The Michigan Panthers (5-2) visited Audi Field on Sunday afternoon against the D.C. Defenders (3-4) in front of 12,222 fans. The Panthers dominated this game beating the Defenders by the final score of 22-9. With the win, the Panthers needed the Houston Roughnecks to lose to the San Antonio Brahams to clinch the last playoff spot in the USFL Conference.
Michigan had 332 yards on offense. Quarterback Brian Lewerke completed 5 of 13 passes (38%) for 37 yards, three carries for no yards, and one touchdown. Lewerke scored a seven-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter for a 7-0 lead with 12:18 left. Backup quarterback Bryce Perkins completed 11 of 13 passes (85%) for 116 yards, and two carries for 13 yards.
Running back Matthew Colburn II led the rushers with 16 carries for 137 yards, and one catch for four yards, while Wes Hills had 10 carries for 37 yards, one touchdown, and two catches for 13 yards. Hills touchdown happened in the first quarter for one yard extending Michigan’s lead to 13-0 with 3:06 left. The rushers finished the afternoon with 31 carries for 187 yards, and two touchdowns.
Wide receiver Samson Nacua led the receivers making six catches for 45 yards. The receivers finished the afternoon making 16 catches for 153 yards. Kicker Jake Bates made three field goals with a long of 51 yards. Michigan’s defense made 48 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks, one pass breakup, and one fumble recovery.
D.C. had 235 yards on offense. Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu completed 10 of 14 passes (71%) for 127 yards, one touchdown, and three carries for three yards. Ta’amu’s touchdown happened in the first quarter to Ty Scott for 70 yards cutting the Panthers lead to 13-6 with 2:50 left. However, Ta’amu left the game with a concussion.
Backup quarterback Jalen McClendon completed 9 of 14 passes (64%) for 73 yards, and two carries for 13 yards. Wide receiver Keke Coutee led the rushers with one carry for 28 yards. The rushers finished the afternoon with 13 carries for 58 yards. Wide receiver Kelvin Harmon led the receivers making six catches for 37 yards.
Kicker Matthew McCrane made one field goal for 37 yards. D.C.’s defense made 61 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, and two pass breakups.
Next Saturday, the Michigan Panthers host the Memphis Showboats at 4 pm on FOX, while the D.C. Defenders visit the St. Louis Battlehawks on Sunday at 12 pm on ABC. Subscribe to Fubo to watch all of the 2024 UFL Season and tickets for the game are available today on StubHub and Viagogo.
