UFL roundup: Panthers rally past Roughnecks, win 5th straight

Field Level Media|published: Sun 26th May, 19:32 2024

Mar 30, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates (38) celebrates with teammates after kicking the game winning field goal with three seconds on the clock against the St. Louis Battlehawks during the second half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback Bryce Perkins scored two fourth-quarter rushing touchdowns as the Michigan Panthers rallied from a 10-point deficit to post their fifth straight win, a 26-22 victory over the host Houston Roughnecks on Sunday.

After his 11-yard scamper cut the deficit to 22-19 early in the fourth, Perkins put the Panthers (7-2) ahead for good on a 5-yard run with 3:41 to play. Perkins also threw a TD and finished with 197 total yards (121 passing, 76 rushing). Nate McCrary had a rushing TD to open the scoring.

On the defensive side, the Panthers' Breeland Speaks posted four tackles for loss and three sacks, including one for a 16-yard loss on the Roughnecks' final drive of the game.

For the Roughnecks (1-8), who have lost five straight, quarterback Nolan Henderson threw for 150 yards and two touchdowns, both to Justin Hall (six catches, 109 yards). Mark Thompson rushed for 38 yards and a 2-yard score that gave Houston a 22-12 lead late in the third.

Defenders 36, Showboats 21

Jordan Ta'amu completed 20 of 24 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns as DC built a big lead and cruised past host Memphis.

Ta'amu connected with seven receivers, including Chris Rowland, who caught a 35-yard TD, and Alex Ellis, who hauled in a 15-yard score. Ta'amu also had a 1-yard TD run that gave the Defenders (4-5) a 30-7 lead late in the third. Keke Coutee and Jalan McClendon each had a rushing score.

Josh Love threw for 105 yards and a score and rushed for a 1-yard TD, but also threw two interceptions for Memphis (1-8), which has lost eight straight. Darius Victor rushed for 98 yards, including a 6-yard score, and Vinny Papale caught a 14-yard TD.

--Field Level Media