Michigan Panthers vs. Houston Roughnecks

One of the most surprising teams of the UFL season continues to advance as the 6-2 Michigan Panthers take on their 1-7 USFL conference rivals Houston Roughnecks.

The Panthers are coming off a 24-18 win over the Memphis Showboats in Week 8, with the storyline once again being the success of the two-quarterback system between Bryce Perkins and Brian Lewerke. Running back Matthew Colburn continued his hot streak, totaling 93 yards and two scores, leaving him third in the UFL in rushing yards with 387. The defense deserves a boost, allowing just 239 total yards , including 40 on the ground. in victory.

Despite the Roughnecks losing to the Birmingham Stallions 35-28 last week, the offense showed rare signs of life, scoring a season-high 28 points and racking up 311 total yards thanks to a boost from athletic quarterback Nolan Henderson. Houston’s defense continues to struggle as Stallions quarterback Adrian Martinez had a field day scoring five touchdowns.

Preview

Game information

Line: Panthers -4, O/U 40

Date/Location: Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Rice Stadium in Houston, Texas

Kickoff time: 2:30 p.m. EST

Weather forecast: Sunny, 96 degrees

TV/Streaming: Fox, Fox Sports App, Fox Sports on SiriusXM

Injury/Inactive Report

Michigan will be without its leading pass catcher and one of the best receivers in the UFL, with Marcus Simms listed as inactive for the game. Safety Corrion Ballard will also be inactive as he deals with a right hamstring issue.

Houston quarterback Jarrett Guarantano re-injured his wrist, leaving him in an emergency situation for the game. The other name of note for the Roughnecks is cornerback Jai Nunn-Liddell, who is dealing with multiple injuries.

List Updates

The Panthers will have Danny Etling back after missing the last two games due to injury. Bryce Perkins is listed as a backup, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Michigan sticks to rotating quarterbacks every other drive. Simms’ absence will leave the door open for Devin Ross to earn more playing time as he re-enters the lineup after recovering from an injury. Michigan gets Kai Nacua back in the starting lineup at safety after missing one game.

Reid Sinnett is listed as the starting quarterback, but Henderson’s performance last week will give him more playing time this week for Houston. The Roughnecks will keep roughly the same lineup as last week.

The keys to victory

Colburn has been a workhorse since Michigan lost Wes Hills for the season. The running attack must continue to be the identity of the Panthers offense. Michigan’s defense has been great without Frank Ginda in the lineup and will have to rely on its point guard safety Nacua to help maintain a high performance.

The Roughnecks were able to establish a running game with TJ Pledger IV and Mark Thompson, which has been a rare sight this season. Henderson’s playmaking ability at quarterback has contributed to the rushing attack, so he will see more playing time and more creative plays for him. Houston’s defense will rely on the front seven to stop not only Colburn, but also the running abilities of Etling and Perkins at quarterback.

Prediction

It seems unlikely that the Panthers will host a playoff game with the Stallions running the UFL. This game is about asserting your dominance over a Houston team that is not at your level. Last week showed that the Roughnecks are competitive, but Michigan’s ability to handle the ball and control the clock with minimal turnovers makes them the most attractive team to win this game.

Michigan Panthers 31, Houston Roughnecks 17

You can follow Anthony Miller on X @ByAnthonyMiller.

Catch up UFL on FanNation on Facebook And X.