stride. Safety Scott Woerner was unable to get the angle, and 75 yards later Michigan was right back in it at 15-14. The next two drives were largely uneventful, both stopped short by untimely penalties. After another possession that went nowhere, Sean Landeta once again proved that special teams matter as, for the second time, he pinned Michigan within their 5 yard line with a perfect coffin corner kick. Two plays later, Hebert was again sacked in the endzone, this time by DT Jumpy Gaethers. Announcers quickly and prematurely began to joke that this may be the first football championship where the MVP would be a punter. And to be honest, had Philly won the game, Landeta may just have walked away with the MVP. The first half finished with the slim 17-14 Philadelphia lead. Michigan received the first half kick, and it took them only 4 plays to score, with the biggie being another blown coverage leading to a 64-yard gainer by former Michigan Wolverine Anthony Carter. Carter faked a hook pattern and suckered CB Everson Walls into biting, he then spun upfield and Hebert hit him in stride. Only the good angle taken by S Scott Woerner (playing deeper after the Holloway score) saved a TD. Carter was down at the 6 and on the next play, John Williams found paydirt to give Michigan the lead. Philly countered with another long, time consuming drive, but one that only produced a field goal after 13 plays. Michigan and the Stars both traded short possessions, and then Sean Landeta struck again. This time the ball went out of bounds on the 12, but after a Michigan holding call, the Panthers found themselves on the 6, and once again Hebert got caught up in a blitz and was sacked for the third safety of the game, something that had not happened in any USFL game in 4 years. Philly was back on top 22-21, but that would be as close as they got to taking home the big silver helmet trophy. After failing to build on their lead with the post-safety possession, Landeta punted and Michigan began at their own 37. After a short gain by Williams, Hebert again found the deep ball, this time on a well-designed flea-flicker, that fooled the safeties and left Holloway again open for a long score. Holloway raced 62 yards for the go-ahead score, and when Williams punched in the 2-point conversion, Michigan had a 29-22 lead. Philly had chances to get back on top, but their next drive ended with a missed David Trout field goal attempt (a long 54 yarder which had little chance in the swirling winds of the Gator Bowl. Michigan then put all doubts to rest as Hebert led the Panthers down the field and found TE Butch Rolle for a 2 yard score. Is it me or is every Rolle catch a touchdown? Michigan was now up 2 scores with time running out. Philadelphia mounted a fierce drive, but needing a TD, the Stars went for it on 4th and 2 from the Michigan 15 and LB John Corker stood up Kelvin Bryant at the line of scrimmage to get a turnover on downs and essentially end the game. By all accounts this was an outstanding game by both squads. Both defenses made some huge plays, special teams was a major player, and, by most accounts, the better team won, as Michigan found ways to make the big plays they always seem to make to win out. Bobby Hebert won his second Championship MVP award for his 4 TD, 340-yard day, but we also want to give kudos to Kelvin Bryant for 115 yards rushing, Ronnie Paggett for 2 sacks and 2 more TFL, and, as mentioned, Sean Landeta for an absolute clinic on coffin corner punting. Michigan, with the win, becomes the first USFL team to garner 2 Championships. Philadelphia, one of only 3 teams (with Tampa and Michigan) to make the playoffs all 4 years of the league, came close, and showed a lot of the grit and class that got them here. It was a clean game, with a minimal number of penalties and no turnovers, and it was a fun game, with big plays from both sides of the ball. And so, another USFL season comes to an end, another champion is crowned, and in a year where the offseason may prove to be as exciting as the season of play, the USFL continues to bring the show to the people.

The table is now set as two former champions showed their pedigree and returned for a 2nd USFL Championship. This will mark the first time that the Championship Game has repeat participants, and two teams that play very different games to get here. Before we preview the 1987 USFL Championship, let’s look at how Michigan and Philadlephia got here. PHILADELPHIA STARS 28 TAMPA BAY BANDITS 21 It is rare that the game-defining play of a pro football game happens only 3 minutes in, but that is exactly what happened when Philadelphia’s Jumpy Gaethers snatched up a Gary Anderson fumble and ran it in for a score to open the game. Anderson was laid out by DE Wiliam Fuller, and the ball bounced right up into Gaether’s open hands. That score set the tone for the game as the Philadelphia defense shut down Tampa’s run game and forced them to be one-dimensional. Meanwhile the Stars offense did just enough to keep them ahead of any Bandit comeback attempt. Kelvin Bryant was dominant, as he rushed for 138 yards and Chuck Fusina found three different receivers for scores, including a beautiful toss to Collier to build up a 28-7 lead in the 3rd which would hold for the game. The defending champs return to the Championship with a shot at repeating. MICHIGAN PANTHERS 48 NEW ORLEANS BREAKERS 14 Anyone who watched Michigan crush Arizona last week and still wondered if they Panthers had regained their swagger is not questioning any longer. The Panthers utterly dominated their division rivals, scoring 31 unanswered points in the second half to move from a modest 7 point halftime lead to a crushing 34 piont victory against an overmatched Breakers squad. The key for Michigan was their halftime adjustments, as Breakers HB Marcus Dupree had 85 yards rushing in the first half, but gained only 16 in the second. This was due in part to the quick need for New Orleans to play catchup after a half-opening Michigan score (a Clarence Chapman pick-6 of Eason), but also due to a shift in alignment which forced New Orleans away from their toss and sweep game towards an interior run game, which did not suit them well. Meanwhile, Bobby Hebert threw for 319 and 4 scores as the Panthers once again looked like the team that many thought could go undefeated. They return to the Championship after only a 1 year hiatus from their 1985 Championship. 1987 USFL CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW This looks like one for the ages, the two most recent USFL champions battling to be the first USFL team with two titles. Michigan, after losing their last 3 games of the regular season, has ripped through their two playoff opponts, winning by margins of 25 and 34 points. Philadlephia, slow and steady, had gotten here by beating two quality opponents, both from the state of Florida, where the Championship will be held. The Gator Bowl in Jacksonville will be the site, the Stars and the Panthers the opponents. Here are the keys to the game: 1. Philadelphia must establish the run in order for their play-action passing game to find success. To do so, they will have to break down one of the stingiest run defenses in the league. Michigan allowed only 98 yards per game during the season. Philadelphia averaged 111 a game, most of it on the efforts of Kelvin Bryant. Bryant’s success will be key to the Philadelphia offense. 2. Michigan must break the Philly coverage and find big plays. When they lost those late season games, it was because teams allowed the short game but denied the Panthers the long ball. That does not play to the strength of the Michigan skill players, who are there to hit on big shots. If the Panthers cannot get Holloway and Carter free down the field, and are forced to dink and dunk on long drives, they will not pose the threat that so many teams fear. 3. Half-time adjustments. We saw how important this was when Michigan shut down Marcus Dupree in the second half of last week’s game. How teams react at the half, and the battle of chess between Jim Stanley and Jim Mora will go a long way to determine the outcome of what most experts predict will be a one-score margin. 4. Avoiding the unforced error. Both Conference Championships turned on defensive takeaways and scores. Turnovers are always a big issues in playoff football, but the key here is to avoid making mistakes that lead to quick, momentum shifting scores. Our Prediction: While we expect Michigan to hold down Bryant to a degree, we do not think they can completely remove the play action game from the Philadelphia offense. The Stars are hot at the right time, winning 5 of 6 to end the year, and facing, quite honestly, a tougher road to get here. We like their balance, we like their cool, calm demeanor, and we like their depth. This is a team that will not beat itself. For Michigan to win, they need the big play, and we just don’t see Philadelphia making the mental mistakes that allow those to happen. Our pick is Stars 27 Panthers 21. OTHER LEAGUE NEWS AND NOTES The NFL-USFL pipeline has remained open during the playoffs, as non-playoff teams get an early start at free agency. They cannot sign any current USFL free agents, but they can ink NFL free agents to contracts (and the NFL can do the same) and that two way shuttle has been in effect over the past weeks. Just in the last week, we have seen these inter-league signings: NFL SIGNINGS The Washington Federals have lost DT Bennie Smith to the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. After losing their divisional playoff game, Oakland suffered two more losses as starting Free Safety Willie Lyles has signed with the New York Jets, and backup running back Louis Jackson is headed to the Miami Dolphins. New Jersey loses another LB as Steve DeOssie has signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Jacksonville, after losing to the Stars in their playoff matchup, was also heavily hit by the NFL, losing three players this week. WR Perry Kemp will join the Green Bay Packers, LB Kevin Teel is off to Pittsburgh, and TE Trey Junkin has opted to join the LA Raiders. Denver lost another backup with wideout Brian Brennan signing with Cleveland. Arizona’s defense took a hit, losing both CB Frank Minnifield (Cleveland) and LB Jim Fahnhorst (San Francisco). USFL SIGNINGS In a shockingly aggressive move, the Washington Federals, with new head coach Sam Rutigliano, have made what many consider one of the boldest signings in league history, stealing QB Neil Lomax away from the St. Louis Cardinals. Lomax, who threw for over 3,200 yards for the Cardinals last year will almost certainly take the helm of the Federals, which begs the question of what Washington will do with Reggie Collier, who still has 2 years on his contract. In an odd move they have also signed longtime San Francisco kicker Ray Wersching to the team, which likely means that current kicker Nick Mike-Myer may be hitting the expansion market or be released. The Baltimore Blitz wasted no time after their playoff defeat in improving their offense, adding more veteran leadership in the form of wideout Stanley Morgan. The longtime New England Patriot will line up opposite Trumaine Johnson in the Blitz attack. Denver solidified its linebacking corps with the signing of former Packer Michael Douglass. Douglass started 15 games for the Packers last year. Oakland responded to losing a defensive stalwart in Willie Liles, but signing a player they hope will aid their passrush in former Dolphin DE Kim Bokamper. Bokamper started 12 games for the Dolphins in 1985, but recorded only 2.5 sacks. And finally, the Miami/Orlando franchise. Led by Howard Schnellenberger, is also trying not to fall behind on player acquisition as they still work on final arrangements for their team’s home, signing Dallas Cowboys Safety Bill Bates as their first signature player. Bates finished his rookie contract with Dallas with his best year to date, recording 4 interceptions and playing in all 16 games.

TAMPA BAY 28 BALTIMORE 19 Bandits race past a hobbling Blitz Squad. Baltimore came into the game with many picking them as the odds-on favorite to win the title this year, but when All-USFL QB Vince Evans went down with an ugly looking ankle injury early in the 1st quarter the complexion of the game shifted dramatically. In a battle of backups, the more experienced and more dynamic Jimmie Jordan outdueled the somewhat ill-prepared Blair Kiel, leading Tampa Bay on 4 touchdown drives to overcome the early 13-0 Baltimore lead. Without Evans the Blitz offense was just not firing on all cylinders, and Tampa Bay ate away at the lead and pulled ahead over the course of the game. For fans in the Charm City it was a disappointing end to a brilliant first season for Baltimore’s Blitz, but for Tampa fans, a rough 9-7 season might just be looking up as they advance. PHILADELPHIA 34 JACKSONVILLE 24 Philly’s experience pays off as they outlast the Bulls. For the second year in a row the Bulls earned the right to a home playoff game by winning their division, and for a second year in a row they could not take advantage. Facing the 1985 defending champions, who struggled to a 9-7 record this year, was a tough draw, but Bulls fans expected more out of their team. The more experienced Stars were solid in all phases as Kelvin Bryant led the team with 149 yards on the ground, while Chuck Fusina had a workmanlike 209 yards passing with 2 TDs. Jacksonville’s star, QB Doug Williams, may have played his last game for the Bulls, as he has been pushing for a new deal and threatening to head back to the NFL if one cannot be reached. He threw for 254 and 2 scoress, but also tossed 2 costly interceptions which gave Philly short fields to work with. The Stars took advantage and the subsequent 14 points were more than enough to give them the edge and the win. ARIZONA 6 MICHIGAN 31 Panthers rediscover their mojo as they trounce the Wranglers. The big question after 3 straight season-ending losses, was what Michigan could do to right the ship and get back to the form that had won them 13 straight to start the year. The answer was “face the 8-8 Arizona Wranglers”. The Panthers dominated this game from start to finish. Bobby Hebert was sharp, John Williams looked rested, and the defense, which had been so dominant all year, was up to the task. Arizona’s offense was stymied at every turn. Leading rusher Owen Gill ran for only 13 yards on 15 carries as the Panthers asserted their dominance at home. They will be home again next week, and they hope to see the same kind of performance. NEW ORLEANS 31 OAKLAND 24 Dupree & Franz star as the Breakers break hearts in Oakland. The joke around the league was that the Breakers were always ‘just happy to be there” when entering the playoffs. The expectation was that Oakland would once again send the Breakers home early. But, these Breakers, perhaps catching some of New Orleans’ fun-loving atmosphere, were a different team this year. They came out hot, scoring on 3 of their first four possessions and building a 17-7 halftime lead. An Eason to Lockett score to start the 3rd made it 24-7 and while Oakland would make the score closer, the outcome was never in doubt. The Breakers had 404 yards of total offense, led by Marcus Dupree’s 126 on the ground and a very solid 247 and 3 scores from the often erratic Tony Eason. While Brian Sipe had 333 passing, most of it was desperation catchup in the 2nd half, after being largely shut down in the first. So, New Orleans gets their first playoff win in 3 years, and now head to Michigan to face the Panthers. CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW Tampa Bay (9-7) @ Philadelphia (9-7) It’s the two Wild Cards that move on to the Eastern Conference Finals, held at Veteran’s Stadium, and a contrast in styles as the big-play Banditball game of Tampa Bay faces the slow and steady run-first, play action game of the Stars. Philly is the defending champion, and Tampa may very well be playing without John Reaves (considered a game time decision) so we have to pick the Stars in this one. The Philly crowd should be in full voice as they hope for a return trip to the USFL Championship, but Tampa will give them a game. Our prediction: Stars 28 Bandits 24 New Orleans (9-7) @ Michigan (13-3) If Michigan is truly back to form, they will be tough to beat. That New Orleans beat them only 2 weeks ago may be meaningless. It was a largely meaningless game for Michigan, while the Breakers were playing for their playoff lives. New Orleans has a chance, however, particularly if they can get a repeat performance from Dupree and if Eason can avoid any costly mistakes. For Michigan, they have to find ways to get the ball into the hands of Carter and Holloway. We expect their defense to be solid, but they cannot have the offensive duldrums which hurt them in the season’s final weeks. We look at their game against Arizona as a priming-the-pump experience and expect to see the old, dominant, Panthers again. Our prediction: Michigan 35 New Orleans 20 OTHER USFL NEWS & NOTES While the playoffs are in full swing for half of the USFL, the future is now, as unofficially moves can be made within the league and the non-playoff teams can also get a head start at looking over NFL rosters for players in contract negotiations. Add to this the 4 new expansion clubs, all looking to hit the ground running, and the free agency and NFL-USFL signing period has unofficially opened. And, of course, as USFL contracts expire, NFL teams are also hoping to grab some talent from the Spring league. It is always intense, and this year looks like it will be a real barnburner, with several big name players coming to the end of their first USFL contracts. Here are the moves we have seen in just the past 2 weeks as USFL squads try to add some talent before the official Free Agency period begins. Arizona: Despite a solid year from HB Owen Gill (866 yards, but only 2 TD), the Wranglers have announced that they have signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneer James Wilder to the position. This may likely mean that either Gill, rookie Darryl Clack, or both could be left unprotected in the upcoming expansion draft pool. New Jersey had a quick turnover on defense as they saw veteran Jim LeClair sign with Denver Broncos immediately after the season concluded. No sooner had that happened then the Generals designated one of their exemption slots for the signing of former NY Giant and LA Ram defensive End Gary Jeter. Jeter will come to New Jersey on a 3 year deal. Los Angeles also took a hit as rotating starter HB Kevin Mack quickly signed on with the Cleveland Browns. This almost assuredly returns Tony Boddie to the position of workhorse for the Express. Pittsburgh will need to seek out a new strong safety as one of their best defensive players, Dave Duerson, has signed with the St. Louis Cardinals. Pittsburgh has also opted to upgrade their kicking game, releasing Sandro Vitello after 3 years and signing NFL kicker Rafael Septien from the Dallas Cowboys. Memphis had not expected to resign WR Willie Gault, who, while capable of the big catch, seems to drop too many easy ones. Well, the decision is not needed as Gault has signed with the Chicago Bears, who originally drafted him out of college. Washington has already lost 2 players as backup QB Babe Laufenberg signed with the NFL’s Washington Redskins and DT Bennie Smith will be headed to San Diego. Expect a lot of shifting in DC, as new coach Sam Rutigliano has already expressed an interest in making some deals to get more draft picks, even floating the possibility that QB Reggie Collier might be on the market for the right price. And, lest you think that the expansion teams are not yet in the player market, we have our first “poachings” from the new clubs. The Chicago Machine have made two signings, including one which harkens back to the first USFL offseason, the only year when players from the recently concluded NFL draft were significantly poached by USFL teams in the middle of NFL contract talks. It seems Chicago is eager to settle their QB position and have signed Iowa Hawkeye and recent Detroit Lion draft pick, QB Chuck Long. Long, who did not sign with the Memphis Showboats when selected in the 1986 USFL Draft, became a free agent as soon as the USFL season began in March. The Machine, led by coach Joe Bugel, have swooped in during Detroit’s contract talks with Long and have convinced the Hawkeye star to sign with the new franchise. And, as if that were not enough, the Machine have also signed a defensive captain for their new club, snatching away Clay Matthews from the Cleveland Browns. Matthews, in a contract year with the Browns, was not expected to test the market, so the undisclosed terms of the deal must have been lucrative to lure the All-Pro to Chicago and the USFL. And the San Antonio Gunslingers have made their first “poaching”, signing longtime KC Chief, Carlos Carson (WR) as their first roster member. Carson, who had over 1,000 yards receiving in the 1984 season had been seeking a better situation as his contract expired with the Chiefs, and now joins a total mystery as he has no idea who will be throwing him the ball, although San Antonio has been making noise about trying to sign either a USFL or NFL veteran. Rumors have the team speaking with both former Invader Fred Besana and with NFL free agent Turk Schonert. So, the first volleys have been fired. Expect a lot more as the offseason builds up, especially after the USFL playoffs conclude and some of the league’s unsigned stars, names like Bobby Hebert, Herschel Walker, Mike Rozier and Junior Ah You are available to be poached. We expect a crazy offseason, and it appears that it has already started.

Playoff Seedings EAST: #1 Baltimore (12-4) #2 Jacksonville (11-5) #3 Philadelphia (9-7) #4 Tampa Bay (9-7) WEST: #1 Michigan (13-3) #2 Oakland (10-6) #3 New Orleans (9-7) #4 Arizona (8-8)