The Michigan Panthers hit the road looking to keep the good times going after winning their last 2. The Panthers are coming off a strong win at home over Memphis, 27-9, in which they doubled their opponent in total yardage. On the flip side, the Battlehawks look to bounce back from losing their last 2 games after opening the season 2-0.
Game Details:
Date/Location: Saturday, April 26 / The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, MO
Kickoff Time: 7 PM ET, 4 PM PT
Channel: Fox
Odds:
Spread: Michigan -2,5 (-110), St Louis +2.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Michigan -130, St Louis +110
Over/Under: 35.5 (Over -120, Under +100)
Michigan Panthers (3-1):
The Michigan Panthers had their best game of the season last week. Bryce Perkins completed 15 of his 22 passes for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns, and added 45 rushing yards. Running backs Nate McCrary and Toa Taua both had over 50 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. The Panthers’ defense held the Showboats to under 3 yards per offensive play last week and only allowed 1 conversion on 10 third downs.
St Louis Battlehawks (2-2):
The Battlehawks were the strongest team in the UFL over the first 2 weeks of play, but over the last 2, their offense has looked much worse. To make matters worse, last week saw quarterback Manny Wilkins go down with a season-ending injury on a play that led to a defensive touchdown. It will be Max Duggan starting at quarterback, who led TCU to the national championship in 2022.
Panthers Keys to the Game
Don’t Let St Louis Get the Run Game Going
Last week, the Battlehawks saw their starting running back, Jacob Saylors, be held to 3 yards per carry on his 20 rushes. Michigan will want to prevent its run game from getting going again.
Pressure on Duggan
Max Duggan will be getting his first UFL start. Outside of NFL preseasons, this is the first year Duggan has been playing in regular-season games since he was with TCU in 2022, so Michigan will want to prevent him from feeling comfortable as he adjusts to starting for St Louis.
Another Strong Game From the Offensive Line
Last week was arguably the Panthers’ best game from their offensive line this season as they did not give up a sack, and the pressure was infrequent. Additionally, the run blocking was very good. Michigan will need another big game from them as St Louis brings a strong defensive line.
More of the Same from Bryce Perkins
Last week, Perkins played very well in reading the field and spreading the ball around.
Panthers to Watch
28 RB Nate McCrary
Last week, McCrary rushed 11 times for 60 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown, and had 3 missed tackles forced over the game by my count.
RB 35 Toa Taua
Taua rushed 10 times last week for 51 yards and a touchdown and had 5 missed tackles forced by my count.
7 WR Jaylon Moore
Moore caught 3 of his 5 targets last week for 39 yards and a touchdown.
99 DT Walter Palmore
Last week, Palmore had 4 tackles, including a sack and a shared run stop.
2 S Arnold Tarpley
Last week, Tarpley had 3 tackles, including a shared run stop. He recorded a crucial interception in the 2nd half last week.
Ginda led the team in tackles last week with 9 and was in on 6 run stops (2 solo, 4 shared).
Battlehawks to Watch
51 LB Willie Harvey
Last week was an exceptional game for Harvey. He recorded 8 tackles, including 5 stops. In coverage, 3 targets came his way, and only 1 was caught, which was for 5 yards, and he had an interception.
56 DE Travis Feeney
Feeney has been a problem for opposing offenses both as a pass rusher and a run stopper. Last week saw him record 4 tackles, including 4 run stops. He generated pressure on 7 total plays last week by my count.
7 DE Pita Taumoepenu
Taumoepenu had 7 total pressures and 2 tackles, including a shared run stop last week.
99 DT Austin Faoliu
One of the premier run-stoppers in the UFL. Last week, he had 3 tackles, including 2 run stops.
88 WR Hakeem Butler
Butler returns to the lineup after missing the last 3 games due to injury. Last season saw him catch 45 passes for 652 yards over 10 games.
Depth Charts, Injuries, Inactives
Score Prediction:
I predict the Michigan Panthers to win 24-20.
