The Michigan Panthers put on an impressive display of offensive firepower and defensive tenacity as they cruised to a 35-18 victory over the Memphis Showboats at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on Sunday, April 28. Led by quarterback Danny Etling, who was making his first start of the season, the Panthers jumped out to an early lead and never looked back.

Michigan’s offense came out firing on all cylinders, putting up 13 points in the first quarter, their highest-scoring opening quarter of the season. Running back Wes Hills played a crucial role in the Panthers’ success, recording three rushing touchdowns, the most by any player in a single game this season in the UFL. Hills’ 82 rushing yards were also a game-high and the second-most he has recorded this season.

The Panthers’ defense set the tone early, with Breeland Speaks recording a sack fumble on Showboats quarterback Troy Williams, who was also making his first start of the season. Garrett Marino recovered the fumble, giving Michigan excellent field position. Speaks went on to have a monster game, finishing with three sacks, tying him for second in the league with 4.0 sacks on the season.

Michigan’s special teams also got in on the action, with Wes Hills converting a fake punt on 4th-and-12, his second fake punt conversion in as many weeks. This gutsy play call helped set up a 35-yard touchdown run by Matthew Colburn II, extending the Panthers’ lead to 13-0.

Despite falling behind 19-0, the Showboats showed some life just before halftime when Troy Williams connected with Daewood Davis for an 82-yard touchdown, the longest play of the season so far in the UFL. However, the Panthers quickly responded in the second half, with Danny Etling rushing for a touchdown to push the lead back to 19 points.

Memphis took advantage of a muffed punt by Michigan’s Gavin Holmes, recovering the ball at the Panthers’ 7-yard line. Williams found Jonathan Adams for a touchdown on the next play, cutting the deficit to 25-12. The Showboats continued to battle back, with Williams hitting Sage Surratt for a 4-yard touchdown late in the third quarter, making it a one-possession game heading into the final frame.

But the Panthers’ offense proved too much for the Showboats to handle. Wes Hills scored his third rushing touchdown of the game early in the fourth quarter, and safety Kai Nacua sealed the victory with his third interception of the season. Nacua’s pick was the fourth takeaway of the game for a Panthers defense that entered the contest with just four takeaways all season.

Etling had an efficient day under center, completing 14 of 21 passes for 175 yards while adding a rushing touchdown. Hills and Colburn II combined for 31 carries and 150 yards on the ground, showcasing the Panthers’ commitment to establishing the run.

For the Showboats, Troy Williams finished 19 of 37 for 248 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Daewood Davis was the team’s leading receiver, hauling in six catches for 101 yards and a touchdown.

With the win, the Michigan Panthers improved to 3-2 on the season, while the Memphis Showboats fell to 1-4. The Panthers will look to build on this momentum when they return home to face the winless Arlington Renegades in Week 6, while the Showboats will have a bye week to regroup and prepare for their next challenge.

As the UFL season reaches its midway point, the playoff picture is beginning to take shape. The Panthers’ impressive victory keeps them in the hunt for a postseason berth, while the Showboats will need to turn things around quickly if they hope to stay in contention. With plenty of football left to be played, fans can expect more exciting matchups and thrilling finishes as the league’s talented players continue to showcase their skills on the gridiron.