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It is the third game of week nine in the UFL as the Michigan Panthers face the Houston Roughnecks. It is time to continue our UFL odds series with a Panthers-Roughnecks prediction and pick.
The Michigan Panthers started the year slowly, winning just two of their first four games, but since then, have been dominating. They have won four straight and sit second in the USFL conference, behind the Birmingham Stallions. Last week, the Panthers faced the Memphis Showboats. It was a tighter game than expected, but the Panthers took a 24-18 victory in the game. Meanwhile, the Roughnecks are just 1-7 on the year. They have now lost four straight games, but last week was laos closer than expected. They would lose last week, but it was just a seven-point loss to the Stallions, the best team in the league.
Here are the UFL odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
UFL Odds: Panthers-Roughnecks Odds
Michigan Panthers: -3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: -190
Houston Roughnecks: +3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: +160
Over: 40 (-110)
Under: 40 (-110)
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Why The Panthers Can Cover/Win
The Panthers are fourth in the UFL in yards this year, sitting second in rushing yards, but eighth in passing. Still, they are third in the UFL in points per game. EJ Perry and Danny Etling have split time this year at quarterback. Perry has completed 55 of 89 passes, for 664 yards. He has two touchdowns and three interceptions as well. He has now missed three straight games and it looks like he will be out too. Danny Etling has completed 41 of 65 passes for 482 yards and two touchdowns, with an interception. Etling also has a touchdown on the ground this year. For the last two weeks, it has been a split between Bryce Perkins and Brian Lewerke. Perkins has completed 18 of 22 passes for 222 yards and a score. Lewerke has completed just 11 of 24 passes for 119 yards and a score.
Matthew Coburn has been solid on the ground this year. He has 387 yards and four touchdowns this year. Further, Wed Hills has scored five times on the ground this year while running for 277 yards this year. In addition to this, the quarterbacks have run for another six touchdowns, giving the Panthers 15 rushing scores on the year. Marcus Simms has been great receiving. He has brought in 23 receptions this year for 426 yards and three touchdowns. Trey Quinn also had 20 receptions for 203 yards but has not scored this year.
The Panthers are fourth in yards against per game this year. The Panthers are third in points allowed per game this year while sitting second against the run and sixth against the pass. Breeland Speaks has been solid this year. He has eight tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks on the year. Kenny Willekes comes in with five tackles for a loss and four sacks as well. Kai Nacua has been amazing in coverage. He has three interceptions and six pass breakups on the year.
Why The Roughnecks Can Cover/Win
The Roughnecks are seventh in the UFL in total yards per game. They are seventh in rushing yards per game and sixth in passing yards. The Roughnecks are last in the UFL in points though. Reid Sinnett has led the offense at quarterback this year. He has completed 63.2 percent of his passes this year, for 1063 yards. Sinnett also has five touchdowns and three interceptions. He also has run for 34 yards and a score this year. Sinnett missed time two weeks ago but would play in the game last week. Further, Sinnett has a rushing touchdown this year.
The primary running back this year has been TJ Pledger IV. He has 76 rushes for 247 yards on the year. He has yet to find the endzone this year though. In the receiving game, Justin Hall has led the way. He has 425 yards this year with a touchdown on 42 catches. Keke Chism has 306 yards and a score, while Emmanuel Butler rounds out the top receivers with 164 yards and a score. Overall, four different players have touchdown receptions, and five players are over 100 yards receiving this year.
The Roughnecks are fifth in the UFL in yards against per game this year. They are fourth against the run, but fifth against the pass. The Roughnecks are fifth in the UFL in points allowed. Chris Odom has been great this year. He has seven tackles for a loss and five sacks this year. He has also forced two fumbles this year. Etha Westbrooks has 3.5 sacks this year as well and has a fumble recovery. Ruben Foster has 30 tackles this year, with an interception and three pass breakups as well.
Final Panthers-Roughnecks Prediction & Pick
This is a situation in which one team is better than the other. While the two defensive units are similar, the Roughnecks do not have the same level of offense. This game will come down to if the Roughnecks can slow down the running game of the Panthers. Regardless of that, expect a low-scoring, grinding-out-the-clock style of game. The Roughnecks do not play great offense, and the Panthers will run the ball. The best play on this one is on the total. Take the under.
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Final Panthers-Roughnecks Prediction & Pick: Under 40 (-110)
