The Showboats vs. Panthers matchup kicks off at 4:00 p.m. ET on Saturday afternoon from Ford Field in Detroit, MI. Will the Panthers cover as a 9.5-point home favorite? Or is there a sharper play on the board today?
Showboats vs. Panthers Event Information
Memphis Showboats (+9.5) at Michigan Panthers (-9.5); o/u 47.5
4:00 p.m. ET, Saturday, May 18, 2024
Ford Field, Detroit, MI
TV: FOX
Panthers grind out win vs. Defenders
Michigan RB Matt Colburn finished with 137 yards on 16 carries, helping the Panthers post 187 total rushing yards in a convincing 22-9 win. With the win and losses by both Houston and Memphis, Michigan clinched a postseason berth into the USFL title game against Birmingham.
Starting QB Danny Etling did not play due to a hand injury on his non-throwing arm. The Panthers used a two-QB system of Brian Lewerke and Bryce Perkins with Etling out, and those two combined for 145 passing yards in the win.
Michigan kicker Jake Bates, already responsible for three field goals of 60-plus yards this season, made field goals of 51, 40 and 22 yards.
Showboats hand Renegades first UFL win
The reigning XFL champion Renegades finally won their first game of the UFL season, a 47-23 rout over visiting Memphis.
The league’s leading passer, Arlington QB Luis Perez, completed 27 of 32 passes for 296 yards, with three touchdowns and no interceptions. RB De’Veon Smith finished with 101 yards and two scores for the Renegades.
The Showboats dropped their sixth game in a row, losing in those by an average of 15.7 points a contest. With the loss, Memphis also was eliminated from postseason contention.
Showboats vs. Panthers Prediction
Take Michigan. The Panthers have built their record to 5-2 despite using three different starters at quarterback, including four who have played significant snaps. Against the Defenders, former Virginia signal-caller Bryce Perkins and Michigan State QB Brian Lewrke went to work at Audi Field, securing a 22-9 win on the road. The Panthers also rushed for more than 100 yards in the first half, with Wake Forest standout Matt Colburn coming up with a season-long 53-yard spring in the first quarter. Standout kicker Jake Bates also made one field goal from 51 yards and has now made three field goals of 60 yards or further this season.
As for the Showboats, they’ve surrendered at least 32 points in each of their past five games. Quarterbacks Troy Williams and Case Cookus both looked uncomfortable last week against the Renegades defense and could struggle again today versus Michigan.
Showboats vs. Panthers Week 8 UFL Prediction: MICHIGAN PANTHERS -9.5
