The Birmingham Stallions (9-1) hosted the Michigan Panthers (7-3) on Saturday at Protective Stadium for the final UFL regular season game of 2024.
Birmingham quarterback Adrian Martinez’s late touchdown pass to Jace Sternberger and Michigan kicker Jake Bates missing a 53-yard field goal gave the Stallions a 20-19 win and will host the USFL Conference Championship Game next Saturday from Protective Stadium.
Birmingham had 223 yards on offense. Quarterback Adrian Martinez completed 14 of 28 passes (50%) for 163 yards, one touchdown, and five carries for 41 yards. In the fourth quarter, Martinez threw a five-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jace Sternberger for a 20-19 lead with 59 seconds left of the game.
Running back C.J. Marable had 10 carries for 56 yards, two touchdowns, and three catches for 29 yards. In the first quarter, Marable scored a one-yard touchdown for a 6-0 lead with 10:46 left. In the third quarterback, Marable scored a 20-yard touchdown and the score was 16-13 Michigan. The rushers finished the afternoon with 17 carries for 103 yards, and two touchdowns.
Tight end Jace Sternberger led the receivers making two catches for 53 yards, and one touchdown. Birmingham’s receivers finished the day making 14 catches for 163 yards, and one touchdown. Birmingham did not kick any field goals. Birmingham’s defense made 59 tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, and four pass breakups.
Michigan had 324 yards on offense. Quarterback Danny Etling completed 16 of 31 passes (52%) for 195 yards, one touchdown, four carries for 36 yards, and one touchdown. In the second quarter, Etling scored a 23-yard rushing touchdown giving Michigan a 10-6 lead with 13:40 left. Then, Elting found wide receiver Siaosi Mariner for a 46-yard touchdown extending their lead to 16-6 with 6:21 left. Backup quarterback Bryce Perkins threw one incomplete pass and had three carries for 37 yards.
Running back Nate McCrary had eight carries for 36 yards. The rushers finished the afternoon with 23 carries for 135 yards, and one touchdown. Wide receiver Siaosi Mariner led the receivers making seven catches for 110 yards, and one touchdown. The receivers finished the afternoon making 16 catches for 195 yards, and one touchdown.
Michigan kicker Jake Bates made two field goals with a long of 44 yards. Michigan’s defense made 45 tackles, five tackles for loss, five sacks, six pass breakups, and one forced fumble.
The Birmingham Stallions and Michigan Panthers will battle for the right to play in the UFL Championship Game next Saturday at 3 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.
