The Michigan Panthers head to Birmingham to take on the Stallions in the USFL Conference Championship for the 2nd straight year. Bryce Perkins is back in the lineup starting at quarterback after missing the last 3 games due to an ankle injury. The Stallions will have J’mar Smith under center, who is having a resurgence after stepping back into the role of starter in recent weeks.
Game Details:
Date/Location: Sunday, June 8 / Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL
Kickoff Time: 3 PM ET, 12 PM PT
Channel: ABC
Odds:
Spread: Michigan +1.5 (-120), Birmingham -1.5 (+100)
Moneyline: Michigan -105, Birmingham -115
Over/Under: 46.5 (Over -110, Under -110)
Michigan Panthers (6-4):
Bryce Perkins is back in the starting lineup at quarterback in a season that saw him named All-UFL despite missing 3 games. He has been extremely efficient, completing 109 of his 158 passes for 1,342 yards with 9 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Perkins has added 269 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns. He has often been pressure-proof this season, making defenders miss and extending plays in the backfield to find receivers.
Birmingham Stallions (7-3):
The Stallions have won their division for the 4th straight season after going 7-3 this past season. Birmingham had 4 quarterbacks start over the season, with injuries to Alex McGough and Matt Corral throughout the season, followed by some inconsistent play from Case Cookus. Surprisingly, the best play this season has come from J’mar Smith, who retired earlier in the year before joining the Stallions deep on the depth chart. Smith has completed 52 of his 80 passes for 758 yards and 6 touchdowns with 1 interception.
Panthers Keys to the Game
Strong Pass Coverage
With how hot the Stallions’ passing game has been as of late, Michigan will need a strong game from its secondary. The Panthers have allowed the most passing yards over the season, at 211.2 yards per game over the season.
Keep Stopping the Run
No team had fewer rushing yards allowed by Michigan over the season than Michigan, at 81 yards allowed per game.
Strong Game on the Ground
The Panthers have been very efficient at running the football as of late and seem to just keep getting better as the season progresses. A strong game on the ground on the road in the playoffs will greatly help control the game..
Panthers to Watch
35 RB Toa Taua
Taua rushed 81 times for 356 yards (4.4 average) and 6 touchdowns over 7 games.
4 WR Siaosi Mariner
Mariner led the league in receiving, catching 31 passes for 527 yards and a touchdown.
17 WR Malik Turner
Turner caught 40 passes for 365 yards and 4 touchdowns this season.
44 DT Garrett Marino
Marino has had another very strong season, helping Michigan remain one of the toughest defenses against the run. Marino has 26 tackles and 1.5 sacks this season.
42 DE Mika Tafua
Tafua has 22 tackles, including 3 sacks, this season.
Stallions to Watch
8 WR Deon Cain
Cain led the team in receiving over the regular season, catching 29 passes for 514 yards and 6 touchdowns.
88 WR Cade Johnson
Johnson has caught 17 passes for 300 yards and 2 touchdowns over 7 games.
23 RB Ricky Person Jr.
Person rushed 76 times for 411 yards (4.09 average) and 5 touchdowns over 8 games.
90 DE Bradlee Anae
Anae has been an effective pass rusher and has recorded 16 tackles, including 4 sacks this season.
98 DT Perrion Winfrey
Winfrey has been an effective run stopper this season. He has 29 tackles and 1 sack this season.
Depth Charts, Injuries, Inactives
Score Prediction:
I predict the Michigan Panthers to win 25-23 and defeat the Birmingham Stallions. The Stallions never lose, but the Panthers are poised to pull off an upset with arguably the most complete team in the UFL.
