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HOUSTON, TX – With two weeks to go in the regular season, the Michigan Panthers (6-2) have the best record in the USFL, and have locked up an appearance in the conference championship game.
The Panthers defeated the Houston Roughnecks 30-18 on Saturday afternoon to clinch a spot in the USFL Conference Championship for the second straight season. Danny Etling led the Panthers to victory with three passing touchdowns, the first time he has accomplished the feat since his final season at LSU in 2017. Michigan’s win streak now extends to three games.
Corner Keni-H Lovely added a defensive touchdown for the Panthers with a 55-yard interception return for a score in the third quarter. Houston was shut down in the second half after being down a field goal at halftime.
With Houston’s loss, the Birmingham Stallions also clinched a playoff berth, setting up a conference championship rematch between the Panthers and the Stallions at Protective Stadium.
Bryce Perkins, who suffered an ankle injury last week against Arlington, was unable to play following warmups and Etling made the start at quarterback for the Panthers for the first time since Week 3. He settled in towards the end of the opening quarter, as he threw a five-yard touchdown pass to Malik Turner with 28 seconds left. Etling found Cole Hikutini for the one-point conversion and a 7-3 lead.
Michigan’s special teams made a big play early in the second quarter, as Xavier Malone returned a punt 88 yards to Houston’s one-yard line. It was the longest punt return in UFL history and the longest punt return in a spring league since the 2001 XFL season.
On the very next play, Etling connected with Samson Nacua for a touchdown. Toa Taua ran in the one-point conversion to extend their lead.
It did not take long for Houston to respond, as Jalan McClendon only needed a…
Source link : https://www.fox2detroit.com/sports/panthers-clinch-conference-championship-berth-30-18-win-over-roughnecks
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Publish date : 2025-05-17 22:46:00
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