The Michigan Panthers (1-0) under new head coach Mike Nolan started the 2023 season on Sunday afternoon against the Houston Gamblers (0-1) with their new head coach Curtis Johnson from the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee.
Michigan quarterback Josh Love completed 19 of 21 passes (90.1%) for 216 yards, and three touchdowns. Running back Stevie Scott III had 12 carries for 61 yards, one touchdown, and one catch for 13 yards.
Wide receiver Joe Walker led the team with six catches for 105 yards and one touchdown. Michigan’s defense allowed 194 yards, with 68 tackles, three tackles for loss, four sacks, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two pass breakups.
Houston quarterback Kenji Bahar completed 13 of 22 passes (59.1%) for 109 yards, two interceptions, and two carries for 16 yards. Running back T.J. Pledger had 16 carries for 41 yards, two touchdowns, and two catches for ten yards.
Tight end Josh Pederson led the Gamblers with two catches for 23 yards. Houston’s defense allowed 327 yards, with 67 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, and one forced fumble.
Next week, the Houston Gamblers take on the New Orleans Breakers next Saturday at 12:30 pm on USA Network and the Michigan Panthers battle the Philadelphia Stars next Sunday at 7 pm on FS1. Tickets for both games are available on StubHub and Viagogo.
