The Michigan Panthers and Birmingham Stallions faced off in another UFL playoff thriller on Sunday. To absolutely no one’s surprise, it was a back and forth affair.
Heading into this game, Michigan was searching for their first win in modern franchise history against the Stallions. Since the USFL returned in 2022, the Panthers were 0-7 against Birmingham – including three losses last year, one being in the postseason.
However, the eighth time is the charm – and Michigan finally was able to put together a complete game across the board. Let’s take a look at what all went down in Protective Stadium this weekend.
First Quarter
Michigan opened up with possession of the football, and immediately went three and out. It was a solid start for Birmingham’s defense – but it would be one of their few stops of the afternoon. The Stallions looked to be in a rhythm on their end with a 3rd and 11 completion to Deon Cain – but then stalled out and punted it back.
Xavier Malone has been a spark plug for Michigan all year long on special teams, and showed up once again with a big return – putting the Panthers inside Birmingham territory.
It was easy pickings for Bryce Perkins & Co. starting from the 39. Toa Taua ran it in for the first score of the day, and a PAT to Cole Hikutini made it 7-0 early.
A facemask penalty on Noah Dawkins gave the Stallions good field position – but they couldn’t capitalize. J’Mar Smith missed Amari Rodgers who was open deep, and then Harrison Mevis missed on a 56 yard field goal attempt.
Second Quarter
Birmingham struggled on third downs today, and that would be evident early. On 3rd and 12, Bryce Perkins found Siaosi Mariner wide open, who snuck down to the one yard line. Perkins would then run it in himself for the score, and Michigan had a 14-0 lead following another successful PAT.
Sparks would finally fly for Birmingham on offense. Smith connected with Deon Cain on 3rd and long, who took off…