2024 UFL Birmingham Stallions - Josh Boutwell/The Troy Messenger
The final week of the 2024 UFL season opened up with a Birmingham Stallions win over the Michigan Panthers. The Stallions won the game 20-19. What makes this game more exciting is that these two teams will face off once again next week in the USFL Conference Championship. Here is a look back at the game, and the MVP of this matchup as well.
Low Scoring First Quarter
The Michigan Panthers started with the ball but had to punt after a three-and-out. When the Stallions gained possession, quarterback Adrian Martinez hit some big passes. The second one was almost dangerous as the receiver dropped the ball, following the reception, but he was the first to jump on it. The Stallions are the first on the board with a rushing touchdown by running back C.J. Marable. They attempted the two-point conversion and got it at first, but it was reversed. This makes the score 6-0 with 10:46 to go in the game.
When Michigan got the ball, they were set to start with a solid field position. After that kick return, the offense moved down the field well, mixing both the run and passing game. Despite some solid plays, Michigan had to attempt a 39-yard field goal. This kick was good, making the score 6-3 with 7:03 to go in the first quarter.
As the Stallions get the ball back, they get the run game going. Even with this, the Michigan defense does not let up putting Martinez under pressure on the drive. Back-to-back sacks for the Panthers ended the drive for the Stallions.
The Panthers’ offense also gets the run game going, which opens up the passing game. The quarterback hits his target down the middle putting them in Stallions territory with under two minutes to go in the first quarter. The first quarter ends 6-3, Stallions in the lead.
Michigan Panthers Stands Strong in Second Quarter
The Michigan Panthers open up the second quarter scoring quickly as quarterback Etling makes the run for the touchdown. This touchdown puts Michigan in the lead with a lot of time left in the half. The Panthers did attempt the one-point conversion and it was good making the score 10-6, Michigan in the lead.
The Stallions have a lot of time in the first half to score, but the Michigan defense puts on the pressure. They sack Martinez again, something the Panthers have done well with throughout the game. The sack caused a third and long, ultimately forcing the Stallions to punt the ball.
Michigan’s offense continues to strive on their drive as quarterback Danny Etling continues to hit his target. That was until an almost completely costly play. As the Birmingham Stallions went to sack Etling he tossed the ball out and it took a while for the players to jump on it. There ended up being a holding penalty on the defense though giving Michigan an automatic first down. Etling made up for that play with a big pass downfield for the touchdown to extend the Michigan lead. The Panthers attempted the one-point conversion but did not get it. The score stands at 16-6 with 6:21 left in the half.
The remainder of the second quarter was quiet, and the score at half-time was 16-6, with Michigan in the lead.
Birmingham Stallions Come Back
The Stallions had possession of the ball to start the second half. Michigan kicked the ball out of bounds, which gave Birmingham the chance to start at the 50-yard line. Martinez began to use his feet to help him get downfield. There was a pass interference by the Michigan defense that caused an automatic first down which helped the Stallions’ offense gain some momentum. This is the first of many penalties for Michigan in the second half. Marable then makes a 20-yard run for the touchdown to help the Stallions narrow the score. Birmingham attempted the one-point conversion and it was good. The score stands at 16-13, Michigan, with 11:56 left to go in the third quarter.
The Panthers switched quarterbacks to start the second half. Bryce Perkins did well utilizing his legs for extra yards. He made some big runs, including a hurdle over the Stallions defender. The Panthers got a big run for the touchdown, but there was an illegal shift that called the playback. Etling was put back in and made some accurate passes. Michigan once again had a flag to push them back. The penalties continued to push back the Panthers on this drive, hurting the team’s momentum. This Michigan drive ended the third quarter, 16-13, Panthers still in the lead.
Stallions Take the Win
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Michigan threw a touchdown pass, but once again, there was a penalty on offense that called back the play. The Stallions want the ball, and once again another holding penalty to push the ball back even more. They end up playing on a third-and-goal at the 32. Michigan had to kick the field goal, a 44-yard attempt, and it was good. At this point, the score is 19-13, and Michigan is in the lead with 13:49 to go.
The two teams go back and forth punting for a bit with no changes in the score. With just over three minutes to go in the game, the Birmingham Stallions earned good field position thanks to their punt returner. Martinez used his legs to get downfield as they strived to win. The Stallions are down by 6 at this point, needing a touchdown to win given the amount of time left on the clock.
Birmingham’s offense gets onto Michigan’s side of the field with just under two minutes to go in the game. With about 1:30 left in the game, the Stallions get a fresh set of downs with a big reception to keep them in the game. Martinez slips, but Michigan ends up having too many players on the field, pushing the Stallions up the field more. Marable rushes for the first down giving Birmingham a first and goal. Then the Stallions finally get the touchdown with 59 seconds to go in the game, which ties the game. The Stallions attempt just the one-point conversion and they get it with a reception by Marable.
The Panthers have 59 seconds to score, as they are only down by one point. The Stallions defense puts up the pressure, making this drive hard on Michigan. The Panthers do get the fourth-down conversion, and they do well moving down the field. With time running out, Michigan ends up attempting a 53-yard field goal but it is no good. The Birmingham Stallions win the game 20-19.
MVP of the Game
The MVP of the game is Birmingham Stallions running back, C.J. Marable. Marable made numerous big plays for the Stallions including earning the one-point conversion that won Birmingham the game. Against the Panthers, Marable rushed the ball ten times for 56 yards and two touchdowns, according to Fox Sports. He also had three receptions for 29 yards. Marable is a clutch player that the Stallions can rely on. He is someone to watch during the USFL Conference Championship Game next week.
Final Records:
The Birmingham Stallions will end the 2024 UFL regular season with a 9-1 record.
The Michigan Panthers will end the 2024 UFL regular season with a 7-3 record.
These two teams will face off on Saturday, June 8th at 3 P.M. for the USFL Conference Championship.
