Jacksonville edged the Orlando Renegades, 13-9, for its fifth win in the last six games. The only loss in that span was a 9-6 decision to the powerhouse Chicago Blitz. QB Ty Fleming hit WR Shawn Trevino with a 78-yard pass against Orlando for that game's only TD, a win that put Jacksonville into sole possession of first place in the South Division.
Following a 34-7 defeat at the hands of the Detroit Wheels in the season opener, the Bulls have not allowed ANY of their last six opponents to reach double figures. Jacksonville is 5-2 despite ranking No. 31 in a 32-team league in yards from scrimmage per game (272.4). Why? Because they are No. 2 in yards allowed from scrimmage per game (281.4) and points allowed (11.3).
Booger926 noted the rise of the Bulls in a recent forum post. I have updated the contents below.
Through game 7 of the 1975 season, the Jacksonville Bulls have a turnover margin of +9, second in the league to Chicago (+13). The Bulls had a five-game streak of +1 or better snapped against Orlando. During the last six games, Jacksonville's secondary has nine interceptions and the team has recovered nine fumbles. The Bulls have converted those turnovers into 16 points. The interception against Orlando came with 2:33 to play, killing the Renegades' final drive. The Bulls currently have seven players with an INT and six players with a fumble recovery, with DT Raphael Alvarez tied for the league lead with four recoveries while forcing one.
Week 7 Roundup
- The Houston Gamblers scored 10 points in the final 2:49 to surprise the San Antonio Gunslingers, 38-34, and reclaim the I-10 Construction Zone Trophy. Houston trailed by 10 points on three different occasions, but went ahead for good when RB Robert Carroll turned a short swing pass into a 64-yard TD from QB Chester Dougherty with 2:49 to go.
- Cleveland WR-turned-RB Bert Eichelberger turned in the longest run from scrimmage all season, a 91-yard scamper in the fourth quarter that gave the Thunderbolts a 13-10 win over the Arizona Wranglers. The league record is 99 yards, by Boston's Matthew Brinkley against the New York Stars in 1974.
- Washington RB Gary Munch scored from 12 yards out to give the Federals the win in a 23-22 nail-biter against Charlotte. The Hornets led, 22-10, at halftime.
- Portland QB William Hill threw for 453 yards and three TDs, but Pittsburgh RB John Murray scored the clinching TD with 1:56 to play as the Maulers edged the Storm, 32-29.
- Georgia Force WR Dean Williamson tied the USFL/WFL record for longest kickoff return (110 yards) during a 65-9 win over the New York Stars. The other 110-yard returns were by Los Angeles Express RB Jordan Devers (now with Birmingham) and Oklahoma Outlaws WR Kevin Contreras, both in 1974.
- The New Jersey Generals outscored Boston, 24-0, in the second half of their 31-17 victory over the Breakers. The Generals picked off Boston QB Jonathan Keefe three times, including this one by CB Gregory Johnson that set up New Jersey's go-ahead TD.
- Birmingham RB Jordan Devers, acquired in a Week 6 trade with the Los Angeles Express, rushed for 187 yards and the clinching TD in a 34-20 win over the Shreveport Steamer.
Week 8 Preview
The Jacksonville Bulls (5-2) will try to extend their South Division lead over the defending World Bowl champion Florida Blazers (4-3), who have lost three in a row. The Cleveland Thunderbolts (3-4), who have won three of their last four, host the unbeaten Chicago Blitz (7-0). The Pittsburgh Maulers (5-2) are at the Baltimore Stars (3-4) in a battle of 1974 playoff teams. So is the Portland Storm (5-2) at the Detroit Wheels (4-3).
