Panthers earn USFL Conference title game slot with win over Roughnecks

Danny Etling, making his first start since Week 3, tossed three touchdown passes as the Michigan Panthers defeated the host Houston Roughnecks 30-18 on Saturday to clinch a spot in the USFL Conference championship game.

Etling, who completed 14 of 22 passes for 167 yards, fired scoring tosses of five, one and 35 yards to stake Michigan (6-2) to a 21-12 lead with 6:31 left in the third quarter.

Three plays later, Houston signalcaller Jalan McClendon was intercepted by Keni-H Lovely at the Michigan 45. Lovely returned the gift for a touchdown that gave the Panthers a 27-12 lead going into the fourth.

McClendon otherwise had a big day, completing 30 of 50 passes for 316 yards and two touchdowns. Justin Hall had 11 catches for 88 yards and a touchdown for Houston (3-5).

Michigan won despite being outgained 441-254 and now leads Birmingham by one game in the USFL Conference standings thanks to the Stallions' 29-28 loss to St. Louis. Regardless of what happens during the last two weeks of the regular season, Michigan and Birmingham will meet in the USFL Conference title game June 8 on the Stallions' home field for the right to meet the UFL Conference winner for the overall title.