Highlights:
- Bryce Perkins threw for 238 yards with 1 TD and ran for 34 yards with 1 TD
- Toa Taua rushed for 85 yards and 3 touchdowns on 21 carries
- Michigan advances to first UFL Championship game, snapping 7-game losing streak vs Birmingham
Game Recap:
The Michigan Panthers defeated the Birmingham Stallions 44-29 in the USFL Conference Championship at Protective Stadium, ending Birmingham’s quest for a fourth consecutive spring football title. The Panthers (7-4) controlled the game from start to finish, outgaining Birmingham 371-303 in total yards while forcing three turnovers. This marks Michigan’s first victory over the Stallions (7-4) since 2022 and their first-ever UFL Championship game appearance.
Game Highlights Video:
Watch the full game highlights above to catch all the key plays from Michigan Panthers vs Birmingham Stallions.
Michigan Panthers Performance:
The Panthers executed a complete team effort on both sides of the ball, controlling possession for 34:39 compared to Birmingham’s 25:21.
Top Offensive Players:
Bryce Perkins: QB – 20/25, 238 yards, 1 passing TD, 34 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD
Toa Taua: RB – 21 carries, 85 yards, 3 TDs
Malik Turner: WR – 6 catches, 99 yards, 1 TD (76-yard score)
Cole Hikutini: TE – 6 catches, 53 yards
Jaylon Moore: WR – 4 catches, 28 yards
Top Defensive Players:
Kai Nacua: FS – 6 tackles, 1 interception (25-yard pick-six), 2 passes defended
Arnold Tarpley III: FS – 3 tackles, 1 interception, 3 passes defended
Noah Dawkins: LB – 5 tackles, 1 TFL
Taylor Stallworth: DT – 2 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble
Kedrick Whitehead Jr.: SAF – 5 tackles
Birmingham Stallions Performance:
The Stallions struggled with turnovers and inconsistent quarterback play, losing their first playoff game under coach Skip Holtz.
Top Offensive Players:
Matt Corral: QB – 12/25, 147 yards, 2 TDs, 18 rushing yards
J’Mar Smith: QB – 4/10, 102 yards, 1 TD (18-yard score)
C.J. Marable: RB – 8 carries, 28 yards, 1 TD
Deon Cain: WR – 6 catches, 124 yards
Jordan Thomas: TE – 3 catches, 39 yards, 2 TDs
Top Defensive Players:
Steven Gilmore: CB – 8 tackles, 1 forced fumble
Myjai Sanders: DE – 6 tackles
Perrion Winfrey: DT – 4 tackles, 1 sack, 1 TFL
Tre Norwood: CB – 5 tackles
Tae Crowder: LB – 6 tackles
The Panthers controlled the game with balanced offensive attack and opportunistic defense that forced three Birmingham turnovers. Michigan quarterback Bryce Perkins hit Malik Turner for a 76-yard touchdown pass and also contributed with his legs, including a 29-yard scramble on third-and-18. Toa Taua provided the ground game with three rushing touchdowns, including a fourth-quarter score that extended Michigan’s lead to 12 points. What impressed you most about the Panthers’ performance in ending Birmingham’s championship run? Can Michigan continue this momentum in the UFL Championship game? What are your thoughts on this game? Share your comments below.
1 Comment
by Ken Granito
Yesterday was a good day for the UFL. Football won out and was front and center. You would think that the scores did not reflect a good day for the UFL, but the games were of great comfort.
1. The Michigan vs Birmingham game was very competitive for most of the game. Both teams had a chance to shine and the fans were given a lot to cheer about as they mounted comebacks twice only to fall short. I had written earlier in the the year that the Battlehawks line which is call the Knights of Columbo, that I called the Panthers line the Columbos of Night. I did this to show that although these players were not of the pedigree other lines have, they were working together to be one of the better lines. They don’t hold on every play like the Battlehawks line does, yet they use physicality, teamwork and speed all choreographed better than any offensive line unit. This was also a reminder that the line could be their weakness and was a reminder not to let the Stallions and their pedigree of defensive linemen better them. It was a reminder they need to get better and galvanize where they can. The only other line I have seen like them were the New Jersey Generals that opened holes for Darius Victor, Trey Williams and Kingston Davis.
They aggressively seek out running the ball, because their line likes to be the aggressors on a play. It’s more work than pass blocking, but they know that work is worth the success and not only that they like. Getting Cam Carter to compete with Chim Okorofor and to provide excellent depth on the line reminded the line how important they are to the success of this team. They took this so much to heart at a time the line had already proven it was a talented group, that they went to even higher levels beating the Stallions ballyhooed defensive line. They were so good at their jobs that Toa Taua, Matt Colburn, Nate McCrary and even Jaden Shirden contributed to the team’s rushing attack this season and yesterday took control of the game and put this team up on their backs and shoulders. I will hold off on their names until next week. I don’t really want to distinguish each of these players until after the Championship game. Congratulations Panthers!!!