PANTHERS WEEK 9: THE CURSE CONTINUES

Despite their best efforts, the Michigan Panthers fell just short of victory, losing to the Birmingham Stallions 26-22.

 

Since the revival of the USFL in 2022, the Panthers have yet to get the best of Birmingham, as the series drought has now extended to 0-7. 

 

Danny Etling was given the start, as Michigan continues to be careful with QB Bryce Perkins. While a USFL division title was on the line, the playoff game will happen in Birmingham regardless of final standings, so playing it safe was definitely the right move to make. It would be shocking if the Panthers didn’t take the same approach to their season closer against Houston next week.

 

The first half was a defensive battle, as both teams struggled to move the ball. The first quarter ended in a 0-0 tie. Birmingham loaded up their box, knowing that the panthers would likely lean on the rushing game to start. RB Toa Taua couldn’t get anything going, and the pressure got to Etling early. 

 

However, the strategy of the Panthers finally paid off, as the secondary kept creeping in closer and closer, Michigan finally pulled the trigger and Etling was able to hit a wide open Siaosi Mariner for a 33 yard touchdown. Michigan converted their one point attempt and took an early 7-0 lead. It was a time consuming 15 play, 8:41 drive. 

 

Just before the half, Birmingham was able to respond with a 48 yard drive of their own. J’mar Smith, who was managing a Dunkin’ Donuts 3 weeks ago, hit Dion Cain for a 19 yard play that broke the plane. The conversion was successful and the game was tied 7-7 with 2 minutes left in the half. 

 

Michigan was able to give BT Potter a chance at a long field goal just before halftime, however the kick sailed wide left and the score going into the break remained 7-7. 

 

To start the second half, Birmingham moved the ball well and quickly got down into the Panthers red zone, but recent addition DT Benning Potoa’e stripped the ball from CJ Marable, and Adonis Alexander scooped it up. The Panthers were able to convert that turnover into points (something they’ve struggled with) when Danny Etling connected with TE Gunnar Oakes. The extra point, which lately has been automatic for Michigan, was unsuccessful for the Panthers, and their lead was now 13-7.

 

The lead was short lived, however, as the next drive saw Birmingham convert on 3rd and 24 to keep their drive alive. A few plays later, RB Larry Roundtree found the end zone. The Panthers were able to shut down the extra point attempt, and the game was once again tied 13-13. 

 

The Panthers were able to push to the Birmingham 10 yard line on the next drive, but couldn’t get into the end zone and settled for a field goal right before the end of the 3rd quarter, pushing their lead to 16-13.

 

 From that point forward, the offenses would explode, as the teams would exchange scores back and forth. First, Roundtree got into the end zone for his second score of the game, giving Birmingham the lead 20-16. 

 

Danny Etling would connect with Siaosi Mariner on a huge 45 yard throw before Toa Taua punched the ball into the end zone. With less than 8 minutes left the Panthers took their 4th lead of the day, 22-20. 

 

Unfortunately, for as good as Michigan’s offense was looking, Birmingham looked just as good. With just over two minutes left in the game, J’Mar Smith orchestrated an 11 play drive that was capped off by a great TD catch from Dion Cain.

 

Down by four with just over two minutes left, Michigan would have to find the end zone one more time to finally beat Birmingham for the first time in the modern era. Danny Etling did a great job moving the panthers downfield. He would go 8-for-9 and get Michigan down to the 10 yard line with 19 seconds to go. 

 

After a spike to stop the clock, the Panthers would have three shots at the end zone. Michigan could not convert on their attempts and would once again fall just short to the perennial thorn in their side. 

 

Final score: Birmingham 26, Michigan 22.

 

The Panthers (6-3) Will return to Ford Field in Week 10 for their regular season finale against the Houston Roughnecks (3-5). Kickoff is set for Saturday at 3:00 PM EST on ESPN. The Stallions (6-3) will take on the Memphis Showboats (2-7) at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, with kickoff at 3:00 EST on Sunday. 

 

FINAL THOUGHTS:

 

Throughout the game, the Stallions were able to convert on multiple 3rd and long attempts, extending drives either through the legs of Smith, or exploiting Michigan’s secondary. While J’Mar is a decent running quarterback, the Panthers should be better at shutting that down, especially now that the reigning DPOY, Breeland Speaks is back. Coach Nolan expressed as much in the post game press conference, so expect some tough practices this week before the Panthers final tune-up next week. 

 

Coach Nolan admitted Michigan wasn’t going to show their full hand this game, while Stallions Head Coach Lou Holtz said Birmingham would be emptying their playbook, doing whatever they needed to do for the win. That, combined with the fact that Michigan is still withholding Bryce Perkins and Matthew Colburn, really shows that the Panthers are playing to win the war, not the battle. Whether that strategy works will remain to be seen.