Takeaways From Stallions Win Over Panthers in Week 2 Defensive Battle

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The Birmingham Stallions bounced back in a big way as they got their first win of the season as they beat the Michigan Panthers 21-12 on Friday night.

Each team traded two turnovers, but the Stallions found more success with 272 offensive yards compared to Michigan’s 252. Panthers defensive back D.J. Miller Jr. was the star of the game as the first player in UFL history to have two interceptions in a game.

Birmingham improved to 1-1 on the season while Michigan fell to 1-1 on the year. Skip Holtz and the Stallions win their sixth straight game against the Panthers.

Takeaways From Stallions Win Over Panthers

Matt Corral Fills In For Injured Alex McGough

McGough needed Friday night as a redemption game for him after last week’s rough game, but one play into the game, he injured his shoulder and Holtz leaves him out of the game. Corral steps in the rest of the game and performed well with 18 of 29 for 198 yards and one touchdown to two interceptions.

He was better on quick, rhythm throws where he just got the ball out of his hands. There were times he tried the deep ball and it didn’t connect except for the 52-yard score to Deon Cain. Overall, not a bad performance, but not the best as well. The win is all that matters for Birmingham.

Late Game Mistakes Cost Panthers the Game

Michigan would like to have the last six plus minutes of the game back. Multiple mistakes made at the end of the game that cost them a chance to tie or win the game.

Panthers head coach Mike Nolan made the interesting decision to punt the ball on fourth and three at their own 49 yard line with under six minutes left in the game. The Stallions went on to punt on the next drive, but Devin Ross’ muffed punt gave the ball back to the Stallions. Four plays later, Panthers defensive back Lavonta Taylor would get called for a pass interference call that would put the Stallions in the red zone. Time management was a problem on the last drive where they wasted 20 seconds before B.T. Potter’s field goal that only gave them 26 seconds left in the game.

Defenses Shined on Ford Field

The Panthers continue to be great on defense with Miller being the star of the game with his two interceptions in the game. There was one drive where Jordan Thomas was being covered by Miller and got two pass breakups on him and on that same drive ended with an interception. Miller finished with three pass breakups in the loss.

Birmingham had a couple of stand outs from the defensive line in particular. Ronnie Perkins had five tackles, one tackle for loss, and a half sack. One other standout was Bradlee Anae who had a game-high two sacks in the win.

Both units held the other’s offenses to under 300 yards and forced two turnovers. They both deserve credit for a solid performance.