The Houston Roughnecks (5-5) wrapped up the 2025 season on Saturday visiting Ford Field to take on the Michigan Panthers (6-4). Michigan rested their starters and had their backups and third-stringers play the game, while Houston played their starters.
In the first quarter, Houston running back Lorenzo Lingard rushed up the middle for a one-yard touchdown. Houston quarterback Jalan McClendon found Justin Hall for the one-point conversion and a 7-0 lead heading into the second quarter.
In the second quarter, Houston linebacker Marvin Moody picked off Michigan quarterback Rocky Lombardi for a 32-yard pick-six touchdown for a 13-0 lead with 2:02 left. Michigan kicker B.T. Potter made a 49-yard field goal, and Houston kicker Chris Blewitt made a 43-yard field goal as the Roughnecks led the Panthers 16-3 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Michigan running Matthew Colburn II rushed to his left side on his way to scoring a 23-yard touchdown. It was now 16-9 with 11:32 left. Just before the end of the third quarter, Houston kicker Chris Blewitt made a 20-yard field goal for a 19-9 lead. In the fourth quarter, Michigan kicker B.T. Potter made a 34-yard field goal and it was now 19-12 Houston.
Late in the game, Michigan quarterback Danny Etling’s pass was intercepted by Keenan Isaac which sealed the game. The Houston Roughnecks defeated the Michigan Panthers by the final score of 19-12.
Houston had 236 yards of offense led by quarterback Jalan McClendon completing 17 of 31 passes (54.8%) for 193 yards, and two carries for two yards. Running back Lorenzo Lingard led the rushers with 11 carries for 30 yards and one touchdown.
Wide receiver Keke Chism led the receivers making four catches for 44 yards, and Emmanuel Butler made one catch for 41 yards. Kicker Chris Blewitt made two field goals with a long of 43 yards. The defense made 57 tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, one touchdown, nine pass breakups, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
Michigan had 273 yards of offense led by quarterback Danny Etling completing 5 of 12 passes (41.7%) for 70 yards, one interception, and six carries for 60 yards. Backup quarterback Rocky Lombardi completed 8 of 18 passes (44.4%) for 61 yards, one interception, and three carries for 30 yards.
Running back Nate McCrary led the rushers with 12 carries for 68 yards, while Matthew Colburn II had four carries for 25 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Jaylon Moore led the receivers making three catches for 30 yards. Kicker B.T. Potter made two field goals with a long of 49 yards. The defense made 51 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, and five pass breakups.
Next week, the Michigan Panthers take on the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL Conference Championship Game on Saturday at 3 pm on ABC. Purchase UFL tickets today on StubHub and Viagogo.
