By Mike T-Bell
Michigan Panthers (4-2) vs. DC Defenders (3-3)
Audi Field 12PM EST
Weather: 60 Degrees, 20% Chance of Rain
Coverage: ESPN
We have reached Week 7 in the UFL season and teams are starting to jockey for playoff position. It is a make or break week for the DC Defenders as they don’t have the wiggle room that the Michigan Panthers currently have to endure a loss. Currently, here are the standings in each division:
The Michigan Panthers have a chance to clinch a playoff spot with a win and a Memphis and Houston loss this week. The DC Defenders need a win to stay in the hunt and not lose ground on the San Antonio Brahmas who hold a 1 game advantage. The DC Defenders beat the Brahmas last week while San Antonio tries to get consistency out of Quinten Dormady. This will be the first time Coach Reggie Barlow and Coach Mike Nolan have shared a field since September 28th, 1997 when Reggie Barlow was a WR for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Mike Nolan was a Defensive Coordinator for the Washington Redskins. Reggie Barlow had 1 catch for 9 yards on 2 targets in that game.
The Michigan Panthers are coming off of a last second victory over the Arlington Renegades as Jake Bates kicked a 42 yarder as time expired to put the Michigan Panthers at 4-2. The DC Defenders are coming off a home victory against the San Antonio Brahmas 18-12. Although John Lovett put up a record 159 yards on the ground, the DC Defenders managed to hold onto the victory.
The DC Defenders have been one of the toughest teams at home in the spring football era boasting an 11-1 record over the last 2 seasons. The Defenders will be looking to stop the run as the Michigan Panthers rank second in the league in yards and first in touchdowns. DC rank towards the bottom of the league in rushing yards allowed. Furthermore, the Panthers are 3rd in the league in 3rd down conversions and 1st in 4th down conversions. The DC Defenders are last in both categories. However, the DC defense currently leads the league in tackles and 2nd in tackles for loss. Current odds have the Michigan Panthers favored by just a point on the road.