Michigan Panthers QB Danny Etling (8) - Joe Murphy/UFL Getty Images
The hills were alive this week. No, not with the sound of music, but with the sound of Wes Hills with the Michigan Panthers @ Memphis Showboats.
It featured a dominant running game by the Michigan Panthers @ Memphis Showboats.
Michigan Panthers @ Memphis Showboats wrapped up UFL Week 5
The final game of week 5 in the UFL, featured the Michigan Panthers @ Memphis Showboats. The game took place on Sunday, April 28th, with a 3:00 pm kickoff on FOX.
The game wasn’t as close as the final score was, but it had its twists and turns.
The Panthers roared out to a 19-0 lead, and despite a too little too late rally by the Showboats, Michigan literally and figuratively ran away with the score of 35-18.
Hope with New Beginnings at Quarterback Position for Michigan Panthers @ Memphis Showboats
Both teams debuted new starting quarterbacks, with Danny Etling getting his first nod with the Panthers due to EJ Perry’s injured reserve status.
For the Showboats, spring football fan favorite Troy Williams earned the nod, due to poor play by regular starter Case Cookus.
Williams was already known for taking over for the Pittsburgh Maulers, as starting quarterback in Week 3 of the USFL last year.
Therefore, he was taking over again for a struggling starter, but with the Showboats in the Merged UFL.
Michigan Panthers Running Game
The Panthers had probably the best performance in the run game by a team all this season. Power back Wes Hills finished with 16 carries, totaling 82 yards rushing, and scored three touchdowns.
Michigan’s ground game totaled 160 yards overall and they really controlled the clock. They did so by keeping Williams and the Showboats offense off the field.
Etling also contributed to the run game as he had one rushing touchdown of his own. He finished the game 14-for-21 for 175 yards.
It’s also nice when your quarterback can run too.
Next week, the Panthers will continue to roar, as the Arlington Renegades come to visit.
Defense for Panthers @ Showboats
Additionally, the defense for the Panthers was a ferocious feline unit. They clawed the Showboats offense, holding them to only 41 rushing yards.
The Panthers improved to (3-2) on the season and are now in second place in the UFL conference.
The Showboats struggled under William’s first start. Some things were positive for the new QB and some things he needs to review on film to improve his game.
Nevertheless, the defense was inconsistent and couldn’t stop the run at all. The team is now (1-4).
They will have to go back to park at their docks and they better #Giddy-up as the Birmingham Stallions are up next.
Please check out here to catch the UFL’s full league schedule.
Week 5 in the UFL
To catch up on the highlights of the San Antonio Brahmas VS Arlington Renegades game, please check out my first-class UFL co-writer, Miss Julie Miller’s article here.
To follow up on the highlights of the Houston Roughnecks VS Birmingham Stallions match-up, please check out Miss Julie’s other article here.
