The Michigan Panthers put up a fight but, unfortunately, are eliminated from playoffs this season. The team did make it to overtime against the Pittsburgh Maulers but could not get the job done. The Panthers did tie the game with a field goal in the last seconds of regulation, making the score 27-27. Under the USFL overtime ruse, Michigan could not get the ball in the endzone. Unfortunately, this means the season for the Panthers is now over. Here is a look at the Michigan Panthers studs and duds in the North Division championship game.
Michigan Panthers Studs
Former Denver Broncos WR Trey Quinn (84) – Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports
Trey Quinn
Wide receiver, Trey Quinn, had a really strong game for the Michigan Panthers despite their loss. While the Pittsburgh Maulers have a strong defense, Quinn was able to get open for big passes. By the end of the game, Quinn had five receptions for 104 yards and one touchdown, according to the USFL. His longest reception was for 55 yards, and he averaged 20.8 yards per reception.
The Panthers may not have gotten the win, but Quinn tried his best to put the team on his back. Michigan struggled to get the run game going, which made the passing game crucial. If it were not for Quinn, the game might not have been as close as it was. The receiver game the team a fighting chance.
Frank Ginda
Linebacker Frank Ginda stood out amongst the Michigan defense. There was constant pressure on the Maulers’ offense throughout the game, preventing any offensive momentum. By the end of the game, Ginda had 11 combined tackles, six of which were solo, according to the USFL. He also had two tackles for loss and one sack.
The Pittsburgh Maulers’ quarterback, Trow Williams, was under constant pressure throughout the game. Ginda was a big reason for that. It is a shame with how well he played that now the season is over for him and the rest of the Panthers.
Michigan Panthers Duds
Michigan Panthers RB Reggie Corbin (3) – Jason Miller/USFL/Getty Images
Reggie Corbin
Running back Reggie Corbin really struggled in the Divisional Championship game. The run game as a whole for the Panthers was not there. This was a reason the team could not get the win. The Maulers were known to have a strong defense, but there needed to be more by the Michigan offense. By the end of the game, Corbin had five rushing attempts for three yards, according to the USFL. Considering his longest run was for six yards, he really struggled.
The only player on the team who could really rush the ball was quarterback E.J. Perry. This is not a way to get wins when the games matter the most. What also held the team back was that Corbin fumbled the ball in the second quarter, which was recovered by Pittsburgh. The Maulers scored a touchdown off of that drive. Corbin did have two receptions for 13 yards which is good, but the team needed to do more than that in order to win.
Cole Hikutini
Tight end Cole Hikutuni also did not have a good game for the Michigan Panthers. By the end of the game, he had just three receptions for 42 yards, according to the USFL. To his credit, he was only targeted four times and did what he could. What did hold Hikutuni back in this game was that he did fumble the ball.
Late in the second quarter of the game, Hikutuni fumbled the ball which was recovered by the Pittsburgh Maulers. Luckily for him and the team, the Maulers did not score off of their next drive. This did still mean that the Panthers could not make the original drive worth it.
Unfortunately, this does mean that the season for the Michigan Panthers is over. They were still able to make it to playoffs, which is an accomplishment, and they put up a fight. At the end of the day, the Pittsburgh Maulers got the win. The USFL Championship game will take place Saturday, July 1st at 8:00 pm Eastern.
