The Michigan Panthers will look to pick up their 4th win of the season on Sunday as they host the DC Defenders. With the Houston Roughnecks improving to a 3-3 record, the importance of the remaining games increases, with the USFL Conference top 3 teams suddenly becoming congested in the hunt for the playoffs.
Game Details:
Date/Location: Sunday, May 4 / Ford Field, Detroit, MI
Kickoff Time: 12 PM ET, 9 AM PT
Channel: Fox
Odds:
Spread: Michigan -2,5 (-120), DC +2.5 (+100)
Moneyline: Michigan -160, DC +135
Over/Under: 43.5 (Over -110, Under +110)
Michigan Panthers (3-2):
The Panthers dropped a close 27-32 game to the St. Louis Battlehawks on the road last week despite a stellar passing performance from quarterback Bryce Perkins, who completed 21 of 25 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns. There were 2 passing touchdowns from Hakeem Butler over 50 yards each for the Battlehawks that accounted for a significant portion of St. Louis’ offense. Michigan still finished the game with 400 yards to the Battlehawks’ 295 total yards despite not coming away with the victory.
DC Defenders (4-1):
The Defenders secured a victory over the Arlington Renegades last week, fueled by quarterback Jordan Ta’amu’s 308-yard, three-touchdown passing performance in what was the highest-scoring game yet of the UFL season.
Panthers Keys to the Game
Great Pass Coverage
DC is a very pass-heavy offense. Most weeks see DC throw more passes than any other team. It will be critical for the Panthers’ defensive backs to be on point on Sunday.
Pressure on Ta’amu
Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu will at times throw passes away intentionally when pressured or become less accurate. Michigan will want its line to prevent him from having time to read the field.
Pound the Rock
DC allowed 79 yards from Kalen Ballage on 10 carries last week. Michigan’s run game has been inconsistent at times. For Michigan to be contenders, they will need strong play from the running backs to continue.
Panthers to Watch
4 Siaosi Mariner
Mariner caught 6 passes last week for 111 yards.
17 Malik Turner
Turner caught 8 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown last week.
35 RB Toa Taua
Taua had a strong game last week as he rushed 15 times for 74 yards and 2 touchdowns with 4 missed tackles forced.
48 DE Kenny Willekes
Willekes had 5 tackles, including 4 run stops (1 solo, 3 shared). In the pass rush, he had a less impactful game last week, but for most of the season has been a force in this area as well.
45 LB Donavan Mutin
Mutin had 2 tackles last week, including 2 solo run stops and a shared run stop. One of his stops was on a 2-point conversion.
Defenders to Watch
14 WR Cornell Powell
Last week, Powell was targeted 7 times, resulting in 4 catches for 89 yards and a touchdown.
83 WR Braylon Sanders
Last week, Sanders caught 3 of his 9 targets for 81 yards and a touchdown.
12 WR Chris Rowland
Last week, Rowland was targeted 12 times, resulting in 7 catches for 61 yards and a touchdown.
57 LB Anthony Hines
Hines had 10 tackles last game, including 2 solo run stops and 2 shared run stops. 2 targets came his way last week, resulting in 2 catches for a total of 1 yard.
56 RG Johari Branch
Branch is red hot coming off a game in which he allowed 0 pressures. He will have a difficult task this week against Michigan’s talented cast of defensive tackles.
Depth Charts, Injuries, Inactives
Score Prediction:
I predict the Michigan Panthers to win 27-20.
