Michigan Panthers vs. St. Louis BattleHawks
Match: Panthers vs. Battle Hawks in United Football League opening game.
kick off: Saturday, 4 p.m., Ford Field in Detroit.
TV/Radio: Fox; None.
Streaming: Check out the Michigan Panthers on Fubo (free trial).
Game notes: Football is back at Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions. This is the season opener for the new United Football League after the USFL and XFL complete their merger. The regular season will be a 10-game series, with all eight teams practicing in Arlington, Texas, then flying to play games.
The Panthers, who won their first USFL title in 1983, are looking to build on last year's 4-6 season in the USFL. They are coached by former San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Nolan. Coach Nolan did not name the starting quarterback, but said the competition is between Danny Etling (LSU) and EJ Perry (Brown). Brian Lewark (Michigan State) is the third-stringer, and two former MSU teammates are on the roster: defensive end Kenny Willeks and offensive tackle Jarrett Hose.
Let's go: Michigan Panthers expect 'explosive' offense to start new UFL season
The BattleHawks went 7-3 in the XFL last season with former Alabama and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron under center. He led the league in passing touchdowns and passer rating, and was second in yards. St. Louis also has cornerback Lavert Hill (Cass Tech/Michigan State) and XFL Defensive Player of the Year defensive end Pita Taumoepenu.
The top two teams from each division will advance to the conference championship, with the winner advancing to the first-ever UFL Championship on June 16 on the Fox.
Name list:Former MSU stars Brian Lewerke and Kenny Willeks are on the 2024 Michigan Panthers roster.
michigan panthers schedule 2024
Saturday: vs. St. Louis BattleHawks, 4 p.m., Fox.
April 7: vs. Birmingham Stallions, 12 p.m., ESPN
April 14: vs. Houston Roughnecks, 12 p.m., ABC
April 20: At San Antonio Brahmas, 7 p.m., Fox.
April 28: Memphis Showboat, 3 p.m., Fox
May 5: vs. Arlington Renegades, 1 p.m., Fox.
May 12: DC Defenders, 12pm, ESPN
May 18 vs. Memphis Showboats, 4 p.m., Fox
May 26: Houston Roughnecks, 2:30 p.m., Fox
June 1: Birmingham Stallions, 12pm, ESPN
June 8/9: Conference Championship, TBA, Fox
June 16: UFL Championship, TBA, Fox
