In a pivotal Week 5 matchup at the Silver Dome, the Michigan Panthers dismantled the Oakland Invaders with a commanding 49-14 victory, improving their record to 2-3. The Panthers, led by quarterback Bobby Hebert, delivered an offensive masterclass, with Hebert tossing six touchdown passes to four different receivers. The game remained competitive through the first quarter, with both teams trading early touchdowns, but Michigan’s offense found its rhythm in the second quarter and never looked back.
Hebert’s connection with his receiving corps was nothing short of spectacular, highlighted by a 95-yard drive capped by an 11-yard touchdown pass to Walter Cobb and a 99-yard march ending with a one-yard strike to Derek Holloway. Michigan’s dominance was solidified in the third quarter, where they scored three consecutive touchdowns, including a 20-yard run by Lacy and a 13-yard pass to Albert Bentley, pushing the score to 42-7 by the end of the period. Oakland’s defense had no answer for Michigan’s balanced attack, which racked up 520 yards of total offense.
Oakland struggled to maintain any offensive momentum, turning the ball over four times and only managing two touchdowns, including a late 25-yard pass from Fred Besana to Mike Shumann. Despite some flashes of brilliance from Besana, who threw for 346 yards, the Invaders were outmatched and overwhelmed by the relentless pressure from Michigan’s defense. The victory boosts Michigan’s hopes in the Central Division, while Oakland falls to 3-3, facing tough questions as they look to rebound in Week 6.
