The Michigan Panthers prepare for their first road game as they prepare to take on the San Antonio Brahmas. The Panthers are coming off their most complete game of the season in which they defeated the Houston Roughnecks by a score of 34-20. For the second week in a row, the Panthers’ defense will face a team going through changes at the quarterback position as San Antonio’s quarterback was placed on IR following their week 3 loss to St. Louis.
Game Details:
Date/Location: Saturday, April 20 /San Antonio, TX, The Alamodome
Kickoff Time: 7 PM ET, 4 PM PT
Channel: Fox
Odds:
If you do place bets please do so responsibly and seek help if you have a gambling problem.
Spread: Michigan +1.5 (-115), San Antonio -1.5 (-105)
Moneyline: Michigan -105, San Antonio -115
Over/Under: 41 (Over -110, Under -110)
Predictions: UFL News Hub Writers’ Week 4 Picks
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Michigan Panthers (2-1):
Panthers’ quarterback EJ Perry played exceptionally in week 3’s win over Houston completing 16 of his 19 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown while adding 60 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground on 9 rushes. His decision-making was flawless as he made good choices in his target selections as well as when he chose to tuck the ball and run.
Wide receiver Marcus Simms had the biggest play of the day making a 67-yard touchdown on a short pass he caught just 4 yards downfield and took the ball all the way to the house leaving 5 defenders lying on the ground along the way.
The Panthers’ offensive line had a much better day in week 3 than they had the week previously. In week 2 the Panthers allowed 7 sacks. Last week they did not allow any and the pressure rate was much better in pass protection.
The Panthers’ defense has been strong all season, particularly against the run. In week 3 they held Houston’s runningback, T.J. Pledger to 34 yards on 14 carries (2.4 yards per carry).
San Antonio Brahmas (2-1):
The San Antonio Brahmas are coming off their first loss of the season after losing at home to the St. Louis Battlehawks. In week 2 the Brahmas had a remarkable comeback victory which was highlighted by a strong 4th quarter from Quarterback Chase Garbers who put up 190 passing yards and 3 touchdowns in the final quarter. Following the injury to Garbers San Antonio will move forward with Quinten Dormady under center.
San Antonio saw good success last week on the ground last week. John Lovett rushed 12 times for 41 yards (3.4 average) and a touchdown with Anthony McFarland rushing 9 times for 39 yards (4.3 average) and a touchdown.
Defensively the Brahmas have been quite solid and have allowed the third-fewest points against at 57 over 3 games.
Panthers Keys to the Game
Stop the Run
For the 2nd week in a row Michigan is facing a team that is making a change at quarterback due to injury. Quarterback Quinten Dormandy will have his first start as a Brahmas. If Michigan can stall San Antonio’s run game then they could put an offense off balance that is already making adjustments.
Stopping the run has been a theme for the Panthers’ defense going back to last year. The Panthers held Houston’s starting running back to 2.4 yards per carry last week. If they can continue to find success in that area that will make a tremendous impact on the game.
Pressure the Quarterback Early
If the Panthers can get pressure on Dormady as he finds his rhythm they can make life difficult and interrupt the tempo of the Brahmas offense as he finds his rhythm.
Get Wes Hills Going
We Hills has rushed 33 times for 118 yards averaging 3.6 yards per carry. The numbers are not bad but there is cause for concern. In week 1 Hills had 4 explosive runs that were each 18 yards or more. Those 4 rushes have accounted for 83 of his 118 yards. On his 29 other carries he has only amassed 35 yards averaging just 1.2 yards per carry. The stop rate has been very high when he has run the ball.
Strong Decision Making From E.J. Perry
Perry was highly versatile last week through the air and on the ground. San Antonio has no doubt learned from his play last week and will be sure to prepare to contain him better than he was last week. The Panthers will need him to continue to be sharp for them and do a good job reading the defense. He completed 16 of his 19 passes last week but he did get away with a turnover-worthy throw in the 2nd quarter on a touchdown drive that could have changed the complexion of the game early on.
Panthers to Watch
#26 RB Matt Colburn
Rushed 9 times for 28 yards and a touchdown last week.
#9 WR Marcus Simms
Simms has a 70+ yard touchdown in each of the least 2 weeks.
#14 WR Siaosi Mariner
Mariner had a catch for 25 yards in which he broke a tackle and also caught a pass on a 2-point conversion in his first game as a Panther last week.
#48 DE Kenny Willekes
Willekes made 5 tackles including 1 for a loss last week. He was involved on 3 run stops last week.
#55 DT Garrett Marino
Marino has been effective against the run. Last week he made a run stop for a 5-yard tackle for a loss getting in the backfield quickly.
#21 S Kai Nacua
Nacua Is 2nd on the team with 20 tackles trailing Frank Ginda by 2 tackles. Nacua had an interception last week and 2 breakups.
Brahmas to Watch
#12 QB Quinten Dormady
Dormady will get his first start as a Brahmas this Saturday. He had 4 starts and played in 7 games last season for the Orlando Guardians of the XFL last season where he completed 140 of his 205 passes (68.3%) for 1,507 yards and 10 touchdowns with 5 interceptions.
#41 RB Anthony McFarland
McFarland has rushed 23 times for 92 yards (4 yards per carry) and a touchdown this season.
#13 WR John Kirklin
Kirklin has caught 23 passes for a team-leading 166 yards and 2 touchdowns.
#5 WR Marquez Stevenson
Stevenson has caught 15 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown.
#3 TE Cody Latimer
Latimer has 16 catches for 156 yards and a touchdown.
#11 LB Tavante Beckett
Has 20 tackles on the season. Stood out to me in week 1 for his run-stopping.
#2 CB Darius Philips
Phillips has 10 tackles and an interception on the season.
#29 S AJ Hendy
Hendy is capable of covering well and helping against the run. He has 17 tackles and 2 pass breakups.
Depth Charts, Injuries, Inactives
Score Prediction:
I predict the Panthers to build on their momentum and win on the road led by strong defensive play. Panthers win 28-20.
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