Birmingham Stallions nose tackle Carlos Davis sacks Michigan Panthers quarterback E.J. Perry - Luke Hales/UFL/Getty Images
Week seven of the UFL resulted in a Michigan Panthers win over the D.C. Defenders. The Panthers win also secures them a spot in the UFL Playoffs. The final score of the game was 22-9. Here is a look at the game, the MVP of the match, and what is next for these two teams.
Exciting First Quarter
The game begins with Michigan having possession. The Panthers came out quickly with a strong run game. D.C. struggled to get to the runner multiple times. There were two big runs on the first drive to start the game. These runs put the Panthers in a position for the touchdown. That is when QB Brian Lewerke ran it himself for a touchdown to start the game. They then the one-point conversion to make it a 7-0 game in the first three minutes. This was a 95-yard drive for the Panthers.
On the defensive side, Michigan did well closing in on DC, who had to punt the ball away. The Defenders did better on their second stint on defense. Michigan did not get as many big breaks as the first drive. A good pass breakup by D.C. was taken away due to a defensive pass interference, but there was improvement on defense there. The Panthers running back Wes Hills did score a touchdown to extend their lead. A false start on the one-point conversion pushed them back and they did not get it. The score stayed at 13-0.
The defenders responded with a 70-yard touchdown reception caught by wide receiver Ty Scott. This was a well-executed play by D.C. The score became closer at 13-6, Michigan still in the lead. The Defenders continued to play well, forcing Michigan to punt on their next drive. Things turned when Michigan ended up recovering the punt on the Defenders’ side of the field after the Defenders’ punt returner hit the ball and could not recover it. The Panthers almost handed the ball back to the Defenders on a messed-up snap but recovered it. The first quarter ends here with a score of 13-6, Michigan.
Second Quarter Improvements
Between Michigan’s poor snaps and penalties, as well as the Defenders not allowing the run game, Michigan was forced to attempt a 56-yard field goal. The kick was made a tad easier with the Defenders jumping too early, shortening it to a 51-yard field goal. The kick was good to make it 16-6.
DC could not get much going on their drive, having to punt the ball, but it was a good punt as it ended up inside the Michigan ten. The Michigan Panthers’ drive continued with them moving down the field. The good run game opened up the team’s passing game. Credit must go to the Defenders’ defense for making the stop on 4th and 1. At this point of the game, it kept them in it. When DC got the ball back, it ended up being a three-and-out.
The Michigan offense moved down the field well on their drive, with just a few inaccurate passes and penalties. They could not get into the end zone but walked away with a field goal to make it 19-6. The first half ends with a Michigan kick-off. The score remains 19-6 heading into the second half.
Michigan Panthers Secure the Win
The Defenders open up the second half with possession of the ball. The Defenders went for it on fourth and one on Michigan’s side of the field but could not get the conversion. This was a big stop for the Panthers, helping them secure their lead. Michigan responded with a field goal to make it 22-6 with just over seven minutes to go in the third quarter.
The Michigan Panthers had a huge hit on Jordan Ta’amu in the third quarter. DC did challenge the play, but they ruled that there was no penalty on the hit. This was when the injuries began to hit the Defenders as Ta’amu did come out of the game. Quarterback Deondre Francois rushed the ball one time and got hurt, putting quarterback Jalan McClendon in the game. The quarter ended 22-6, Michigan.
The Defenders scored a field goal with just over 11 minutes to go in the fourth quarter. This made the score 22-9, the game’s final score.
MVP of the Game
The MVP of the game is running back Matthew Colburn II of the Michigan Panthers. The Panthers had an excellent run game, and Colburn is a big reason why. Against the Defenders, Colburn had 16 rushing attempts for 137 yards, according to Fox Sports. He averaged 8.6 yards per attempt and his longest run was for 53 yards. If Colburn keeps it up, the Panthers could make it to the Championship this year.
What’s Next?
The Michigan Panthers will face the Memphis Showboats on Saturday, May 18th at 4 P.M. Eastern.
The D.C. Defenders will face the St. Louis BattleHawks on Sunday, May 19th at 12 P.M. Eastern
