1977 Season Preview

Tyrone Harvell, QB, Tampa Bay Bandits

The USFL/WFL's fourth season begins Tuesday. Is it possible we could have our fourth different champion? It certainly could be. And, if it is to be, the Tampa Bay Bandits may be the most viable candidate.

The Bandits were 15-1 during the 1976 regular season before being upset by the New Orleans VooDoo in the playoffs. Tampa Bay will certainly be one of the favorites this time around, despite losing WLB Roy Edelman to Boston during free agency. The Bandits averaged 491 yards per game, second in the league. Tyrone Harvell led the USFL/WFL in QB rating (124.71), WR Michael Popa caught nearly 72 percent of the passes thrown his way.

The Detroit Wheels will try to become the first World Bowl champion to defend. Detroit was 14-2 during the season, then won three playoff games by an average margin of 30.33 points. QB Mario Valencia was voted league MVP after throwing a league-record 55 TD passes.

The Orlando Renegades were 10-1 after setherick took over as head coach, then fell to the Pittsburgh Maulers in the first round of the playoffs. The New Orleans VooDoo won their way into World Bowl III and will be a prime contender to return. The Pittsburgh Maulers will be seeking its fourth consecutive Atlantic Division title, as will the San Antonio Gunslingers in the Southwest Division.

Cory Robinzine, WR, Arizona

The West Division race was easily the most entertaining last season, with three teams finishing within a half-game of each other. The Arizona Wranglers were the odd man out, but may have landed the final piece to their playoff puzzle when they signed two-time All-Pro offensive lineman Charles Bukowski, formerly of Boston. The Oakland Invaders won World Bowl II and could return behind QB and former league MVP Les Lacy. The Portland Storm made some trades to strengthen what was already a strong defense and could finally push their way to a championship.

The Cleveland Thunderbolts (13-3) took Detroit down to the final game of the regular season before the Midwest Division champion was crowned. The Chicago Blitz were championship contenders twice, fell to 8-8 last season, then made some offseason moves to regain contender status in '77, including signing former San Jose star RDE Cesar Collins.

The Los Angeles Express (11-5) claimed the Pacific Division title and will be strong favorites to do so again after signing a couple key free agents. The Georgia Force (12-4) finished one game behind New Orleans in the South Division and had a strong draft.

Dale Brown, QB, Oklahoma

The New York Stars (10-6) won the East Division but still have a long road to travel. The New Jersey Generals (7-9) are a safer bet to reclaim their East Division supremacy.

The Oklahoma Outlaws were 10-6 in both 1975 and 1976 and will try to fight their way into the postseason for the first time.

There are several teams who have hung around .500 and could jump to the next level. That group includes the Honolulu Hawaiians, San Jose SaberCats, Memphis Showboats, Florida Blazers, Shreveport Steamer, and Boston Breakers.

A larger group is building toward a brighter future and, in many cases, just need some continuity in coaching and a few key personnel additions to advance. That group includes Southern California, Denver, Houston, Michigan, Jacksonville, Birmingham, Baltimore, Charlotte, Washington, and Philadelphia.