The Michigan Panthers used a strong second-half surge and a dominant defensive performance to pull away from the Memphis Showboats, securing a 27-9 victory Friday evening.
With the win, Michigan improved to 3-1 on the year and overtook Birmingham for first place in the USFL Conference. Memphis (0-4) opened the scoring early in the first quarter, capitalizing on a short drive as Darius Prince punched in a 3-yard touchdown run at the 8:43 mark.
The Showboats attempted a two-point conversion, but E.J. Perry’s pass intended for Kwamie Lassiter II fell incomplete, leaving the score at 6-0.
Michigan answered just before the end of the first quarter. Running back Toa Taua broke free for a 15-yard touchdown run with just 18 seconds remaining. Taua then added the one-point conversion, giving the Panthers a 7-6 lead heading into the second.
The Panthers struck again late in the first half, as Nate McCrary powered through the middle for a 19-yard touchdown with 47 seconds left.
Quarterback Bryce Perkins connected with Samson Nacua on the conversion to stretch Michigan’s lead to 14-6. Memphis salvaged some momentum heading into the locker room as Matt Coghlin drilled a 52-yard field goal as time expired, narrowing the deficit to 14-9.
The second half belonged entirely to the Panthers. Michigan’s defense locked down the Showboats, forcing a turnover and allowing just 63 total yards after halftime. Meanwhile, the offense continued to roll.
Early in the fourth quarter, Perkins aired it out to Jaylon Moore for a 27-yard touchdown to make it 20-9 after a successful conversion run by McCrary. With 5:30 left in regulation, Perkins found tight end Jalen Wydermyer for a 13-yard score to seal the game.
The ensuing conversion attempt failed, but the damage was done.Perkins led Michigan with 200 passing yards and two touchdowns, spreading the ball around to seven different receivers.
McCrary anchored the ground attack with 60 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.For Memphis, Perry struggled under pressure, throwing for just 74 yards and an interception. He added 30 rushing yards, but the offense was unable to convert key third downs, finishing just 1-for-10 on the night.
The Panthers outgained the Showboats 369 to 150 and held a 33:01 to 26:59 edge in time of possession. Michigan improves their red zone efficiency with a perfect 3-for-3 performance, while Memphis reached the red zone only once.
The win pushes Michigan’s momentum forward as they tighten their grip on playoff positioning, while Memphis will look to regroup after a tough home loss.
