The Michigan Panthers continue their road trip to Birmingham to take on the Stallions in week 9 following a 30-18 win over the Houston Roughnecks. Birmingham looks to bounce back after a close 28-29 loss on the road in St. Louis. The last time these 2 met saw Birmingham emerged victorious 21-12 in Detroit.
Game Details:
Date/Location: Saturday, May 24 / Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL
Kickoff Time: 3 PM ET, 12 PM PT
Channel: ABC
Odds:
Spread: Michigan +2.5 (-110), Birmingham -2.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Michigan +165, Birmingham -135
Over/Under: 43.5 (Over -110, Under -110)
Michigan Panthers (6-2):
The Panthers extended their win streak to 3 with a 30-18 win over Houston last week despite being without star quarterback Bryce Perkins. Danny Etling completed 14 of his 22 passes for 167 yards and 3 touchdowns, with Toa Taua leading the way on the ground, rushing 12 times for 46 yards. It will again be Danny Etling under center with Perkins out for this contest.
Birmingham Stallions (5-3):
Birmingham had their 4th quarterback start so far this season after seeing Matt Corral and Alex McGough earlier in the season, followed by some inconsistent play from Case Cookus. J’mar Smith started last week for the Stallions, completing 14 of his 27 passes for 262 yards and 3 touchdowns with 1 interception in the loss and also leading the way on the ground, rushing 10 times for 45 yards.
Panthers Keys to the Game
Establish the Run
Michigan’s 73 rushing yards against Houston won’t cut it against Birmingham. Taua and McCrary must find gaps to keep the Stallions’ defense honest.
No Deep Passes Allowed
Last week, Birmingham had all 3 of their passing touchdowns go for more than 45 yards. Michigan’s secondary simply cannot allow this to happen.
Sharp Passing from Etling
Last week, Etling was efficient, but there were some throws in which he could have been better on when pressured, with some short passes being too high. If he can be just a bit more consistent in his accuracy, then Michigan’s offense should be formidable against Birmingham.
Panthers to Watch
6 WR Devin Ross
Last week, Ross caught 3 of his 6 targets for 35 yards and a touchdown.
17 WR Malik Turner
Turner was the most targeted receiver last week which saw him catching 4 of his 6 targets for 40 yards and a touchdown.
4 WR Siaosi Mariner
Last week, he only had 1 target come his way, which he caught for 26 yards. If Birmingham is not properly game planning for him, he will have a big game.
48 DE Kenny Willekes
Last week, Willekes was a major problem for Houston’s line. By my count, there were 9 plays in which he generated pressure (2 of which were a secondary source of pressure).
44 DT Garrett Marino
Last week saw Marino recorded 5 tackles, including 4 shared run stops. By my count, he had 7 total pressures, 3 of which were a secondary source of pressure.
18 CB Keni-H Lovely
Last week, Lovely had 2 tackles, including a pass stop. He locked it down in coverage, allowing only 1 reception for 4 yards and picked off a screen pass, which he returned 55 yards for a touchdown.
Stallions to Watch
11 RB C.J. Marable
With Ricky Person Jr. being inactive this week, Marable will be heavily relied on. He has rushed 69 times for 205 yards (3 yards per carry) and a touchdown this season.
8 WR Deon Cain
Cain leads the Stallions in receiving with 23 catches for 436 yards and 4 touchdowns.
98 DT Perrion Winfrey
Winfrey has been a solid run stopper, such as in week 7 against Houston when he had 4 run stops.
41 DE Myjai Sanders
Sanders can be dangerous in the pass rush.
22 CB Steven Gilmore
Gilmore has been a reliable corner for Birmingham this season.
Depth Charts, Injuries, Inactives
Score Prediction:
I predict the Michigan Panthers to win 25-19.
