The game was kind of a sleeper in the first half. It seemed like the Michigan Panthers were going to end all possibilities of a Birmingham 3-peat. The Birmingham Stallions just couldn’t seem to get their offense going. The Panthers seemed like the better team in the contest through half time.
The 3rd quarter really picked up the pace. 6 total turnovers - 3 takeaways per team - definitely seemed to wake up the momentum. Last of which, was a pick 6 that tied up the game. This seems to be when the Michigan breakdown started.
Birmingham didn’t get the PAT, but they held Michigan scoreless through the remainder of regulation. As we entered the 4th quarter, the momentum completely changed. Once Birmingham got the engine running, they sped off into the sunset. Solid, large-chunk runs; ball control and a couple additional scores put this one away for the Stallions - sending them to contend for their third Championship in a row.
The Birmingham Stallions will play the winner of Sunday’s St. Louis Battlehawks-San Antonio Brahmas matchup (XFL Conference Championship).
Stand-Outs:
TE - Jace Sternberger (BHAM) - Great size, great hands & stays on his feet. He’s become a major star in the league. I think this guy could make a return to the NFL at any moment
QB - Matt Corral (BHAM) - replaced the starter Adrian Martinez, it will be interesting to see if he’ll start in the UFL Championship game on 6/16
RB - CJ Marable (BHAM) - a lot of slush time running, but ran hard and refused to go down as BHAM refused to run out the clock. It will be interesting to see if Marable can become a factor in the Championship.
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