By: Jack Elliot
USFL Insider since 1983
Dateline: July 5, 1987. Liberty Bowl, Memphis Tennessee. The USFL celebrated America and football in Memphis over the fourth of July weekend. The powerhosue offense of the Houston Gamblers faced off against the smothering defense of the Birmingham Stallions. At the end of a season defined by offenses, the Stallions once again proved that the adage “defense wins championships” can still be true as coach Rollie Dotsch, Championship Game MVP Cliff Stoudt, and the rest of the Birmigham squad lifted their first USFL Championship trophy. In the process, they denied Houston their second championship and may have altered the course of history.
Along with Las Vegas Ace quarterback Randall Cunnigham, rumors swirled that Houston play caller Jim Kelly might also move to the NFL after the season. However, with the near miss once again, in the post game interview, Kelly sounded like he wanted at least one last chance at that title. Great news for the league that saw Reggie White leave after last year and then Cunningham this year. While I can’t begrudge them for trying their hands in the bigger league, we will miss them here in the USFL.
Birmingham set the tone early against Kelly and the Gamblers, forcing punts on three and outs in the first two drives. Houston lost 6 yards in those two drives. Things got no better for the Gamblers as it took them 18 plays to go 88 yards and ate up almost 12 minutes of clock to get their only points in the game, a field goal. Even with their sputtering offense, Houston trailed only 10-3. The game looked to be a defensive battle that Houston might be able to win with their magic man at QB.
Championship Game MVP Cliff Stoudt put those ideas to rest with the next drive. He threw a 24 yard pass to cap off a minute and a half drive and put the Stallions up by two touchdowns. Kelly tried to respond, but a missed field goal took them into the half still down by those 14 points. The second half proved no better for the Gamblers. Their drives ended, punt, punt, fumble, interception, and punt. The Birmingham defense simply executed their game plan and smothered Houston. Kelly threw for only 219 yards, no touchdowns, and those two interceptions. Their leading rusher, Sam Harrell gained only 29 yards on 15 carries.
It was simply a defensive clinic by the Stallions, a team who built their identity on their hard hitting defense. And their sometimes embattled quarterback gets to etch his name in the USFL history books as a champion and an MVP. I never expected such a result in the game. I truly thought that the Gamblers would join Chicago as a two time champion. But, I tip my hat to the Stallions and look forward to their defense of their title next season.
Stay tuned for all of the offseason news and I’ll see you next year!