It’s 2025, and the Michigan Panthers still cannot get past the Birmingham Stallions. Through the last few seasons, Birmingham has come out on top in all six affairs, no matter how talented this Michigan roster might be.
Over the first couple of seasons in the USFL, Birmingham was simply the better team, which was evident when it came to talent, execution, and team records.
Last year, though, told a different story. The Michigan Panthers were neck and neck with the Stallions, after winning five straight heading into week ten. Then, they lost two games to Birmingham in back to back weeks, shutting down their Championship aspirations.
Every time Mike Nolan’s Panthers square off against Birmingham, it’s almost as if they have this mental block that they just can’t get past. Whether it’s miscommunications between coaches, poor play calling, missed assignments on the field, or something else – something always goes wrong at the worst possible times.
Let’s break it all down.
2024 Woes
During the 2024 UFL season, Birmingham defeated Michigan three times. In week two, it was their defensive line that set the tone early, and didn’t relent. While E.J. Perry did what he could, and Michigan’s defense held up relatively well, they were overwhelmed up front – as E.J. was sacked seven times.
Looking at week ten, Michigan simply couldn’t get out of their own way. After dominating the first half, they committed several back-breaking penalties that ultimately lost them the game. Even then, they had a chance to win it – but Jake Bates missed a last second field goal attempt.
In the playoffs, the Panthers were rolling early. After going up 18-3, it felt like they were actually going to finally get the job done. That wouldn’t be the case, though. Danny Etling would turn the ball over four times in the third quarter, as a battered Michigan team ran out of gas on the road. Had they been healthier, it may have been a different…