The Michigan Panthers (6-2) visited TDECU Stadium on Saturday afternoon against the Houston Roughnecks (3-5). Before the game, the Panthers ruled starting quarterback Bryce Perkins out, and Danny Etling was the starter for Michigan.
In the first quarter, Houston kicker Chris Blewitt made a 26-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead with 7:36 left. Late in the first quarter, Michigan quarterback Danny Etling threw a five-yard touchdown pass to Malik Turner. Michigan successfully got the one-point conversion for a 7-3 lead heading into the second quarter.
In the second quarter, Michigan quarterback Danny Etling threw a one-yard touchdown pass to Samson Nacua. Running back Toa Taua scored the one-point conversion for a 14-3 lead with 10:58 left. Later, Houston quarterback Jalan McClendon completed a 33-yard touchdown pass to Keke Chism. They did not get the one-point conversion and trailed the Panthers 14-9.
Late in the second quarter, Houston kicker Chris Blewitt made a 51-yard field goal, and the Roughnecks trailed the Michigan Panthers 14-12 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Michigan quarterback Danny Etling threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to Devin Ross. Running back Toa Taua got the one-point conversion for a 21-12 lead with 6:31 left. Michigan’s defense stepped up on Houston’s next possession when Keni-H Lovely intercepted Jalen McClendon’s pass for a 55-yard pick-six touchdown. It was now 27-12 with 4:15 left.
Michigan maintained a 27-12 lead heading into the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter, Michigan kicker B.T. Potter made a 52-yard field goal for a 30-12 lead with 5:21 left. Late in the fourth quarter, Houston quarterback Jalen McClendon threw a one-yard touchdown pass to Justin Hall. They did not get the three-point conversion and the 4th and 12 play. The Michigan Panthers defeated the Houston Roughnecks by the final score of 27-12.
As a result, the Michigan Panthers and the Birmingham Stallions clinched playoff spots in the USFL Conference, while the Houston Roughnecks were eliminated.
Michigan had 254 yards of offense led by quarterback Danny Etling completing 14 of 22 passes (63.6%) for 167 yards, three touchdowns, and five carries for 22 yards. Running back Toa Taua led the rushers with 12 carries for 46 yards.
Wide receiver Malik Turner led the receivers making four catches for 40 yards, and one touchdown, while Devin Ross made two catches for 39 yards, and one touchdown. Kicker B.T. Potter made one field goal for 52 yards. The defense made 66 tackles, five tackles for loss, one interception, eight pass breakups, and one forced fumble.
Houston had 426 yards of offense led by quarterback Jalen McClendon completing 29 of 49 passes (59.2%) for 301 yards, two touchdowns, one interception, and eight carries for 24 yards. Running back Zaquandre White led the rushers with eight carries for 59 yards.
Wide receiver Justin Hall led the receivers making 11 catches for 88 yards, and one touchdown, while Keke Chism made three catches for 42 yards, and one touchdown. Kicker Chris Blewitt made two field goals with a long of 51 yards. The defense made 45 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and one pass breakup.
Next week, the Michigan Panthers visit the Birmingham Stallions on Saturday at 3 pm on ABC, while the Houston Roughnecks host the D.C. Defenders on Sunday at 4 pm on Fox. Purchase UFL tickets today on StubHub and Viagogo.
