Stallions use big second half to beat Panthers, advance to UFL Championship Game

Matt Corral came off the bench in relief of MVP candidate Adrian Martinez to throw for 120 yards and two touchdowns as the Birmingham Stallions blitzed the visiting Michigan Panthers for a 31-18 victory on Saturday in the USFL Conference Championship Game.

The Stallions dug an 18-3 hole as Martinez struggled, yet he helped spark the eventual rally with a 50-yard touchdown connection with Jordan Thomas late in the first half. Chris Blewitt added a 43-yard field goal with 12 seconds left to cut Birmingham's deficit to 18-12.

Martinez was intercepted to open the third quarter and was stripped for a fumble on the Stallions' following drive. After another ineffective possession by Birmingham, Corral came on in relief and was promptly intercepted himself.

But Panthers quarterback Danny Etling responded with his second interception in as many drives. Daniel Isom returned the pick 48 yards for the game-tying touchdown.

Corral settled down on the next drive, leading the Stallions 75 yards in five plays, a march that culminated with a 7-yard touchdown toss to Amari Rodgers for a 24-18 lead with 13:42 left in the game. Corral, who finished 9-of-11 passing, followed that up with a 66-yard drive that included a 15-yard scoring strike to Ricky Person Jr.

Etling threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to Siaosi Mariner early in the first quarter, and Jake Bates added four field goals for Michigan. Etling completed 18 of 29 passes for 182 yards, one TD and three interceptions.

--Field Level Media