Matt Corral, Birmingham Stallions beat Michigan Panthers

VaselineJune 8, 2024

0 3 minutes read

Matt Corral, Birmingham Stallions beat Michigan Panthers

The Birmingham Gunners defeated the Michigan Panthers 31-18 in the USFL conference championship game. With the win, the Stallions (10-1) advance to their first United Football League championship.

The Panthers (7-4) took an early lead with a touchdown early in the drive, but Birmingham’s defense held them to field goals on their next four possessions. The Bears offense struggled early but finally settled into a groove late in the first half.

The second half was more of a defensive battle as the two teams traded turnovers and points throughout the third quarter. The only score of the third quarter was a game-tying pick-6 by Armasari.

The Stallions made a surprising change at QB in the third quarter. Presumptive UFL MVP Adrian Martinez was replaced by former Ole Miss star Matt Corral in the third quarter. Corral led the Stallions to victory, going 9-for-11 with 120 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

Former LSU and New England Patriots QB Danny Etling started for the Panthers, going 18-for-29 with 182 yards, a touchdown, three interceptions and a fumble.

More: UFL Playoffs: 5 things to know before Birmingham Stallions host Michigan Panthers

More: UFL: Stallions top Battlehawks to remain undefeated, spoiling AJ McCarron’s Alabama return

Here are more takeaways from the Stallions’ USFL conference championship victory:

First half electric

The Panthers struck first with a 35-yard touchdown pass from Etling to wide receiver Siaosi Mariner on the opening drive. Birmingham’s offense was stopped on fourth and inches on its first drive, and UFL kicker Jake Bates added a field goal to give Michigan a 9-0 lead. Both teams kicked a field goal before the end of the first quarter to make it 12-3 in the second.

As the offense struggled, the Stallions defense went into “bend, don’t break” mode. They held the Panthers to two more field goals, including one after a strip-sack of Martinez by linebacker Noah Dawkins set up Michigan at the Bears’ 14-yard line. The two field goals made it 18-3, but those would be Michigan’s final points of the game.

Martinez immediately recovered from the fumble, floating a perfect deep ball to tight end Jordan Thomas for a 50-yard touchdown on the Bears’ next offensive snap. Bates missed his fifth field goal attempt of the first half from 51 yards with about two minutes left. Martinez drove in another run of field goals to take the lead and the Stallions trailed 18-12 at halftime.

The defense shines in the third quarter

The second half evolved into a defensive battle, especially in the third quarter.

Martinez attempted a deep ball into the end zone on the Stallions’ first play of the half, which was intercepted by Adonis Alexander. Birmingham got the ball back when defensive lineman Dondrea Tillman sacked Etling, forcing a fumble that linebacker Damon Lloyd recovered. However, Martinez fumbled in a scramble up the middle and Michigan’s Mika Tafua recovered.

Later in the quarter, Etling threw his first interception of the game to Stallions cornerback Ike Brown. The Gunners then turned to Corral, but his second throw was intercepted after being bobbled by wide receiver Marlon Williams. Etling then threw his second interception in as many attempts, this one to Daniel Isom. Isom returned the ball 48 yards for a touchdown that tied the game 18-18.

Matt Corral delivers late game heroics

Corral began the season as the Stallions’ starter, splitting time with Martinez until Martinez took over as the full-time starter. Corral has not seen playing time since starting the Bears’ Week 4 win over the DC Defenders on April 20. Meanwhile, Martinez enjoyed a standout season, earning UFL honors for his performance.

Still, Martinez struggled with the Panthers on Saturday. Martinez was 10 for 19 with 164 yards, a touchdown and an interception, but his day was helped in a big way by his 50-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. He struggled to find running lanes to take advantage of his hustle and was benched after his second fumble of the game.

Corral shook off an interception on second down and led the Stallions to victory. With the game tied at 18 in the fourth quarter, Corral led a 75-yard touchdown drive, highlighted by a 43-yard scamper to wide receiver Gary Jennings. He finished with a seven-yard touchdown pass to Amari Rodgers that gave Birmingham a 24-18 lead.

After the Stallions blocked a field goal, Corral headed in another goal that took five minutes off the clock and put the game away for Birmingham. He capped it off with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Ricky Person Jr. and a one-point conversion pass to Thomas.

What’s next in the UFL Playoffs?

The Stallions advance to the UFL Championship on Sunday, June 16, where they will play the winner of the XFL Conference Championship between the St. Louis Battlehawks and the San Antonio Brahmas. The XFL Championship will take place on Sunday, June 9 at 6 pm CT in St. Louis.

VaselineJune 8, 2024

0 3 minutes read

First half electric

The defense shines in the third quarter

Matt Corral delivers late game heroics

What’s next in the UFL Playoffs?

Vaseline

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