The Michigan Panthers wrap up the regular season at home in Ford Field on Saturday. The first 2,000 fans will be treated to a Jake Bates bobblehead. The Panthers’ playoff ticket to Birmingham is already punched. Bryce Perkins will be sidelined for a third straight game to rest for the playoff match. MSU alumnus Rocky Lombardi will get the start at quarterback.
Game Details:
Date/Location: Saturday, May 31 / Ford Field, Detroit, MI
Kickoff Time: 3 PM ET, 12 PM PT
Channel: ABC
Odds:
Spread: Michigan -2.5 (-115), Houston +2.5 (-105)
Moneyline: Michigan -170, Houston -145
Over/Under: 41.5 (Over -110, Under -110)
Michigan Panthers (6-3):
The Panthers saw their 3 game win streak come to a close last week after a close loss in Birmingham, 22-26. Last week saw Danny Etling complete 23 of his 39 passes for 236 yards and 2 touchdowns. This week, we will see Rocky Lombardi out of Michigan State get his first professional start. Last week saw Toa Taua rush 12 times for 47 yards and a touchdown, and Nate McCrary rush 9 times for 44 yards.
Houston Roughnecks (4-5):
The Roughnecks felt like a lost cause after going 1-9 last year and then starting this season 0-2. However, they have climbed their way close to .500 and will finish with an even record if they get the win on Saturday. Last week saw Jalen McClendon complete 21 of his 30 passes for 232 yards and 2 touchdowns. Lorenzo Lingard led the way on the ground with 80 yards and a touchdown on 8 carries.
Panthers Keys to the Game
Strong Pass Protection Early
With Rocky Lombardi getting his first start, it will be important for him to have good protection early to help him get comfortable.
Stop the Run
Week 9 against Birmingham saw the Panthers limit the Stallions’ running backs to just 39 yards on 13 carries. If they can play again at this level in week 10, that in itself might be enough to ensure victory.
Strong Pass Rush
Last year, in the Panthers’ home win against Houston, the pass rush, particularly Breeland Speaks, made things very uncomfortable for Houston’s quarterback.
Panthers to Watch
26 RB Matthew Colburn II
Colburn returns to the lineup for his third game this season in what has been a limited year by injuries. He has rushed 18 times this season for 76 yards (4.22 average).
4 WR Siaosi Mariner
Mariner leads the league in receiving with 31 catches for 527 yards and a touchdown over 9 games.
57 DE Breeland Speaks
Speaks didn’t appear on the stats sheet last week, but by my count had 6 total pressures.
2 S Arnold Tarpley
Last week, Tarpley had 4 tackles, including 2 stops against the pass. 2 targets came his way, resulting in 1 completion for 6 yards and a pass breakup.
48 DE Kenny Willekes
Last week, Willekes had 4 tackles, including 3 solo run stops. He had, by my count, 6 pressures in the pass rush, 5 of which he was the primary source of pressure on.
Roughnecks to Watch
11 WR Justin Hall
Last week, Hall caught 10 of his 13 targets for 126 yards.
3 WR Keke Chism
Chism caught 3 of his 4 targets for 34 yards and 2 touchdowns last week.
27 RB Lorenzo Lingard
Lingard rushed 8 times for 80 yards and a touchdown last week.
95 DT Israel Antwine
Antwine is having a good season and has been a solid run stopper who contributes in the pass rush at times as well.
28 LB Marvin Moody
Moody again led the team in tackles last week with 8. He leads the team in tackles this season with 45.
Depth Charts, Injuries, Inactives
Score Prediction:
I predict the Michigan Panthers to win 25-15.
