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Michigan Panthers knocked out of UFL playoffs with loss to Birmingham Stallions

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Michigan Panthers knocked out of UFL playoffs with loss to Birmingham Stallions


It felt like déjà vu, but stung worse in every way.

Just like last week’s regular-season finale, the Michigan Panthers let another first-half lead slip away and fell to the Birmingham Stallions, 31-18, in Saturday’s USFL Conference Championship game at Protective Stadium in Alabama.

The Panthers (7-4) scored on each of their first five offensive possessions, with kicker Jake Bates going 4-for-4 on field goals to build an 18-3 lead in the first half. But the Panthers never scored again, allowing 28 unanswered points to the Stallions.

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Danny Etling made his third straight start at quarterback and on the first drive, which was set up by a 37-yard opening kickoff return from Devin Ross, connected with Siaosi Mariner on a short pass for a 35-yard touchdown as the Panthers took an early 6-0 lead.

On Birmingham’s ensuing possession, Ricky Pearson Jr. got stopped short of the first-down marker by linebacker Noah Dawkins on fourth-and-1, as the Panthers took over on the Stallions’ 42-yard line. The Panthers didn’t get a first down, but they got close enough for Bates to boot a 53-yard field goal to make it 9-0.

It seemed the Stallions came out the gates undisciplined, as they amassed four penalties for 45 yards in the first quarter alone, with just one first down on their first two drives. Another Birmingham punt would lead to another field goal from Bates, as the Panthers extended their lead to 12-0 by the end of the first quarter.

Birmingham’s Adrian Martinez got a big 38-yard reception from the star tight end Jake Sternberger that put the defending USFL champions at the Panthers’ 2. Keith Gibson Jr. made a terrific stop on third-and-goal that forced the Stallions to settle for a field goal.

After another field goal from Bates, Dawkins forced a fumble when sacking Martinez, with the ball recovered by the Panthers for the game’s first turnover. Still, the Panthers could only muster another field goal for an 18-3 lead.

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After the kickoff from the Panthers went out of bounds and put the Stallions at the 50, Martinez found Jordan Thomas deep down the middle on the first play for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 18-9.

The Panthers got into Bates’ range again late in the first half, but he missed a 51-yard attempt to the left. The Stallions took advantage of the field position and Chris Blewitt made a 43-yard field goal to trim the Panthers’ lead to 18-12 at halftime.

The Stallions received the ball to start the second half but after a big 39-yard return from Deon Cain into Panthers territory, Martinez was picked off by Panthers cornerback Adonis Alexander at the 1-yard line.

The Panthers faked a fourth-down punt when Kai Nacua threw it to Kedrick Whitehead Jr. for the first down, but Etling fumbled while getting sacked on the next play and the Stallions recovered.

It was a turnover-prone quarter, as Martinez fumbled the ball back to the Panthers. After both teams traded punts, Etling threw an interception on his first play of the drive to Ike Brown.

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Matt Corral replaced Martinez at quarterback for the Stallions, but the turnovers kept coming as Corral overthrew his target and the ball found its way into Javin White’s hands. But the sixth turnover of the quarter would be the biggest, as Etling threw it right to Daniel Isom, who took it 48 yards for a pick-six.

With the game tied at 18 and one quarter remaining, Corral remained under center and led a five-play, 75-yard drive that ended in a 7-yard touchdown pass to Amani Rodgers and gave the Stallions their first lead of the day.

After being unable to convert on third down, Bates came out for a 44-yard attempt that was blocked by two Stallions. Down 24-18 with 9:43 remaining, the Panthers needed a stop from their defense.

But they couldn’t get it, as Corral led another touchdown drive to make it 31-18, putting the exclamation mark on another comeback from the Stallions and an end to the Panthers’ season.

Kameron Goodwill is a freelance writer.

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Michigan Lottery Daily 3, Daily 4 results for Dec. 16, 2025

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Michigan Lottery Daily 3, Daily 4 results for Dec. 16, 2025


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The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 16, 2025, results for each game:

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Winning Daily 3 numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

Midday: 8-9-0

Evening: 9-0-2

Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 4 numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

Midday: 8-7-2-6

Evening: 5-6-3-7

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Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

03-04-19-24-39, Lucky Ball: 11

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Poker Lotto numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

QS-KS-AS-5C-5D

Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

11-20-31-32-38

11-18-28-29-34

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily Keno numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

09-17-22-23-24-27-30-36-43-44-49-51-55-58-59-60-62-69-70-71-73-79

Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here.

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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes up to $99,999.99, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Michigan Lottery’s Regional Offices.

To claim by mail, complete a ticket receipt form, sign your winning ticket, and send it along with original copies of your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to the address below. Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly. Claims should be mailed to:

Michigan Lottery

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Attn: Claim Center

101 E. Hillsdale

P.O. Box 30023

Lansing, MI 48909

For prizes over $100,000, winners must claim their prize in person at the Michigan Lottery Headquarters in Lansing located at 101 E. Hillsdale in downtown Lansing. Each winner must present original versions of a valid government-issued photo ID (typically a driver’s license or state ID) and a Social Security card, ensuring that the names on both documents match exactly. To schedule an appointment, please call the Lottery Player Relations office at 844-887-6836, option 2.

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If you prefer to claim in person at one of the Michigan Lottery Regional Offices for prizes under $100,000, appointments are required. Until further notice, please call 1-844-917-6325 to schedule an appointment. Regional office locations are as follows:

  • Lansing: 101 E. Hillsdale St. Lansing; Phone: 844-917-6325
  • Livonia: 33231 Plymouth Road, Livonia; Phone: 844-917-6325
  • Sterling Heights: 34700 Dequindre Road, Sterling Heights; Phone: 844-917-6325
  • Detroit: Cadillac Place, 3060 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-600, Detroit; Phone: 844-917-6325
  • Grand Rapids: 3391-B Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; Phone: 844-917-6325
  • Saginaw: Jerome T. Hart State Office Building, 411 E. Genesee Ave., Saginaw; Phone: 844-917-6325

For additional information, downloadable forms, and instructions, visit the Michigan Lottery’s prize claim page.

When are Michigan Lottery drawings held?

  • Daily 3 & Daily 4: Midday at 12:59 p.m., Evening at 7:29 p.m.
  • Fantasy 5: 7:29 p.m. daily
  • Poker Lotto: 7:29 p.m. daily
  • Lotto 47: 7:29 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday
  • Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily
  • Daily Keno: 7:29 p.m. daily

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Michigan editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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‘Michigan is like an oil field’: Why the coaching search could deliver an elite upgrade despite the chaos

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‘Michigan is like an oil field’: Why the coaching search could deliver an elite upgrade despite the chaos


CLEV ELAND, Ohio — The Michigan coaching search has dominated college football headlines this week, creating both uncertainty and opportunity for the defending national champions.

Despite the chaotic nature of the situation, college football analyst Josh Pate makes a compelling case that Michigan will ultimately emerge with a significant upgrade at head coach.

“I think they’re going to end up so much better for this. They’re not in a great place right now, but I mean once the fog clears, like Michigan will have clearly upgraded at their head coaching position,” Pate claims on the latest episode of his podcast, setting an optimistic tone despite the current turmoil.

One of the most significant developments has been Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer’s definitive statement removing himself from consideration.

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“I don’t think Kalen DeBoer is going anywhere. Feel pretty good about our sourcing on that,” Pate said. “You guys are free to believe whatever you want, but I do believe that he’ll be at Alabama this Friday and well beyond this Friday, no matter what the outcome of that game is. I hope I’ve been pretty clear there.”

With DeBoer firmly committed to Alabama, the podcast makes an impassioned case for Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham as the ideal candidate to revitalize Michigan’s program.

“I think Kenny Dillingham is a wonderful candidate for Michigan. That would be the guy that I would pursue,” Pate said. “I look at that guy and I see what he’s done in terms of quarterback development. I see what he’s done in terms of lighting a fan base on fire. I love the energy. I love the passion. I love how much his guys will go over a cliff for him.”

What makes this endorsement particularly compelling is the podcast’s vivid metaphor about Michigan’s untapped potential and why someone with Dillingham’s energy could be transformational.

“Michigan is like an oil field. I’ve been watching Land Man lately. It’s like an oil field that really hasn’t been drilled properly,” Pate said. “When you do, money is flying all over the place. It’s there. It’s there. I’ve got it on good word. A little birdie has flown in my ear recently and told me, you know, maybe since the Sherrone Moore firing, there’s a little bit of an uptick even in NIL contribution.”

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This assessment suggests Michigan’s NIL and donor resources remain largely untapped, creating an opportunity for an energetic, passionate coach like Dillingham to unlock unprecedented support.

Pate notes that despite Michigan’s recent national championship, no one has “really drilled deep at Michigan yet” when it comes to maximizing resources in college football’s new era.

The podcast also addresses the complexity of the search process, noting it’s moving “way differently than the Penn State search” with Michigan employing “search firm stages” that will lead to a search committee.

This methodical approach suggests Michigan is prioritizing making the right hire rather than the fastest hire.

Other candidates mentioned include Lincoln Riley, Eli Drinkwitz and Jedd Fisch, though the podcast clearly positions Dillingham as the transformational choice who could best capitalize on Michigan’s dormant potential.

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Interestingly, the podcast draws a distinction between Dillingham and DeBoer’s public statements about being happy at their current jobs: “I don’t think those were the same thing,” hinting that while DeBoer is genuinely staying put, Dillingham might still be in play despite expressing love for Arizona State.

For Michigan fans enduring a turbulent week, the podcast’s perspective offers a compelling reason for optimism.

Despite the messy nature of the coaching change, Michigan appears poised to emerge with a dynamic leader who could elevate the program to even greater heights.



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Michigan Gov. Whitmer lays out student literacy plan, says it will be her top priority

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Michigan Gov. Whitmer lays out student literacy plan, says it will be her top priority


Literacy is on the decline in Michigan, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she wants to stop it in its tracks.

The governor shared during this year’s Michigan Literacy Summit that one in three students in Michigan tests below average.

Michigan used to rank higher, but nowit is 44th in the nation when it comes to reading at grade level. Whitmer says it’s due to multiple things, from decades of disinvestment in education to the pandemic.

“Literacy is directly correlated to higher incomes, greater productivity more innovation,” Whitmer said at the summit.

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For the rest of her term as governor, Whitmer says literacy will be her top priority.

“A literate population is more civically engaged, more empowered, more equal,” said Whitmer.

In a room filled with educators from across Michigan, the governor didn’t place blame for the problem, but encouragement and next steps to improve literacy, such as proper resources and training.

“They’re taught by skilled, qualified educators who are getting more and more of every year with scholarships, retention and recruitment programs,” said Whitmer.

Educators say support, such as funding, has helped them be better educators to their students. Teachers say helping them pay for expensive training has allowed them to reach their students in a new way.

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“All of these things accelerated my knowledge and just gave me hope for Michigan’s direction,” said educator David Pelc

However, Whitmer recognized it’s not just the knowledge they are teaching, it’s the ability to connect with the young minds, especially in a world that is ever changing.

“They are growing up against rapidly changing technology, rising mental health challenges, increasing political division, they see violence playing out, and its a uncertain economic environment,” said Whitmer.

From the state Capital, the governor emphasized the bills she has passed that help lead to improving literacy, such as free pre-K and school lunches.

 Whitmer says she plans to offer advice to future budgets and leaders to continue to improve literacy in Michigan.

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