By: Jesse Germonprez
The Michigan Panthers moved to 2-1 on the season with a gritty, back-and-forth win over the San Antonio Brahmas in front of an energetic Ford Field crowd. The 26-23 final score doesn’t tell the full story of a game packed with momentum swings, breakout performances, and a quarterback situation that took an unexpected turn just minutes into the first quarter.
Etling Gets the Start… Perkins Steps in Early
In a surprise to most, Danny Etling was under center for the Panthers to start the game. This despite Bryce Perkins leading the team through the first two weeks of the season. Whether it was a rotation strategy or a late-week decision, the move caught fans off guard. After an opening three-and-out, Etling connected with Cole Hikutini for a first-down before getting absolutely crushed by Brahmas safety Jordan Mosley, who came in untouched and delivered brutal shot.
Etling stayed down, and just like that, Bryce Perkins was back under center for the Panthers. Etling finished 2-of-4 for 21 yards in limited action, and his day was done.
Special Teams Chaos and Early Control for San Antonio
Perkins led a quick response drive, moving the offense into field goal range—but BT Potter’s attempt was blocked by Bopete Keys, and of course it was Mosley again who scooped it and ran it back deep into Michigan territory. No touchdown, but it completely flipped momentum and silenced the home crowd.
The Brahmas capitalized on the field position edge with a Donald De La Haye 55-yd field goal, then forced another three-and-out and tacked on three more to go up 6-0. Their offense wasn’t flashy, but it was efficient early, which was surprising considering recent coaching changes.
Momentum finally shifted thanks to Devin Ross, who made up for last week’s muffed punt in a big way. Ross delivered a 49-yd kick return to set the Panthers up at midfield—just one of his six returns totaling 212 yards (35.3 avg).
That short field turned into Michigan’s first points of the game, as Perkins hit Jeffery Moore and Samori Mariner on short throws before keeping it himself for a rushing TD. Perkins would finish the game 17-of-23 for 193 yards, and added 10 carries for 30 yards and 2 rushing scores.
The half would end on a successful BT Potter field goal, making the score 10-9 Panthers, but not before a questionable failed DPI challenge by coach Mike Nolan.
The Shirden Show Begins
Out of the half, the Panthers gave rookie Jaden Shirden his first real look—and he did not disappoint. The Monmouth product showed off his elite burst on a few early carries, but it was late in the third quarter when he really made his mark. Bouncing outside to the left and spinning off a tackler, Shirden hit the gas and housed a 43-yard touchdown—his first in the UFL. He ended the game with 7 carries for 59 yards (8.4 avg). No surprise that Michigan coaches were talking up his speed in camp, but seeing a Michigan running back break off a run like that was nostalgic. Shirden wearing number 20—and rocking the old-school loose-sleeve jersey—felt like a throwback to the great Barry Sanders.
Brahmas Hang Around, Defense Ramps Up
San Antonio didn’t go away. Running back Anthony McFarland Jr. continued his strong season, finishing with 7 carries for 54 yards (7.7 avg) and 3 receptions for 21 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown reception late in the third quarter. He was the most reliable offensive weapon for the Brahmas, ultimately keeping them within striking distance.
Michigan’s defense, though, started to settle in. They forced one of the most bizarre drives of the year: a 13-play, 8-minute San Antonio possession that gained just 24 total yards. Frank Ginda (9 total tackles, 0.5 sack) and Kenny Willekes (4 tackles, 0.5 sack) were key in keeping Kellen Mond uncomfortable in the pocket and slowing down the Brahmas’ revitalized offense.
Ross Delivers Again, but Williams Answers
Devin Ross came up huge again midway through the fourth quarter, hauling in a deep catch-and-run over the middle for 32 yards. Ross finished the game with 3 catches for 51 yards (17.0 avg). Perkins looked poised to lead a go-ahead scoring drive, but Brahmas linebacker Jordan Williams had other plans. He read the quarterback’s eyes and jumped a route for a game-changing 85-yard pick-six.
A failed 2-point attempt initially held the lead at 23-21, but a booth review for missed DPI on DJ Miller Jr. gave San Antonio a second shot. They converted, tying things up at 23 with just under five minutes left to play in the game.
The Prodigal Son
With Jake Bates off to the NFL, all eyes were on BT Potter—and he delivered. After Devin Ross ripped off one last return up the sideline to cross midfield, the Panthers leaned on short passes to Malik Turner and a few hard runs to set up a very late field goal attempt. With :51 seconds left, Potter drilled the 41-yard field goal to put Michigan ahead 26-23. Big-time kick, big-time moment!
Kellen Mond respectably pieced together one last drive, mixing short completions and scrambles. This included connections to Jontre Kirklin (5 catches, 27 yards) and Jared Harris (4 catches, 56 yards). It wasn’t flashy, but it was enough to give San Antonio a shot to tie it up as time expired.
With the clock hitting zero, Donald De La Haye (who hit three field goals already) lined up the 53-yd attempt. It felt like overtime was inevitable.
The snap was clean. The hold was perfect. The kick? It tailed wide left.
Ford Field erupted, and the Panthers held on.
Final Thoughts
Devin Ross was a difference-maker in all phases with over 250 all-purpose yards, providing the spark the Panthers needed.
Jaden Shirden looks like a legit threat going forward. That speed is real!
The defense tightened up when it mattered, keeping Mond from doing much outside of short bursts.
The receiver room feels well-defined now, even after the departure of Simms. Meanwhile, guys like Turner, Mariner, and Ross are stepping up big time.
Next Up
The Panthers return to action on Friday night against the Memphis Showboats (0-3). Head coach Ken Whisenhunt officially stepped down this week, and the ‘Boats are coming off a frustrating loss to Houston. We’ll see how they respond.
Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. EST at Ford Field, as Michigan looks to keep the momentum rolling in front of their home crowd.