Week five of the UFL wrapped up yesterday, with the Memphis Showboats hosting the Michigan Panthers in what was a crucial divisional showdown.
My Texas Tour might be over, but the #UFL Tour sure isn't!
Memphis vs. Michigan about to kickoff.
Pivotal USFL conference matchup here. #UFL pic.twitter.com/syNrqOmGOh
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 28, 2024
Heading into this game, the Memphis Showboats were in a downhill spiral. They had lost three games in a row, pushing themselves to the bottom of the USFL Conference with Houston.
Michigan, on the other hand, was 2-2 – and has been relatively inconsistent from week to week. The Panthers needed to get back on track in order to secure their #2 position for another week, and they did exactly that.
Itโs impressive that Michigan was able to do everything they did offensively against Memphis, having lost starting QB E.J. Perry for the year. Filling in was QB Danny Etling, making his first UFL start.
First Quarter
John DeFilippo decided to make a quarterback change ahead of this matchup. Troy Williams went on the field on this opening drive, which was his first start since the USFL Championship last year when he was with the Pittsburgh Maulers.
Unfortunately for Troy, things did not get off on the right foot. A few plays into their first possession, Breeland Speaks strip sacked Williams, and Garrett Marino recovered for Michigan.
LETS GO! @Bspeaks9 with the sack, @GarrettMarino_1 with the recovery pic.twitter.com/s8cL0Blr7r
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) April 28, 2024
Wes Hills, whoโs name was called quite a bit today, put Michigan in front early. With the solid field position, Hills hurdled his way inside the five yard line, and then finished things off himself with a two yard rushing touchdown. The PAT was successful from Etling to Siaosi Mariner, and the Panthers took a 7-0 lead.
WES HILLS TOUCHDOWN! pic.twitter.com/wNIAvuoEDT
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) April 28, 2024
The struggles for Memphis continued. They punted on their next drive, and the Panthers got right to work on the ground again. On 4th and 12, they ran a fake punt for the second time this season – and picked up the first down with Wes Hills.
SIIIIIKE pic.twitter.com/fCc3uL88dd
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) April 28, 2024
This time, it was Matt Colburnโs turn to score, who burst into the end zone on a 35 yard rushing touchdown. The PAT was no good, and Michigan led 13-0.
The rain ain't stopping him!@2mjayc rushes 35 yards for the touchdown! pic.twitter.com/MWjcQiBu3G
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) April 28, 2024
Second Quarter
Titus Swen set Memphis up with excellent field position on their ensuing possession. Disappointingly, it would not result in production from the offense. Troy Williams missed on a throw to Diondre Overton, and Adonis Alexander came away with an interception.
ADONIS ALEXANDER WITH THE PICK! pic.twitter.com/g0xyDBKHZz
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) April 28, 2024
For the first time all season, Jake Bates missed a field goal attempt. Mike Nolan sent him out from 58 yards away, and the kick was no good, giving Memphis the football right back.
The Showboats just could not get out of their own way, though. After a completion to Sage Surratt to get the drive moving into Michigan territory, the turnover bug would strike again. Williams completed a pass to Daewood Davis – who had the ball knocked away by Levonta Taylor – and Noah Dawkins recovered for Michigan. He returned it all the way to the Showboats five yard line, and Michigan was cooking.
THAT'S OUR BALL!@LevontaTaylor with the forced fumble and Noah Dawkins with the BIG return pic.twitter.com/05eoUjRNFM
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) April 28, 2024
Just a couple of plays later, Hills made another appearance. He ran it in from two yards out, and the Panthers took a commanding 19-0 advantage.
Wes Hills with another touchdown! pic.twitter.com/3PESX4Lfwf
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) April 28, 2024
Both teams traded punts with each other, and then Memphis finally had their first big break of the game. With little time left on the clock, Williams found Daewood Davis down the sidelines – who broke away for an 82 yard touchdown.
82 YARDS TO THE HOUSE@daewood_davis gets the @USFLShowboats on the board
pic.twitter.com/6gcJRKgFrA
— United Football League (@TheUFL) April 28, 2024
The Panthers had an opportunity to score thanks to a big return from Gavin Holmes, but Jake Bates couldnโt connect from 62 yards out.
Third Quarter
Danny Etling did not have to do a ton in this game because of their rushing attack – but he was spot on when needed. Etling dropped a dime to Cole Hikutini to begin the second half, setting up another scoring opportunity.
BIG CATCH FROM @colehikutini_07 pic.twitter.com/fncQTpV9XZ
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) April 28, 2024
Just a couple of plays later, Etling called his own number. He scrambled for the score from a few yards out, and put Michigan in front 25-6.
Danny Etling takes it himself for the touchdown! pic.twitter.com/LVdNA3r9MB
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) April 28, 2024
Memphis would make a play to get themselves back into this one. After having to punt it away again, Gavin Holmes muffed the catch, and Jay Jay Wilson recovered for the Showboats.
IT'S OURS!
The muffed punt return gives us the ball inside the 10 #GoBoats pic.twitter.com/YXEpG4bqwZ
— Memphis Showboats (@USFLShowboats) April 28, 2024
It was only a matter of time before some of the other Showboatsโ receivers got involved. Jonathan Adams caught a touchdown on a dart from Troy, and it was a 25-12 ball game.
ALL ABOUT JONATHAN ADAMS!
We add six more on the board!@ItsJayAdams | #GoBoatspic.twitter.com/7EnOfF9U0L
— Memphis Showboats (@USFLShowboats) April 28, 2024
Memphis made a push in this third quarter, finding a way to claw themselves back into it. Michigan had to punt again, which led to an excellent drive for the Showboats. A deep pass to Adams put Memphis inside the 10, and Sage Surratt cashed out on a touchdown to make it 25-18.
OH MY GOSH SURRATT! @SageSurratt_14
It is a 1-score game!pic.twitter.com/556XP1k1GI
— Memphis Showboats (@USFLShowboats) April 28, 2024
With one quarter to go, the Showboats had some life for the first time all afternoon – knocking on the door with it being a one score affair.
Fourth Quarter
Michigan would regain control during the final period. Danny Etling put together a fantastic drive with a couple of completions to Marcus Simms, and for the third time in this game, Wes Hills found the end zone again.
TOUCHDOWN
TOUCHDOWN
TOUCHDOWN
Here's what Wes Hills' day looks like for us now pic.twitter.com/bEYMnMWJBf
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) April 28, 2024
This was the nail in the coffin for Memphis, who fell back into making the mistakes they had in the first half. Troy Williams tried to force a throw to Davis, and instead was picked off by Kai Nacua – who has had a tremendous season for this Panthers secondary.
JUMP THAT ROUTE @KaiNacua! pic.twitter.com/nHpSlXLkkF
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) April 28, 2024
While Michigan had to punt, their defense continued to hold strong. Memphis went four and out, turning the ball over on downs. The Panthers successfully kicked a field goal with Bates, and took a 35-18 lead.
Down the stretch of this game, Michiganโs defensive unit continued to apply pressure. One notable was safety Bryce Torneden sacking Troy Williams – a little bit of former Mauler-on-Mauler crime.
Show off the moves if you got the sack, @BryceTorneden! pic.twitter.com/nMdkgl4GT4
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) April 28, 2024
Memphis did have one last moment of hope, with Williams completing a deep ball to Diondre Overton. However, a super challenge overturned the big gain, and the Showboats turned it over on downs.
Michigan would secure a critical road win, taking down Memphis with a final score of 35-18.
Standout Playmakers
QB Danny Etling: In his first start, Etling looked really solid. He made smart decisions, protected the football, and showcased his big arm on a couple of key throws. Etling threw for 175 yards, and added a rushing touchdown on the day.
RB Wes Hills: Obviously, Wes Hills gets some love in this section. He posted 82 yards on 16 carries, averaging 5.1 YPC. His three scores gave Michigan a comfortable lead throughout. His patient style of running outmatched the Showboats defensive front all day long.
What a rushing performance today for the @USFLPanthers:
Wes Hills: 16 carries, 82 yards, 3 TD!!, 5.1 YPC
Matt Colburn: 15 carries, 68 yards, 1 TD
One of the best efforts we've seen from a backfield this year – not to mention, Danny Etling added a rushing score as well. #UFL pic.twitter.com/xK1zfTw7U2
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 28, 2024
RB Matt Colburn: Colburnโs performance went under the radar with Hillsโ big day – but Matt added 68 yards of his own and a 35 yard score. Heโs found his rhythm in this offense over the past few weeks, which has been satisfying to watch unfold.
DB Levonta Taylor: Taylor was excellent in coverage, and made plays all over the field on special teams as well. Levontaโs forced fumble on Davis was a key momentum changer in the second quarter.
DE Breeland Speaks: The former All-USFL defensive end had a phenomenal outing. He took advantage of a weak Showboatsโ offensive line, totaling: 4 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 TFL, and a forced fumble. Speaks was in the backfield on seemingly every play.
Breeland Speaks today:
4 Tackles
3 Sacks
2 TFL
1 FF
The Showboats' offensive line has had its struggles this year, and Speaks took advantage. Absolutely dominated in the trenches today for the @USFLPanthers. #UFL pic.twitter.com/1qR125L5HV
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) April 28, 2024
DB Kai Nacua: Nacua continues to impress week in and week out for this Michigan secondary. He posted three tackles, an interception, and 2 PBUโs against Memphis.
Memphis Showboats
WR Daewood Davis: Davis showed up for the Showboats offense, with six catches for 101 yards and a touchdown. He could have had an even better day, having dropped a deep ball in the second half that could have gone for another score.
DL P.J. Hall: Hall made an impact in the trenches today, with six tackles, a TFL, and a sack. Hall was an offseason addition for the Showboats, and has continued to grow his role on this team as the season goes on.
Post-Game Comments
Panthers Head Coach Mike Nolan was pleased with how the team played, noting the importance of picking up another divisional win:
โI thought this was an important win, especially because it was a divisional game. Oddly enough, as much as the score was lopsided, our entire football team felt like it was a close game the whole time. They are very explosive on offense, so I thought it was a game where everyone competed until the very end. Iโm very proud of the offense, we had a lot of players who stepped up todayโฆI thought Marcel called a great game.โ
RB Wes Hills also commented on his performance, having gone up against his former USFL coaching staff:
โIt worked in the cards that way. It was a big game for me personally playing against my old staff. I had some fun with that. Just went out there and got some opportunities, and made the most of them.โ
On the other hand, Showboats HC John DeFilippo has quite a bit to figure out for his team moving forward:
โThe Panthers started fast, we didnโt. I always felt like we were playing from behind. A lot of plays, credit to them, but also some plays, un-credit to us. I thought at times we shot ourselves in the foot in all three phases. There are going to be a lot of plays that we will go back and watch, and will be disappointed about. We have a short week this week, so we have to get ready quickly and turn this thing around.โ
Final Thoughts
The Michigan Panthers are now 3-2, just one win away from their total a season ago – and weโre only halfway through the year. Mike Nolan and his coaching staff have done an impressive job of weathering the early storm, and pushing through despite dealing with injuries. This has been a fun team to watch, and one should expect them to only get better heading into this second half.
Great team win
Going home with another dub pic.twitter.com/cYiwUL6c72
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) April 29, 2024
For the Memphis Showboats, DeFilippo said they canโt โhit the panic buttonโ – but, something has to give sooner than later. Itโs been a disastrous four weeks for this team, and now theyโll have to prepare to play against the 5-0 Birmingham Stallions. This season is slipping away, and one has to wonder how much longer Memphis can keep themselves alive in the playoff race if things keep going in this direction.
What are your thoughts on this game between the Michigan Panthers and Memphis Showboats? Which UFL players impressed you the most? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
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