DETROIT, MI — April 13, 2025 — The Michigan Panthers pulled off a dramatic 26–23 victory over the San Antonio Brahmas in a Week 3 clash defined by quarterback resilience, defensive fireworks, and a clutch performance from kicker B.T. Potter, who nailed the game-winning 28-yard field goal with 51 seconds remaining.

The Panthers move to 2–1 on the season, while the Brahmas remain winless at 0–3 despite a gutsy fourth-quarter comeback.

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Perkins Takes the Reins, Delivers

Michigan’s quarterback situation took a sudden turn early when starter Danny Etling left the game in the first quarter due to a concussion. Enter Bryce Perkins, who stepped up in a big way. The mobile signal caller went 17-for-23 for 193 yards, while also rushing for two touchdowns, giving Michigan’s offense a spark and showing command in critical moments.

The ground game also came alive with Jaden Shirden, who broke free for a 43-yard touchdown run, helping the Panthers jump out to a 20–9 lead in the first half.

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Brahmas Battle Back Behind Defense and Kicking Game

The Brahmas leaned heavily on their defense and special teams to claw their way back. Down 23–15 in the fourth, linebacker Jordan Williams delivered a momentum-shifting 15-yard interception return for a touchdown. Running back Jashaun Corbin followed with a two-point conversion run, knotting the game at 23 with just under five minutes to go.

Kicker Donald De La Haye kept San Antonio in striking distance throughout, converting from 36, 55, and 33 yards, and was called upon once more for a potential game-tying 53-yard field goal as time expired — but the kick sailed wide left, sealing the loss.

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Special Teams Flip the Field

One of the game’s unsung heroes was Michigan return man Devin Ross, whose 49-yard kickoff return following the Brahmas’ tying score set the stage for the final drive. That return gave the Panthers ideal field position at San Antonio’s 46-yard line, allowing them to methodically work the clock and set up Potter’s decisive kick.

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What’s Next

The Panthers, now 2–1, are keeping pace in the USFL Conference and showing depth with Perkins under center. The Brahmas, sitting at 0–3, have been competitive in each outing but are still searching for their first win under head coach Wade Phillips.

The season’s still young, but this one had the feel of a turning point — for better or worse — for both franchises.

image credit: 2C2K Photography from Houston, TX, USA, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons