By: Jesse Germonprez
The Michigan Panthers made a statement Friday night at Ford Field. They controlled the game from start to finish in a 27-9 win over the Memphis Showboats. Behind physical offensive line play, a confident performance from Bryce Perkins, and a defense that set the tone early, Michigan played its most complete game of the 2025 season. The Panthers improved to 3-1 and looked every bit the contender they believe they can be.
Fast Start with a Physical Identity
Memphis struck first with a short touchdown from Deneric Prince midway through the first quarter, but Michigan answered immediately. Toa Taua sprinted through the line of scrimmage for a 15-yard touchdown, weaving until he crossed the goal line. The score capped a methodical drive and flipped momentum early.
Before the half, Nate McCrary added a 19-yard touchdown run of his own, slipping through a crease and power-leaping into the end zone. The Panthers held a 14-9 lead going into halftime and never looked back.
O-Line Brings the Edge
Michigan’s offensive line was the difference-maker all night. The group not only protected Perkins but also opened consistent lanes for the run game. Ryan Nelson, future WWE personality, held down the blindside, giving Perkins clean pockets and time to work through his reads. Nelson has been one of the highest graded offensive lineman throughout the first 4 weeks of the season for both pass and rush protection. On the right, Chim Okorafor locked up Boogie Roberts—limiting the disruptive Memphis lineman to just a single tackle on the night.
Noah Johnson and Cole Cabral controlled the interior and helped spring multiple explosive runs throughout the night including Taua’s touchdown where Johnson was relentless through the goal line. The Panthers racked up 169 rushing yards on 33 attempts, averaging over 5 yards per carry and allowing just one sack. The tone they set up front dictated the flow of the game.
Perkins Settles In and Takes Control
Back in the starting role this week, Bryce Perkins looked like the guy. After a short-lived decision to start Etling last week against San Antonio, Perkins regained his throne Friday night and slowly took over the game. Early on, he looked a little rushed—but as the RPO became a bigger part of the offense, his comfort and confidence came through.
Perkins’ sleight of hand is next-level. He froze Memphis at the mesh point all game, creating hesitation and confusion on the edge. His decision-making in those moments along with his elite athleticism allowed the offense to stay ahead of the sticks.
He finished the night 15-of-22 for 200 yards, 2 touchdowns, and a 127.1 rating—adding 45 yards on the ground. Most impressively, Perkins spread the ball around to seven different receivers, and the play design consistently created favorable match-ups. Jaylon Moore led the way with 3 catches for 39 yards and a 27-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Tight end Jalen Wydermyer added 3 receptions for 37 yards and a score in his first UFL action.
This was also the most active the tight end group has looked all season. Wydermyer was strong in the red zone, and Cole Hikutini showed his chemistry with Perkins. Hikutini was hit by his quarteback with a beautiful back-shoulder throw down the sideline. Hikutini’s 22-yard grab helped extend a key third-quarter drive and reminded fans how dangerous the Panthers’ tight ends can be when given space to work. Their increased involvement gave the passing game more versatility and helped stretch Memphis horizontally and vertically.
Quarterback Carousel Continues for Memphis
While Michigan stuck with Bryce Perkins and reaped the benefits, Memphis continued to shuffle between EJ Perry and Troy Williams—and paid the price. Williams showed some mobility in short-yardage spots, but the Showboats leaned on Perry in key moments. The constant switching disrupted flow and prevented either quarterback from finding rhythm.
Panthers fans, on the other hand, were glad to see just one passer in the box score. After rotating QBs in the first two games, Michigan let Perkins take full command—and it showed. Memphis might want to take note. If the Showboats hope to steady the ship, it’s time to commit to Perry and build consistency under center.
Palmore Sets the Tone, Tarpley Shuts the Door
Walter Palmore wasted no time getting involved. On Memphis’ first drive, he blew through the interior line for a sack on third down that halted any early momentum. It was the first of several tone-setting plays from Michigan’s defense. That group dominated. The Panthers held Memphis to just 150 total yards and a brutal 1-for-10 on third down. The Showboats averaged 2.9 yards per play and never looked comfortable.
Kenny Willekes quietly controlled the edge all night, setting a hard edge and shutting down outside runs before they could get started. Against a backfield that thrives on creating space, Willekes erased angles and forced everything into the teeth of the defense.
Midway through the third quarter, safety Arnold Tarpley came up with a highlight-reel interception that flipped the momentum for good. With Michigan already up two scores, Tarpley nabbed a bobbled pass that looked destined for the turf—only to scoop it off his thigh just inches from the ground and secure it through contact. It was the kind of heads-up, high-effort play that defines games, and it sent Ford Field into a frenzy.
Special Teams Survive, Then Shine
Michigan’s special teams had a rocky start but bounced back quickly. Early in the game, long snapper Jordan Ober misfired a snap on a punt attempt, forcing punter Seth Vernon to turn around, chase it down, and make a desperate scramble. Vernon dodged two defenders and tried to salvage the play, but the busted punt led to negative yardage and a rare breakdown in execution.
After that, the unit locked in. Devin Ross averaged 23.0 yards on three kick returns, setting up solid field position, and Vernon rebounded with five booming punts for 265 yards (53.0 avg), including three inside the 20. That edge in field position gave the defense extra room and kept Memphis chasing long drives all night.
Fourth Quarter Finish
Leading 14-9 entering the final frame, the Panthers slammed the door with two quick touchdowns. Perkins connected with Moore on a gorgeous deep ball down the sideline for a 27-yard score, then followed it up with a 13-yard, touchdown pass to Wydermyer on the next possession.
Just like that, it was 27-9—and the Showboats never threatened again.
Final Thoughts
This was the blueprint. One quarterback. One dominant offensive line performance. One opportunistic defense. And one team clearly heading in the right direction.
The Panthers didn’t just win—they controlled every phase of the game. Perkins found his rhythm and looked like a leader. The offensive line opened holes and protected the pocket. The defense never let Memphis settle in, and special teams handled business after a shaky start.
Now, the challenge shifts to the road. Michigan heads to St. Louis next Sunday night to face the Battlehawks at 7 PM in what’s shaping up to be a crucial swing game in the UFL standings. St. Louis is reeling after back-to-back losses and the likely extended absence of starting quarterback Manny Wilkins, who had been one of the league’s most electric play makers early in the season.
If Michigan can carry this momentum into The Dome and take advantage of a shorthanded Battlehawks squad, they’ll prove this performance wasn’t just a one-week peak—it’s the new standard.