Jesse Dyess 
If you had asked me which game I felt most comfortable making a prediction on, it most likely would have been Michigan getting the win against the winless Showboats. After all, Michigan has looked much improved to this point in the season, and Memphis has looked like a team in search of answers. This was not the case on Saturday night as the Showboats upended the Panthers 29-10. Cole Kelley was sold in his second start for the Showboats, going for 151 yards on 15 of 26. He also added two touchdowns on the ground, along with 27 yards. Memphis’ Defense also started in this game. As a unit, they managed 4 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, and a touchdown.
First Half
Memphis scores first on their opening possession. A Kerrith Whyte kick return to the Michigan 32 left them already in field goal range. After the drive stalled out, Alex Kessman converts a 54-yard field goal to give Memphis a 3-0 lead. 3 Straight punts later, Michigan is able to add to their lead. Starting at their own 38, Kelley leads them as far as the Michigan 29. Kelley is sacked(Michigan DE Tre Williams) forcing a 53-yard field goal. Kessman would make the kick, giving a 6-0 lead at the end of the first.
On the ensuing drive, Michigan is able to get a little momentum. Josh Love leads them all the way to the Memphis 16 before he throws the first of 2 interceptions. On 2nd and 10 from the Memphis 16, to linebacker Anthony Butler, who returns it to the Memphis 32. Memphis makes the most out of the turnover going 68 yards for a touchdown. Cole Kelley runs in from 1 yard out, giving Memphis a commanding 13-0 lead.
Michigan would make a change at quarterback for this drive going to former Nevada qb Carson Strong. Strong would take Michigan on a drive, eventually stalling out at the Memphis 6. Panther Kicker Cole Murphy adds a 24-yard field goal, allowing Michigan to cut into the lead 13-3. After forcing a 3 and out, Carson Strong comes back out for his second drive of the game. However on a 1st and 10 on the Memphis 21, Strong would throw an interception to Jermaine Kelly jr in the endzone. This would end the half, 13-3 showboats.
Second Half
Michigan would get the ball to start the second half and would manage to go 28 yards before being forced to punt. Memphis would take the following drive 53 yards in almost 6 minutes, before being forced to kick a 37-yard Kessman field goal. He would make his third field goal attempt, giving Memphis a 16-3 lead that would stand until the 4th quarter.
After switching back to Josh Love, the Panthers would finally close the cap to 16-10 Love would cap a 64-yard drive that took almost 8 minutes off the clock with a 3-yard pass to Joe Walker. This would be as close as the game would ever be, however. Memphis took the following possession 64 yards in a little over 7 minutes, Cole Kelley scoring on a 6-yard touchdown run. On the following drive, Memphis puts the final nail in the coffin.
On 1st and 10 at their own 46, Josh Love is sacked by Jeff McCulloch, who forces a fumble and takes it 34 yards for a touchdown. A Kessman Extra point gives us the final score in this game 29-10 Memphis.
Todd Haley on the Win
Mike Nolan on the Loss
What’s Next?
The Michigan Panthers host the Pittsburgh Maulers this weekend, looking to get back to their winning ways after dropping two straight. Memphis has a tall task on its hands to get to 2-3, playing the undefeated New Orleans Breakers.
