USFL Week 3: Michigan Panthers shut out Pittsburgh Maulers
The third week of the inaugural USFL season featured two teams seeking their first win of the season. In the end, the Michigan Panthers came out on top vs. the Pittsburgh Maulers, doing so in a dominant fashion.
Here are the top plays from Pittsburgh and Michigan:
Michigan Panthers 24, Pittsburgh Maulers 0
Panthers strike first
Panthers QB Paxton Lynch got his first start on Sunday, and he made the most of it by getting Michigan on the board early.
On the opening drive, Lynch picked up 20 yards on the ground to get the Panthers deep in the red zone.
Then, RB Stevie Scott found the end zone on a short scamper to put Michigan ahead early.
Paxton Lynch rips off a 20-yard rush
Lynch followed that up with a successful two-point conversion to give his team an 8-0 edge in the first quarter.
Oops!
After a muffed punt by Pittsburgh, the Panthers were set up on the Maulers' 5-yard line.
Another one
On the ensuing drive, Lynch scampered into the end zone with ease for another Panthers score.
Déjà vu
Michigan capped off the drive with its second two-point conversion, jumping out to a 16-0 lead as the first frame came to a close.
QB down
Lynch headed into the medical tent ahead of the second quarter and Shea Patterson checked in at QB.
Another miscue
The Maulers had a chance to get on the board early in the second frame, but their field goal attempt was blocked by Panthers cornerback Jameson Houston and the shutout continued.
No look? No problem.
Patterson did his best Patrick Mahomes impersonation when he took the field.
Not so fast!
Terrell Bonds came up with a huge play for Pittsburgh, as he broke up Patterson's pass to the end zone.
Sideline magic
After the Maulers went three and out, the Panthers got another chance to build up their lead.
Patterson found Lance Lenoir Jr. along the edge for a 14-yard gain to move Michigan downfield, but they weren't able to find the end zone.
The Panthers continued to shut out the Maulers at the break, 16-0.
Drop the hammer!
Carlo Kemp came up with a huge play for Pittsburgh in the third quarter, blocking Michigan's punt.
More of the same
Houston continued to help keep the Maulers out of the end zone as the fourth quarter got underway.
Sealing the deal
Panthers RB Reggie Corbin punched one late in the final frame to extend Michigan's lead.
Patterson's two-point conversion put the Panthers ahead 24-0, and things ended there.
