UFL action rolled on into Mother's Day with a huge battle between playoff hopefuls from the USFL and XFL Conferences.
The Michigan Panthers (5-2) came out on top — Matthew Colburn II collected 137 rushing yards to spur its win — and remained in second place in the USFL standings behind the undefeated Birmingham Stallions.
On the other side, the DC Defenders (3-4) came up short and remain behind both the St. Louis Battlehawks (5-2) and the San Antonio Brahmas (4-2) in the XFL standings.
Here are Sunday's highlights!
3rd - 7:08: Panthers 22, Defenders 6
Michigan kicker Jake Bates shined for the Panthers last week, knocking in four field goals — including a 60-yarder and the game-winner.
He kept his hot streak going with three straight field goals to extend Michigan's lead in the second half and ultimately seal the win.
2:50 - 1st: Panthers 13, Defenders 6
The Defenders weren't about to go down without a fight, and they punched back with a major haymaker, courtesy of Ty Scott's 70-yard house call that closed the gap slightly.
3:06 - 1st: Panthers 13, Defenders 0
The Panthers capitalized on their second drive, as RB Wes Hills found the end zone on a 1-yard burst.
12:18 - 1st: Panthers 7, Defenders 0
Michigan is undefeated this season when it scores in the first quarter, and the Panthers did just that on their first drive.
Sunday's tilt between two playoff hopefuls features the Panthers and the Defenders, which checked in at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively, in RJ Young's latest power rankings.
The Panthers came from behind to defeat the Arlington Renegades, 28-27, in Week 6 behind the leg of star kicker Jake Bates. Bates made all five of his field goal attempts, including the game-winner from 42 yards out as the clock expired.
Michigan could clinch a spot in the USFL Championship Game with a win this weekend and a loss by Houston, which plays later Sunday. Michigan also needed a loss by Memphis, which fell to Arlington on Saturday, in order to clinch.
That will be a challenge, however, as Brian Lewerke will get the start in place of QB Danny Etling, who did not practice this week due to a hand injury. Michigan is also moving forward without one of their top tacklers for the season, as 2023 USFL Defensive Player of the Year Frank Ginda was placed on IR due to a shoulder injury suffered in Week 6's win.
The Defenders are coming off a huge win over San Antonio in Week 6, thanks to standout performances from RB Darius Hagans, who picked up 63 yards on 13 carries, and WR Kelvin Harmon, who scored the Defenders’ only touchdown along with eight catches for 101 yards. Once again, MVP hopeful QB Jordan Ta’amu is at the helm for the Defenders in Week 7.
