Harbaugh Leads Late Rally as Panthers Edge Blitz in Defensive Battle
In a hard-fought rivalry clash at Soldier Field, the Michigan Panthers (1-0) overcame a 10-point second-half deficit to defeat the Chicago Blitz (0-1) 17-10 in a game dominated by defense and timely plays. After a sluggish first half that saw Chicago take a 3-0 lead on a Coral 25-yard field goal, the Blitz appeared to seize control early in the third quarter when quarterback Chuck Long connected with receiver Willis on a 24-yard touchdown strike. But Michigan responded immediately, as rookie QB Jim Harbaugh (13/22, 232 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT) engineered a 93-yard drive capped by a 17-yard touchdown pass to Derek Cobb, breathing life into the Panthers’ offense.
The turning point came early in the fourth quarter when Harbaugh found versatile running back Albert Bentley (131 rushing yards, 60 receiving yards) on a 6-yard touchdown pass to give Michigan its first lead at 14-10. Bentley, named MVP, was the engine of the Panthers’ attack, ripping off six runs of 10+ yards and adding five receptions. Chicago had chances to respond, but two missed field goals and a critical interception by Michigan’s David Davis in the final minutes sealed their fate. Novo Bojovic added a 39-yard field goal with 2:01 remaining to ice the game, while the Panthers’ defense held firm, sacking Long three times and forcing three fumbles (recovering none).
Key Takeaways & Injuries
- Ground Control: Michigan outrushed Chicago 173-93, with Bentley accounting for 76% of their rushing yards.
- Red Zone Disparity: The Panthers scored touchdowns on both red zone trips, while the Blitz managed just one field goal in three attempts.
- Penalty Problems: Chicago’s 11 penalties for 78 yards stalled multiple drives, including a costly hold that nullified a Long-to-Willis 31-yard gain in the fourth quarter.
- Injury Watch: Michigan lost defensive tackle Kevin Fagan (3 weeks) to a knee injury, while Chicago emerged physically intact.
With the win, Michigan establishes early momentum in the Central Division, while Chicago—despite Long’s efficient 24/36, 247-yard outing—must address red zone woes ahead of Week 2. The Panthers’ ability to win ugly on the road signals promise for a squad leaning on Harbaugh’s poise and Bentley’s explosiveness.
