


Stallions Outpace Maulers in Thrilling Playoff Opener
The Birmingham Stallions rode the stellar performance of running back Joe Cribbs to a dramatic 24-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Maulers in the opening round of the playoffs at Legion Field. Cribbs, named MVP of the game, accounted for two rushing touchdowns, including a pair of five-yard scores in the first half that set the tone for Birmingham’s offense. Quarterback Cliff Stoudt sealed the win with a late fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Ken Toler, capping a 69-yard drive that reclaimed the lead with just over a minute remaining.
Pittsburgh, trailing 17-3 at halftime, came alive in the second half with a more balanced offensive attack. Quarterback Brian Sipe connected with Flowers for a 15-yard touchdown in the third quarter and orchestrated a grueling 15-play, 80-yard drive that culminated in a one-yard scoring plunge by Miller to tie the game at 17 late in the fourth. However, the Maulers were unable to capitalize on their momentum as Stoudt and the Stallions engineered a methodical response, exploiting Pittsburgh’s defense with key completions to Jim Smith and Joey Jones before Toler’s decisive catch in the end zone.
The Maulers’ defense fought valiantly, with Mike McKibben and Freeman combining for 16 tackles and two sacks, but they couldn’t contain Cribbs in critical moments. Meanwhile, the Stallions’ defense held strong when it mattered most, with Herbie Spencer leading the way with 11 tackles and a crucial fourth-quarter interception by Tommy Haynes. Birmingham advances to the next round, while Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes end in heartbreak despite a commendable second-half rally.

Playoff Showdown in Memphis: Pittsburgh Maulers vs. Birmingham Stallions
June 23, 1985 – 4:30 PM at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
The stage is set in Memphis for a high-stakes playoff clash as the Pittsburgh Maulers and Birmingham Stallions meet in the first round of the 1985 USFL playoffs. Both teams bring contrasting styles and strengths to the table, promising a thrilling matchup in front of a packed Liberty Bowl crowd.
The Maulers boast a run-first offense anchored by Mike Rozier, who has been nothing short of spectacular this season. Rozier’s 1,361 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns highlight his ability to dominate games on the ground. Complementing Rozier’s power running is quarterback Brian Sipe’s efficient passing attack. Sipe has thrown for 718 yards with four touchdowns and a 91.3 passer rating, connecting with top targets like Greg Anderson (915 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns) and Kirk Pendleton (810 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns).
Pittsburgh’s defense, led by stalwarts like Sam Clancy (4 sacks) and Larry Graham (4 sacks), excels at pressuring quarterbacks and forcing mistakes. The secondary, featuring Gary Delaney (3 interceptions, 77 return yards), is opportunistic and capable of changing the momentum with big plays.
Birmingham enters the playoffs as one of the league’s most well-rounded teams. Quarterback Cliff Stoudt has been a revelation, throwing for 3,358 yards and 34 touchdowns with a 91.2 passer rating. His connection with Jim Smith (1,322 receiving yards, 20 touchdowns) has been the backbone of Birmingham’s potent passing game.
On the ground, Joe Cribbs provides a consistent threat with 1,047 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, complemented by Stoudt’s mobility (437 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns). Defensively, the Stallions are no slouches either, with Dennis Harding leading the charge in tackles and sacks, and David Roe contributing a team-high nine sacks.
This matchup pits the Stallions’ high-octane offense against the Maulers’ methodical ground game and tenacious defense. While Birmingham holds the edge on paper with their balanced attack, Pittsburgh’s ability to dictate tempo through Rozier and force turnovers makes them a dangerous opponent.
Expect a tightly contested battle, but the Stallions’ offensive firepower may give them the slight edge needed to advance.
Final Score Prediction: Birmingham Stallions 28, Pittsburgh Maulers 24.
Don’t miss this electrifying showdown as the USFL playoffs kick off with a bang!