The Michigan Panthers(2-0) defeat the Philadelphia Stars(1-1) 24-10. Next week, the Panthers will host the New Jersey Generals while the Stars host the Pittsburgh Maulers.
1st Quarter
Following a 50 yard pass from Case Cookus to Wide Receiver Jordan Suell on the opening driving, the Stars kick a 27-yard field goal by Luis Aguilar for the first points of the game. The Panthers first drive ends with a missed 47-yard field goal, by Cole Murphy, which hits off the upright.
2nd Quarter
The Stars miss a 46-yard field goal on the first drive of the second quarter. Panthers Quarterback Josh Love throws a 36-yard touchdown to Tight End Cole Hikutini. Case Cookus’ pass is tipped off the hand of Running Back Matt Colburn II and it is intercepted by Linebacker Frank Ginda. The Stars come away with a takeaway of their own with an interception by Cornerback Amani Dennis. With under a minute to go, Case Cookus throws an interception to Safety Corrion Ballard which gives the Panthers the ball at the Stars 27-yard line. The Panthers kick a 39-yard field goal to end the half with the Panthers leading 10-3 over the Stars.
3rd Quarter
On the first drive of the second half, Amani Dennis comes away with another interception for the Stars which sets them up at the Panthers 39-yard line. Matt Colburn II runs into the endzone for a 1-yard touchdown which ties the game. Reggie Corbin runs in for a 2-yard touchdown to give the Panthers back the lead.
4th Quarter
Reggie Corbin runs for a 52-yard touchdown to give the Panthers a two score game. Stars Wide Receiver Diondre Overton catches a first down pass but fumbles it and the Panthers pick up the ball for another Stars turnover. Cookus gets wrapped up around the neck area and fumbles the ball which picked up by the Panthers. The Michigan Panthers win 24-10.
This was Case Cookus’ worst game in the USFL. The weather was definitely not helping anyone on either team. Because the Stars are a pass happy offense, bad weather games that rely on the run is the downfall of this team. Running Back Dexter Williams is awful. Multiple drops today, one on 4th down, and has had terrible vision running during both weeks. Williams should stop being utilized in the Offense. Run defense has always been a problem since the beginning of last year but 2022 All-USFL Running Back Reggie Corbin went off. Pass defense played solid except for a couple passes up the middle. Stars have to learn from this game and move on like last year. Late in the game Cookus took 2 late hits and then a hit to his helmet resulting in him getting hurt but no penalties were called. An awful game if you are a Stars fan.
Jordan Burden