USFL: Memphis Showboats v Houston Gamblers

The last game of the 1984 season saw the Memphis Showboats at the Astrodome to take on the Houston Gamblers.  Houston defeated Memphis 37-3 and finished their first season 13-5.  Memphis finished the season 7-11.

Derrick Crawford of the Memphis Showboats completes a short reception against the Houston Gamblers.

Backup Quarterback, Ken Johnson of the Memphis Showboats scrambles while looking for an open receiver against the Houston Gamblers.

Andy Hawkins of the Houston Gamblers putting pressure on Mike Kelley of Memphis.

Greg Moser of the Houston Gamblers runs for a short gain after a reception against Memphis.

Cleveland Crosby of the Houston Gamblers stops Alan Reid of Memphis after a short gain.

The next two photos are of the Houston Gamblers Highrollers who performed at all the home games.  If anyone knows the names of these two young ladies please let me know.

Houston Gambler Highroller.

Houston Gambler Highroller.

Next up for the Houston Gamblers were the playoffs.  The Quarterfinals would have the Arizona Wranglers visiting the Astrodome to take on Houston in their first ever playoff game.

USFL: San Antonio Gunslingers v Houston Gamblers

With only two games left in the 1984 season the San Antonio Gunslingers were at the Astrodome on Monday June 18, 1984 to take on the Houston Gamblers.  Houston was sitting at 12-5 and trying to make the playoffs whereas San Antonio was 6-10 and wanting to play spoiler. 

The Houston Gamblers enter the field.  This part of the field was dirt since they shared the Astrodome with the Houston Astros.

Jim Kelly would pass and run the team to a close 29-26 victory over San Antonio.

Jim Kelly of the Houston Gamblers attempts a pass against San Antonio.

Jim Kelly of Houston scrambles around right end for a short gain against San Antonio.

Rick Neuheisel of the San Antonio Gunslingers drops back to pass against the Houston Gamblers.

To attract interest and paying customers the Houston Gamblers ran all types of promotions before and during their games.  At this game boxer George Foreman, who was also an ordained minister, married a couple at halftime.

Boxer and minister, George Foreman married a couple during halftime at the San Antonio v Houston game. 

Photo of the newlyweds taking a spin around the Astrodome after just getting married.  It would be interesting to know if they are still together.

George Works of San Antonio behind the blocking of Ralph Williams runs around left end being chased by Tony Fitzpatrick of Houston.

Houston Gambler Offensive Coordinator, Mouse Davis who was responsible for installing the Run and Shoot offense that Houston ran.

Rice Owls v Houston Cougars

Every year the Houston Cougars and the Rice Owls play for the Bayou Bucket and bragging rights for the top college team in Houston.  Last year Rice took it to Houston winning 56-42 and kept the Cougars out of the Conference-USA championships.  This year Rice was at Robertson Stadium and Houston was looking for revenge.

First play of the game Tyron Carrier took the opening kickoff  99 yards for a touchdown setting the mood for the rest of the game.

This photo shows Tyron Carrier on a reverse and going 37 yards for a touchdown.

At halftime it was all Houston leading Rice 59-0.  Case Keenum would only play a half and Cotton Turner and Austin Elrod, back up quarterbacks, would finish up.  The defense only allowed 14 points and this was with the second string in.

Charles Sims would score twice on runs of 5 and 18 yards.

Nick Fanuzi of the Rice Owls is brought down by C.J. Cavness of the Houston Cougars after a short gain.

One highlight for Rice was the running of their two running backs, Tyler Smith and Charles Ross.

  Tyler Smith of the Rice owls would finish the day with 21 carries and 113 yards.

Charles Ross would rush for 105 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Houston would prove to be too much for Rice this year and when it was all over beat the Owls 73-14 and brought the Bayou Bucket back to the University of Houston.

Next up for Houston is the Conference-USA championship game against East Carolina.