Panthers beat Stallions, reach UFL title game

Bryce Perkins threw for 238 yards and a touchdown and Toa Taua ran for three TDs to lead the Michigan Panthers to a 44-29 victory Sunday over the host Birmingham Stallions in the USFL Conference final.

The Panthers advance to the UFL Championship Game on Saturday at The Dome of America's Center in St. Louis. They will play the winner of Sunday night's XFL Conference title game between the DC Defenders and the host St. Louis Battlehawks.

Michigan never trailed against Birmingham, scoring in every quarter and leading by as many as 17 points (34-17) in the third.

Perkins finished with 20 completions in 25 attempts, Taua had a game-high 85 yards rushing on 21 carries and Malik Turner caught six passes for 99 yards and a touchdown.

For Birmingham, which won the inaugural UFL title last season, Matt Corral passed for 147 yards and two TDs, and Deon Cain made six receptions for 124 yards.

The Stallions got within 34-29 early in the fourth quarter after Corral completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Thomas, but his two-point attempt to Cain was incomplete. Taua scored his third touchdown or the Panthers less than five minutes later.