Wes Hills, Panthers run over Showboats, 35-18

The Michigan Panthers were true to 2024 form on Sunday.

The Panthers have opened the first United Football League season by alternating wins and losses and, against the Memphis Showboats, used a strong running game to carve out a 35-18 victory.

After starting the season with three straight home games at Ford Field, the Panthers (3-2) notched their first road victory and bounced back from a loss last week at the San Antonio Brahmas.

Running back Wes Hills rushed for three touchdowns and keyed a ground game that outgained the Showboats, 160-41. Hills finished with 82 yards on 16 carries (5.1 yards per carry).

Hills put the Panthers on the board first with a two-yard touchdown run with 9:43 left in the first quarter. Matthew Colburn II added a 35-yard scamper at the end of the first quarter to make it 13-0.

Michigan built a 19-0 lead before Memphis (1-4) got on the board with an 82-yard touchdown pass from Troy Williams to Daewood Davis just before halftime.

The Showboats pulled within 25-18 before Hills added a 14-yard touchdown run with 12:38 remaining to regain a double-digit cushion.

Michigan returns home next Sunday to face the Arlington Renegades (0-5) at Ford Field. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.