Michigan Panthers defeat Birmingham Stallions to advance to UFL championship game
The Michigan Panthers (7-4) dethroned the two-time defending champion Birmingham Stallions (7-4) 44-29 at Protective Stadium, securing their first UFL Championship Game berth behind Bryce Perkins’ dual-threat dominance and a defense that forced three critical turnovers.
Perkins powers early surge
Michigan’s offense set the tone with a balanced attack, controlling possession for over 34 minutes. Quarterback Bryce Perkins orchestrated scoring drives with precision, completing 20-of-25 passes for 238 yards and a 76-yard touchdown strike to Malik Turner. Perkins added a 29-yard scramble on third-and-18 and a rushing touchdown, while running back Toa Taua hammered Birmingham’s defense with three short-yardage scores.
Defensive takeover
Safety Kai Nacua ignited Michigan’s momentum with a 25-yard pick-six off Birmingham’s Matt Corral in the first half, part of a stifling defensive effort that held the Stallions to 303 total yards. Arnold Tarpley III added an interception, and Taylor Stallworth’s sack and forced fumble derailed Birmingham’s comeback hopes. The Panthers limited Stallions quarterback J’Mar Smith to 4-of-10 passing despite his late 18-yard touchdown to Jordan Thomas.
Closing the door
After Birmingham narrowed the gap to 32-21 in the third quarter, Taua’s third rushing touchdown and a clock-draining drive sealed the win. Turner (6 catches, 99 yards) and tight end Cole Hikutini (6 catches, 53 yards) provided reliable targets, while Michigan’s defense held Birmingham to 4-of-12 on third downs.
Key contributors
Perkins (238 pass yards, 34 rush yards, 2 total TDs) and Taua (85 rush yards, 3 TDs) anchored the offense. Nacua’s interception return and six tackles headlined a defense that scored seven points off turnovers. For Birmingham, Deon Cain (6 catches, 124 yards) and Thomas (2 TDs) offered fleeting highlights.
Championship outlook
The Panthers snap a seven-game losing streak against Birmingham and advance to face the DC Defenders in the UFL Championship Game. Michigan’s balanced formula—opportunistic defense, Perkins’ versatility, and Taua’s red-zone efficiency—positions them as title contenders. Birmingham’s quest for a fourth consecutive spring football crown ends amid uncharacteristic offensive struggles.
