The Michigan Panthers (6-4) visited Protective Stadium on Sunday afternoon against the Birmingham Stallions (7-3) in the 2025 USFL Conference Championship Game for the second year in a row where the winner advances to the UFL Championship Game next Saturday.
In the first quarter, Michigan running back Toa Taua rushed to his right side for a three-yard touchdown. Then, quarterback Bryce Perkins threw to Cole Hikutini for a one-point conversion and a 7-0 lead with 5:11 left. Michigan led 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Michigan quarterback Bryce Perkins rushed for a one-yard touchdown. Running back Toa Taua scored the one-point conversion and it was now 14-0 with 8:17 left. Later, Birmingham quarterback J’Mar Smith threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Thomas and it was now 14-6 with 6:28 left.
Things turned worse for Birmingham when quarterback J’Mar Smith’s pass was intercepted by Kai Nacua for a 25-yard pick-six touchdown. Michigan quarterback Bryce Perkins scored the one-point conversion for a 21-6 lead. Birmingham benched Smith for Matt Corral.
Late in the second quarter, Birmingham running back C.J. Marable scored a one-yard touchdown. Quarterback Matt Corral threw to Ricky Person Jr. and the Stallions trailed the Panthers 21-14 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Birmingham kicker Harrison Mevis made a 56-yard field goal and it was now 21-17 with 10:55 left. Next, Michigan running back Toa Taua rushed up the middle for a six-yard touchdown. Michigan quarterback Bryce Perkins completed a pass to Jaylon Moore for the one-point conversion making it 28-17 with 5:15 left.
Later, Michigan quarterback Bryce Perkins threw a pass to Malik Turner for a 76-yard touchdown for a 34-17 heading into the fourth quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Birmingham quarterback Matt Corral threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Davion Davis and it was now 34-23 with 14:19 left. Birmingham responded when quarterback Matt Corral threw a four-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Thomas. They did not get the two-point conversion and it was now 34-29 with 13:10 left.
Late in the fourth quarter, Michigan running back Toa Taua rushed for a four-yard touchdown plus scoring a one-point conversion, and kicker B.T. Potter made a 36-yard field goal as the Panthers took down the Birmingham Stallions by the final score of 44-29.
Michigan advances to the UFL Championship Game against either St. Louis or D.C. The last time the Panthers played in a championship game was the 1983 USFL Championship Game against the Philadelphia Stars which they won.
Michigan had 372 yards of offense led by quarterback Bryce Perkins completing 20 of 25 passes (80%) for 238 yards, one touchdown, seven carries for 35 yards, and one touchdown. Running back Toa Taua led the rushers with 21 carries for 85 yards, and three touchdowns.
Wide receiver Malik Turner led the receivers making six catches for 99 yards, and one touchdown, while Cole Hikutini made six catches for 53 yards. Kicker B.T. Potter made one field goal for 36 yards. The defense made 39 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
Birmingham had 303 yards of offense led by backup quarterback Matt Corral completing 12 of 25 passes (48%) for 147 yards, two touchdowns, one interception, and three carries for 18 yards. Running back C.J. Marable led the rushers with eight carries for 28 yards and one touchdown.
Wide receiver Deon Cain led the receivers making six catches for 124 yards, while Jordan Thomas made three catches for 39 yards, and two touchdowns, and Davion Davis made two catches for 30 yards and one touchdown.
Kicker Harrison Mevis made 1 of 2 field goals (50%) with a long of 56 yards. The defense made 70 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
The 2025 USFL Championship Game takes place next Saturday in St. Louis at 8 pm on ABC. Purchase UFL tickets today on StubHub and Viagogo.
